ILEAD 2026 Registration Now Open!

post 01/20/26

Online registration will open today Tuesday, January 20th at 5p.

Register here

 2026 Workshop Descriptions 

ILEAD is offering three (3) workshop breakout sessions this year. Read the workshops and then select the ones you plan to attend at the online form here.

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1: Read through the workshop descriptions below and decide on the ones you want to attend. 

STEP 2: Register at this link

Workshop Breakout Session #1 (choose 1 of the 5 from the list below):

NOTE: This session allows ILEADers to deep dive into content for 75 minutes versus our 50 minute workshops.

Workshop 1: Living Our Values 

Do you know what your core values are? Do you live by those values each day? Can you build a community with those who have different values than yours? These are all questions we will answer together as we work to clarify our own core values and then use LEGOS to think about how those values show up in our own lives and impact the kinds of communities (school, workplace, & neighborhoods) we build together. This workshop was offered in 2025, as well.

Presented by Marg Yaroslaski  who is an instructor and serves as the Program Chair of Leadership and Management for the Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Leadership and Management at Chemeketa Community College. Welcome back!

• [Leadership Development, Personal Growth, Life Readiness, College and Career Readiness] Great for all grade levels.

Workshop 2: Building Financial Futures: Learning to Make Informed Investment Decisions

This workshop helps teens understand how investing works and how people use different investment strategies to work toward long-term goals. The workshop discusses common investment options such as stocks, bonds, and money market accounts, and explains why diversification and patience matter. Alternative, more speculative assets, such as cryptocurrencies, will be introduced and differentiated from traditional financial assets. Youth will learn how to think about risk, time horizons, and making informed decisions as they begin their financial journey.

Presented by Glenn Yamagata former management consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he advised companies on improving financial performance, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling, advancing the organization’s mission to reduce gambling-related harm among Oregonians. He holds an M.A. in Statistics and an M.Phil. in Economics from Yale University.

• [Financial Literacy, Life Readiness] For all grade levels with an interest in learning more about investments. Having a foundational knowledge of basic financial literacy and personal banking may help.

Workshop 3: You Have the Time!

Pursuing your dreams and going on the journey to have the life you want is very difficult. The road is paved with obstacles and excuses. This workshop will hopefully give you tips, and help you figure out how to achieve what you want no matter what part of the journey you’re on! Sometimes the road is laid out in front of ya, sometimes you gotta pave it yourself! I’ll help ya figure it out!

Actor, teacher, all around interesting human. Zach DuFault has experienced a lot in a bunch of different worlds. From the stage to the football field, Zach has accumulated a bunch of tips and tricks for following your dreams and having the life you want to have! If you’ve been to ILEAD before, you’ll recognize him since he serves as the summit emcee too!

• [Leadership Development, Personal Growth, Life Readiness, College and Career Readiness] Great for all grade levels.

   

Workshop 4: Find Your Voice, Lead Your Way

This workshop helps teens discover their unique leadership voice while mastering real-world skills—from email writing to networking—so they can show up confidently in any setting.

Dr. Lenita Riley Dunlap, PhD, MPA, MA has over 25 years of executive leadership, she has transformed organizations from deficit operations to multi-million dollar enterprises while building sustainable systems that support mission-driven work. She currently is an adjunct Professor at Western Oregon University and Principal Consultant with Not Just Fundraising. Returning to ILead for a 2^nd year in a row, she's excited to share deeper insights on how young people can leverage their voices and values to create meaningful change through strategic philanthropy and purpose-driven leadership.

• [Leadership Development, Personal Growth, Life Readiness, College and Career Readiness] Great for all grade levels, especially 11^th and 12^th graders or teens seeking to take leadership skills to a new level.

Workshop 5: Grief 101

Learn what grief is and the different ways it affects emotions, the body, and relationships. Understand that people experience grief in different ways, and there is no "right" or "wrong" way to grieve.

Learn healthy ways to process loss and strong emotions. Learn how to care for yourself and support others during hard seasons of life.

Co-Presented by George Escalante (AKA Coach E) is a national and international conference speaker with over 25 years of experience supporting people through crisis, loss, and major life challenges. He has also spent over 20 years as a high school coach, mentoring students both on and off the field. Coach E is also a certified instructor in suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

Co-Presented by Fred Preston has more than 30 years of experience serving the community, Fred is dedicated to supporting young people and adults who are navigating stress, pressure, and life’s challenges. He brings extensive training in stress response, crisis intervention, and emotional health, including certifications in Stress First Aid, The Happiness Advantage, Crisis Intervention, grief and trauma care.

• [Health & Wellness, Leadership Development, Personal Growth, Life Readiness] Great for all grade levels. Subject can be triggering by content’s sensitive nature. 

Workshop Breakout Session #2 (choose 1of the 5 from the list below):

NOTE: 50 minute session

Demystify the world of personal finance with this high level financial education overview. From banking basics and budgeting for your future to crushing it at credit, you'll come out of this with more knowledge than you came in with, so you don't have to learn every lesson the hard way.

Presented by Avery Ackerman of MAPS Credit Union. Avery is the Community Outreach Coordinator there and has been a highly-rated presenter at ILEAD in past years. Welcome back!

• [Life Readiness] Great for all grade levels especially those who are seeking this type of financial information/adulting content for the first time.

• NOTE: This same workshop is offered during Breakout Session #2 and #3.

College costs money—but this workshop is about finding money for you. We’ll talk about how to build strong, well-rounded applications, where to search for scholarships and financial aid, and how to apply with confidence. From hitting “submit” to reading award letters, you’ll leave with practical tips and next steps to help make college more affordable.

Presented by Ayla Caeser who is a University of Oregon graduate currently with Salem Keizer Public Schools’ as a College and Career Access Specialist. She helps students and families untangle the ever-changing worlds of college admissions, financial aid, and career planning.

• [College Readiness, Life Readiness] Great for all grade levels.

• NOTE: This same workshop is offered during Breakout Session #2 and #3.

Burnout doesn’t just live in our minds — it shows up in our bodies, our energy, and our ability to think clearly. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore what burnout really is, the science behind stress and resource scarcity, and how chronic stress impacts problem-solving, decision-making, and emotional well-being. Learn how to better regulate the body and nervous system.

Presented by Christy da Rosa who is an Assistant Professor at Trauma Informed Oregon at Portland State University. She started her career in social work through volunteering with social workers working with children in emergency shelters and later received an MSW at the University of Maine. In her current role, Christy works with organizations to apply trauma informed approaches for both those served and the workforce

• [Health and Wellness, Personal Growth] Great for all grade levels.

• NOTE: This workshop is only offered this session.

Workshop 4: Leadership Skills and the Value of Delegation

Being an effective leader requires the ability to work alongside others, have clear communication, be willing to overcome obstacles and learn to collaborate with multiple different personality styles.  This session will talk about the skills needed for effective leadership and work on sharing the responsibility as a leader to accomplish the intended task of a group. 

Presented by Joe James who was formerly involved with community programs that provided vocational and residential services to adults with disabilities. While working in public schools, he was a teacher, Principal and Central Office Administrator that worked with students with disabilities, at-risk students, and general education students too. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Michigan University and a Master’s degree in education at Western Oregon University and administrative program with George Fox University.

•  [Leadership Development, Personal Growth, College and Career Readiness] Great for all grade levels.

• NOTE: This workshop is only offered this session.

Teens will explore three core success settings supported by modern science. These settings help strengthen connection with others while also rewiring the brain for motivation, resilience, and steady performance under pressure. Participants will leave with simple, practical actions they can apply immediately to support success in school, leadership roles, and life.

Presented by Jack Tilley of Mid Willamette Valley Community Action Agency.

•  [Personal Growth, Health and Wellness, Life Readiness. College and Career Readiness] Great for all grade levels.

• NOTE: This workshop is offered both during Breakout Session #2 and #3.

Workshop Breakout Session #3 (choose 1 of 5 from the list below):

NOTE: 50 minute session

Demystify the world of personal finance with this high level financial education overview. From banking basics and budgeting for your future to crushing it at credit, you'll come out of this with more knowledge than you came in with, so you don't have to learn every lesson the hard way.

Presented by Avery Ackerman of MAPS Credit Union. Avery is the Community Outreach Coordinator there and has been a populat presenter at ILEAD in past years. Welcome back!

• [Life Readiness] Great for all grade levels especially those who are seeking this type of adulting content for the first time.
• NOTE: This same workshop is offered during Breakout Session #2 and #3.

College costs money—but this workshop is about finding money for you. We’ll talk about how to build strong, well-rounded applications, where to search for scholarships and financial aid, and how to apply with confidence. From hitting “submit” to reading award letters, you’ll leave with practical tips and next steps to help make college more affordable.

Presented by Ayla Caeser who is a University of Oregon graduate currently with Salem Keizer Public Schools’ as a College and Career Access Specialist. She helps students and families untangle the ever-changing worlds of college admissions, financial aid, and career planning.

• [College Readiness, Life Readiness] Great for all grade levels.

• NOTE: This workshop is offered both during Breakout Session #2 and #3.

Explore how self-understanding and self-care shape healthy relationships. We’ll look at why being kind to yourself matters and how it builds confidence, resilience, and stronger connections with others.

Teens will also explore the science of loneliness, social connection, and why relationships are essential to well-being. Through discussion and activities, you will gain practical tools for building meaningful connections and creating supportive communities.

Presented by Heidi Miller who is a community builder with nearly 25 years working with older adults to strengthen social connection and well-being. She currently is the Senior Community Program Coordinator at Center 50+ in Salem serving older adults to help them stay safe, independent, and connected both at home and in the community. In 2018, Heidi began focusing on loneliness after learning that both teens and older adults report feeling lonely more often than other age groups

• [Health and Wellness, Personal Growth] Great for all grade levels.
• NOTE: This workshop is only offered this session.

   

Our individual perspectives and life experiences matter; they form who we are as individuals, shape our decisions, and promote our self-confidence.  This learning session will focus on a growth mindset that you can practice and implement in real life situations as we grow throughout many of life's lessons.

Presented by Joe James who was formerly involved with community programs that provided vocational and residential services to adults with disabilities. While working in public schools, he was a teacher, Principal and Central Office Administrator that worked with students with disabilities, at-risk students, and general education students too. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Michigan University and a Master’s degree in education at Western Oregon University and administrative program with George Fox University.

•  [Leadership Development, Personal Growth, Health and Wellness] Great for all grade levels.

• NOTE: This workshop is only offered this session.

Workshop 5: The Real Secret to Success Isn’t New—It’s Proven.

Teens will explore three core success settings supported by modern science. These settings help strengthen connection with others while also rewiring the brain for motivation, resilience, and steady performance under pressure. Participants will leave with simple, practical actions they can apply immediately to support success in school, leadership roles, and life.

Presented by Jack Tilley of Mid Willamette Valley Community Action Agency.

 [Personal Growth, Health and Wellness, Life Readiness. College and Career Readiness] Great for all grade levels.

• NOTE: This workshop is offered both during Breakout Session #2 and #3.

*The End*

ILEAD Youth Summit 2026 is here!

Write it in your planners. Set a reminder on your cell.

Check out our deadlines and burn them into your brain:

• January - Nominations for ILEAD Impact Awards begins. 
• January 20 - Registration opens here from our website. 
• February 3 - Nominations for Impact Awards closes.
• March 5—Registration deadline to attend. Register before 12noon. 
• March 7—The summit is here!

Summit Schedule

Registration

Register Here starting January 20th

Registration Tips

• Be sure to include an email address you check often.

• Your registration confirmation will automatically be emailed to you.

• If under 18 years old, your listed parent/guardian will be emailed a consent form link within 48 hours of your submission. Their electronic signature is required.

Email confirmations and reminders will be sent leading up to the event too!

Transportation

There are many transportation options to get to the summit held at the Knudson Branch of the Boys&Girls Club of Salem, Marion, and Polk Counties.  

Branch Location:  1395 Summer Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97305

You can...

1. Drive (and carpool) with your own car and park in the nearby ILEAD parking lot several blocks down from the summit on Hood Street. Look for our parking lot sign. A summit shuttle will be provided to&from the event.
2. Get dropped off and picked up. NOTE: Drop off at the gates but do not drive into the Knudson Branch parking lot.
3. Ride a bus/shuttle coordinated by your school, youth group, etc. with their fieldtrip permission slip.
4. Ride the shuttle coordinated by the Boys&Girls Club for Woodburn High School students only. Shuttle will pick up at front entrance of WHS. WHS students registered will be notified directly by email with more information.  A Boys&Girls Club fieldtrip bus form will be provided.
5. Ride the Cherriots bus on the #3 or #13 which drops riders at Capital and Market Street. Be sure and figure out your routes before the event.  Cherriots customer service will even help you plan your route.  Be sure to contact them at the link above.

Bad Weather and Road Conditions on Saturday?

• We have a "2-hour delay" plan if roads are bad due to poor conditions in the morning.  The summit would run from 12noon-4:15pm (instead of 10am-4:15pm).  This modified plan would still include all workshops, if possible.
• Our 2024 summit had semi-bad road conditions in some parts of Marion, Polk, & Linn Counties but Salem-Keizer area main roads were good. We implemented a "Come-When-You-Can" plan which worked out great for everyone.  This may be another option we choose this year, if necessary.
• If weather conditions are too rough to be on the roads at all, we will go 100% virtual on ZOOM for the summit.  Zoom start time TBD.  Check your email that morning for multiple updates and check our social media sites too. Do not check here on the website; no new info can be provided here on weekends.

ILEAD will decide on which of the above modified summit plans will take place either Friday the 6th in the late evening, or Saturday the 7th by 7:30 am.

We will immediately notify participants of these changes on our Instagram and Facebook pages; through emails to youth, parents and chaperones; and, through text messages.  

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ileadoregon 

Instagram:  @ileadyouthsummit

We will make a decision late in the evening on Friday the 24th or by 7:00am Saturday the 25th.

ILEAD Impact Awards

The ILead Impact Awards celebrate the great work being done in our community around youth leadership development, volunteerism and leadership, health & safety promotion, and overall wellbeing.

Nominate here

Deadline to submit a nomination/s: Tuesday, February 3rd

 There are three awards:

• the Youth Impact Award,
• Youth Program Impact Award, and
• the Adult Impact Award.

For the Youth Impact Award

An award recognizing a high school-aged leader (aged 14-18*) who significantly impacts others. Their effort can impact their peers, local school, neighborhood, community, the Mid-Willamette Valley region, and/or beyond. This award thanks the recipient for their service, leadership, and example they set to teens who work to improve our world.

*Some exceptions to the age-range if the young person is finishing up high school through alternative programs that extend beyond 18 years old. 

Youth Program Impact Award

An award recognizing an outstanding teen leadership program such as student government, ASB, mentorship and outreach, or other. Program can be on or off campus, and has provided a significant impact with their school, neighborhoods, or community. 

For the Adult Impact Award

This is an award recognizing an adult, adult group, non profit organization, or program who significantly impact a local school, local community, or even the Mid-Willamette Valley region in teen leadership development and/or youth personal growth. This award thanks the recipient for investing in the next generation of leaders.

Nominations

• We will reach out to nominators on whether or not your nominee was selected. We like surprises, so don't tell your nominee(s); we will work with you or others on coordinating a surprise visit to their school or place of work. Teen awardees receive a formal printed invite to the summit.

• Anyone in the Marion, Polk, and Linn Counties area can submit or be nominated.

• Awards will be presented to youth during the summit, while adults at their place of employment on their surprise visit.

Presenting Sponsors

A City of Salem Safe and Health Community Outreach - Opioid Prevention, Marion County Health and Human Services - Health Promotion and Prevention, and Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties

Community Sponsor

Special Thanks to: 

2026 Youth Committee 

2026 Collaboration Committee

Our hard-working Collaboration Committee consists of local professionals, experts, and other stakeholders in the fields of Positive Youth Development, Adolescent Substance Use & Gambling Prevention, Youth Health and Safety, and Leadership Development. Thank you for your service to youth!

• Marie Little
• Ann Krier
• Kyle Buse
• Ray D. White
• Heidi Johnson
• Jessica Peterson
• Joe Bosquez
• Laurie Shaw Casarez

2026 Special Thanks

• Western Oregon University's Public Health Club
• Marion County Health and Human Services - Phoebe Barker and Conor Foley.
• ILEAD's Willamette University interns Aven Roberts, Hannah Lay, and Sophia Lopez
• TeamWorks
• Better Than Mama's Catering
• HYB Catering