2023 Ohio Juvenile Court Clerks Conference

Link to more photos.

Jahmie Woods and Lyric Ruffin presented the opening session for the 2023 Ohio Juvenile Court Clerks Conference, on Thursday, June 29, 2023. The titles of the session was “Faces to Cases,” and both youth speakers were well-prepared and well-spoken. 

Feedback from participants was that:

• Being able to listen to the stories of youth that I see coming into our court daily is very eye-opening and inspiring. 
• Appreciated hearing youth’s perspectives. 
• Extremely powerful and motivating. 
• Great presentation of sharing their stories. 
• Great to put a face to our work. 
• Great way to start the conference!
• Having Youth Speakers really puts into perspective the day to day of their lives.
• I cannot express enough the appreciation for sharing of stories. 
• To have speakers who have actually been through the foster care system was both moving and informative. 
• The Youth Speakers were very good. Helped to establish an emotional connection and I was impressed with their professionalism. 
• Perfect. I would not change a thing. Keep up the great work. 

2023 OHIO YAB Graduation Photos

Jaleshia Brown

Jaleshia Brown and Antonio Lavelle are former foster youth who serve as support staff for the Hamilton County Youth Advisory Board. Jaleshia recently spoke at a graduation event for Hamilton County foster youth, and Antonio was there to be of support. During the event, 20 additional youth were recruited to be a part of the Hamilton County Youth Advisory Board. Jaleshia previously received her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati in 2021. 

OHIO YAB Ambassador Jewel Harris attained her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing earlier this year. She had previously received an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. Both degrees are from the University of Northwestern Ohio. Jewel plans to attend Wright State University this fall. 

Kyajah Rodriguez recently received her Bachelors of Political Science, Pre-Law. During her time at Ohio University, Ky participated as a Promise Scholar, a Margaret Boyd Scholar and a member of her residence hall council. She will be returning to Ohio University in the fall to pursue a Masters degree. 

Link to more photos. 

Jewel Harris and Kyajah Rodriguez

Jewel's Perspective: Lead With Love

OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Jewel Harris is in the process of becoming a foster parent. She recently shared her insights as part of the Perspectives series of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services.