The Power of Young Voices: Lily Scheckner on Leadership & Advocacy

How can young leaders use creativity to drive meaningful change? In this episode of Connected Conversations, we welcome Lily Scheckner, the 2025 Youth Poet Laureate for Montgomery County, who shares her journey as a writer, filmmaker, and activist. From using poetry and storytelling to spark conversations to advocating for gender equity and social justice, Lily represents the next generation of changemakers.

Her work has been recognized by the Pulitzer Center, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and the Harvard Advocate, and her films have been screened in Times Square and commissioned by Congressman Jamie Raskin. In this blog, we explore her insights on youth leadership, creative activism, and the importance of advocacy in shaping a better future.

Youth Leadership: Creating Change with Courage and Empathy

Lily emphasizes that young voices are critical in shaping the future, and leadership is about more than authority—it’s about courage, empathy, and action.

“Youth leadership isn’t about waiting for permission to make a difference,” Lily explains. “It’s about speaking up, creating spaces for dialogue, and advocating for the changes we want to see.”

Her work in the Maryland General Assembly, congressional campaigns, and local government has allowed her to push for policies that reflect the needs of diverse communities.

Creative Expression as a Tool for Advocacy

Storytelling has always been a powerful force in activism, and Lily believes that creative writing, poetry, and filmmaking can bridge divides and spark important conversations.

“Art has the power to humanize issues, to bring statistics and policies to life in a way that facts alone cannot,” she says.

Through poetry performances and documentaries, Lily amplifies voices that are often unheard, turning personal experiences into compelling narratives that inspire action.

The Role of Community Engagement and Social Justice

Community engagement is central to advocacy, and Lily stresses that real change happens when grassroots movements mobilize around shared goals.

She highlights the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in decision-making, advocating for policies that reflect the true fabric of communities.

“Communities thrive when all voices are heard—not just the loudest ones,” she explains. “It’s about creating spaces where people feel empowered to share their experiences and solutions.”

Bilingualism and Its Impact on Advocacy

As a bilingual leader, Lily understands the power of language in shaping perceptions and broadening access to information.

“Speaking multiple languages isn’t just about communication—it’s about creating bridges between cultures and making advocacy efforts more inclusive,” she shares.

Writing in multiple languages allows Lily to connect with diverse audiences, ensuring that her messages resonate across different backgrounds.

Gender Advocacy and the Fight for Women’s Rights

A passionate advocate for gender equity, Lily discusses the importance of protecting women’s rights through policy reform and public awareness. She highlights the SHIELD Act, a legal protection that aims to combat online harassment and abuse, emphasizing the need for stronger legislation to protect women and marginalized groups.

“Women’s rights are human rights,” Lily asserts. “We need policies that protect, uplift, and create real opportunities for women and girls everywhere.”

Addressing the Challenges of Today’s Society

Lily acknowledges the political and social divisions that impact the U.S. and the need for greater unity and understanding.

She emphasizes that while polarization is growing, storytelling and shared experiences can bring people together.

“The more we listen, the more we understand. And the more we understand, the stronger we become as a society.”

The Role of the U.S. in Global Leadership

Lily also shares insights on the importance of international cooperation and why the U.S. must continue setting an example in global politics, gender equality, and climate action.

She warns against isolationist approaches, emphasizing that collaboration is the key to solving global challenges.

“The world is more connected than ever. The way we lead, communicate, and advocate has global consequences.”

The Future of Advocacy and Leadership

Lily Scheckner’s episode is a powerful reminder that young leaders are shaping the future through creativity, activism, and fearless storytelling.

Her journey proves that age is not a barrier to impact—whether through writing, policy work, or grassroots advocacy, young voices are driving change every day.

Join us in this inspiring conversation to learn how creative expression, bilingual advocacy, and grassroots activism are shaping a more inclusive and just world.

Episode Online Links:

🟡 Website: https://ad-astrainc.com/podcast/youth-leadership-advocacy-creative-expression-lily-scheckner

🔴 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PTBgvjazck

🟢 Spotify: https://shorturl.at/TFA0i

⚫ Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/mTlkG

🔵 Amazon Music: https://shorturl.at/ksFap