The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston (BGCGH) hosted its second annual Youth Advocacy Town Hall on July 22, bringing together Club teens, elected officials, community leaders and supporters for a conversation focused on civic leadership, youth perspectives and community responsibility.

Held under the theme “America’s Next Chapter: Youth Voices • Civic Leadership • Shared Responsibility,” the event highlighted the role of young people in shaping the future as the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of its founding. Approximately 130 attendees gathered as Boys & Girls Club teens shared their perspectives on issues affecting their lives, families and communities.

BGCGH President and CEO Kevin Hattery welcomed attendees and introduced Steven Metzger, BGCGH board member and president and chief operating officer of Carriage Services, which hosted the event at its corporate headquarters located at 3040 Post Oak Blvd.

Hattery also recognized two outstanding teen members, Marley G. and Yancy E., for their leadership and accomplishments within the organization.

Marley, a member of the KIPP Sharpstown Club, was selected to serve on the inaugural National Youth Advisory Council for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The council provides young people with a formal platform to help influence programs and services offered by Boys & Girls Clubs across the country.

Yancy, also a member of the KIPP Sharpstown Club, was recognized as BGCGH’s 2026 Regional Youth of the Year and the State of Texas Youth of the Year. She was honored for her leadership, perseverance and commitment to inspiring other young people. Her achievements were also recognized through a City of Houston mayoral proclamation declaring May 8, 2026, as “Yancy Miranda Escobar Day in Houston.”

The first portion of the program featured a panel discussion that paired six elected officials with six Boys & Girls Club teen leaders. The conversation explored challenges and opportunities facing today’s youth while examining the role young people play in shaping the nation’s future. The event was emceed by Houston City Council Member Julian Ramirez and Marley G.

The second half of the event featured Youth Solution Labs, where Club members and elected officials participated in youth-led discussions focused on four issues identified by teens as having the greatest impact on their lives: food insecurity, youth homelessness, gun violence and substance abuse.

Participating elected officials included:

• Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage
• Houston City Council Member Amy Peck
• Houston City Council Member Mario Castillo
• Houston City Council Member Julian Ramirez
• Houston City Council Member Willie Davis
• State Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons
• State Rep. Charlene Ward Johnson
• State Rep. Christina Morales

The Youth Advocacy Town Hall is part of BGCGH’s continued effort to empower young people through civic engagement, leadership development and opportunities to advocate for change in their communities.

Through programs like the town hall, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston continues its mission of helping young people develop the skills, confidence and support needed to become engaged citizens and future leaders.

For more information about BGCGH and its programs, visit www.bgcgh.org.