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National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

March 1-3 2026 | #NYAR26
Hyatt Regency in Downtown Savannah
2 W Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401

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March 2-5, 2025

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For over 32 years, the National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference has continued to provide quality, relevant training for all people interested in the well-being of youth, including but not limited to: Teachers at all levels, Principals and Assistant Principals, School Counselors and Psychologists, Health and Human Service Counselors and Personnel, Criminal Justice Professionals, Business and Community Leaders, Volunteer Service Providers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers.

Keynote Speakers

Dr. LaMarr Shields

Dr. LDS is a social entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, and educator who loves to create and build with purpose. As the Founder and Senior Director of Education and Innovation at the Cambio Group, and former professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Education, Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields has dedicated his life to inspiring adults and youth alike to pursue a higher purpose, achieve sustainable value for long-term success, and cope with adversity to create opportunities in their personal, professional, and spiritual lives.

This bilingual author, master teacher, public speaker, social entrepreneur and thought leader is a dynamic presence who has appeared on NPR, ABC, NBC, CNN, and BET and is, according to University of Maryland Baltimore County’s President Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, a “courageous, visionary leader with boundless energy and an undeniable message of hope in the midst of adversity.”

Reem Ahmed

Reem Ahmed is a senior at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she is pursuing a degree in psychology and public health. Originally from Sudan, she has spent most of her life in Lincoln, Nebraska. Reem has been deeply engaged in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion advocacy since high school, participating in district-level and community-based initiatives. This experience fueled her commitment to advocating for minorities throughout her college experience, where she has been active in student government and multicultural organizations. After graduation, Reem plans to pursue a graduate degree in public health and advance health equity through policy and advocacy.

NYAR Lead

Mike Smith

Mike Smith, a changemaker and storyteller with over 15 years of experience, has dedicated his career to youth empowerment and education through innovative initiatives like his nonprofit The Bay, The Harbor TV, and Bay High in partnership with Lincoln Public Schools. As a Stanford-certified Design Your Life Coach and StoryBrand Guide, he combines practical experience with engaging storytelling to help educational leaders transform school culture and climate, creating meaningful learning environments that inspire growth. In addition to teaching at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and leading global Design Your Future Workshops, Mike continues to impact thousands worldwide by equipping both students and educators with the tools to expand their vision, plan strategically, and lead with creativity.