The Kids Are Alright – Witnessing the Rise of a New Generation of Leaders

Author: Ray McKetty, Program Manager LET's GO

As a young millennial professional working in education and the nonprofit sector, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring youth from Generations Z and Alpha. In a world where each day seems to bring new challenges and troubling headlines, the work that grounds me most is witnessing the growth of the young people I serve.

One student, in particular, stands out: Desmond.

I first met Desmond before I officially joined LET’S GO as a Program Manager. Debbie Dinnino had invited me to the YouthWorks summer showcase at Lakeland Elementary School. The students presented their goals, ambitions, and the educational pathways they would take to achieve them. Among aspiring teachers, entrepreneurs, and franchise owners was Desmond, who confidently shared his dream of becoming a video game designer. Using Roblox, he had created a demo for a “game jam,” where programmers share their work and receive feedback. His creativity and skill were undeniable—I left that day knowing our paths would cross again.

Sure enough, in the summer of 2024, LET’S GO launched the Teen Science Café Leadership Program, a new type of YouthWorks initiative. We hosted 17 students from across Baltimore for a five-week STEM and workforce development program that culminated in a community showcase with food, experts, and hands-on activities. Desmond was one of the participants that year.

At first, he was shy and reserved. But with encouragement and space to shine, Desmond began revealing his talents as an animator and game designer. Using the same software from his game jam days, he created an eye-catching social media ad for our program. He and his peers wrote a script, recorded voiceovers, and animated original assets—producing a professional-quality promotion that wowed us all.

Desmond returned to the Teen Science Café Leadership Program in both Spring and Summer 2025. Each time, I watched him grow more confident, stepping into his voice as both a creator and a leader. By the end of Summer 2025, he had become a cornerstone of the group—the kind of person his peers naturally gravitated toward and rooted for.

One of my proudest moments came when Desmond asked me to review a video he was submitting for a university scholarship. The shy, soft-spoken student I first met had blossomed into a charismatic young professional. In the video, he spoke with humor, confidence, and deep self-reflection, making a powerful case for himself. Not only did Desmond win the scholarship—he was also contracted by his university to create the official welcome video for freshman orientation. Go, Desmond!

Stories like Desmond’s are why I do this work. While I may have played only a small role in his journey, watching his growth has inspired my own—as a mentor, a brother, a friend, and a human being. The young people are, without a doubt, the best part of this job. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Desmond—and, in turn, what Desmond has in store for all of us.

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