2026 DCY KIDS Summit

Link to more photos.

On Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, the DCY KIDS Summit took place. OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors Alexys and Dalen did a wonderful job representing youth throughout Ohio. They were able to meet the Governor, discuss important issues with Ohio legislators, and take photos with Maurice Clarett and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel.

Alexys wrote what it meant to her to be a part of this opportunity:

It was an absolute honor to be in the presence of and engage in meaningful conversations with Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente, Assistant Director John Van Dusen, Maurice Clarett, State Representative Tom Young, Crystal Lett, Phil Plummer for State Senate, their incredible staff, and leaders representing disability services in Ohio.

Advocacy is more than something I am passionate about—it is part of my purpose. I believe true change begins when we are willing to turn pain into purpose, purpose into passion, and passion into action. Heart is the foundation, but meaningful reform also requires strategy, research, accountability, and the courage to have uncomfortable conversations.

Our world is constantly evolving, and the systems serving foster youth must be willing to evolve with it. We cannot be afraid to challenge what is familiar, introduce new ideas, identify gaps, and work together to implement solutions that create stronger outcomes and brighter futures.

Meeting Maurice and Lt. Governor Tressel reminded me that true success isn't simply about what we accomplish; it is about what we choose to do with the life, influence, testimony, and opportunities we have been given:

• To turn pain into purpose.
• To turn adversity into advocacy.
• To turn experience into wisdom.
• And then to reach back and make the road a little easier for the person coming behind us.

That is impact. These conversations were intentional, researched, heartfelt, and centered on what matters most: the future of our youth and the people who step up to raise, support, mentor, and advocate for them.

We discussed education, transportation, housing, funding, resource development, disability services, and something I will always fight to keep at the table. I believe we are called to leave people, communities, and this world better than we found them. To have the uncomfortable conversations. To stand for people whose voices have been overlooked. To lead with compassion. To never become so successful that we forget the people who are still fighting their way forward. I want to continue learning, contributing, asking difficult questions, building meaningful relationships, and helping create solutions that are both compassionate and strategic.

The sky is the limit when we stop allowing our past to define the boundaries of our future. May we never measure our lives solely by how far we rise, but by how many people we help rise with us.

My sincerest thank you to Lisa Dickson, Deric Cobb, and Jamole Callahan for always providing me the support, lessons/advice, encouragement, strength and opportunities to be a statewide voice for Ohio.