“Embrace, Empower & Embody” A Recap of the Parent & Youth Conference 2025
- Mar 23
- 3 min read
On March 22, 2025, Tender Steps of New York, Inc. proudly hosted the Parent & Youth Conference 2025, a transformative event dedicated to mental health, personal growth, and empowerment. This year’s conference brought together educators, parents, and young people for an engaging day of discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities—all designed to foster resilience, empowerment, and community support.
A Day of Inspiration and Learning
Opening Remarks & Keynote Address
The event kicked off at 9:00 AM with a warm welcome from Evelyn Bautista-Miller, Founder & President of Tender Steps of New York, Inc. She set the stage for an impactful day, highlighting the importance of unity and support in building a strong future for our youth.
Following the welcome, Dr. Ritza Santiago, Conference Chair, introduced our esteemed keynote speaker, Dr. Sagrario Rudecindo-O’Neill, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Student Support at Beacon School District. Her keynote, Resilience is Empowerment, set an inspiring tone for the day, emphasizing the power of perseverance and self-growth in overcoming challenges.
Panel Discussion: Embrace, Empower & Embody
At 9:30 AM, a thought-provoking panel discussion, moderated by Evelyn Bautista-Miller, LMSW, SDA, MPhil, explored the theme “What does Embrace, Empower & Embody mean to you?” Panelists included:
Honorable George Hoehmann, Clarkstown Supervisor
Carrie Steindorf, School Health Coordinator, Rockland County Department of Health
Alex Cabraie, Founder, Success In Motion 4U, LLC
This conversation highlighted the collective responsibility of communities in nurturing and supporting both youth and parents in their personal and academic journeys.
Interactive Workshops & Breakout Sessions
The conference featured several engaging workshops tailored to different audiences:
Dr. Sagrario Rudecindo-O’Neill led an interactive session titled Empowering Yourself with Tools of Excellence, offering strategies for self-improvement and success.
Legal Aid Society of Rockland County presented How to Access Free Legal Representation, an essential resource for parents seeking legal support.
Audy Bautista, Executive VP of Security Operations at Thrive, conducted Career Readiness for Young People, providing youth with guidance on shaping their future careers.
Congressional Recognition & Community Support
At 11:00 AM, the conference paused for a moment of recognition, where government officials and community leaders acknowledged the invaluable contributions of educators, parents, and youth advocates in fostering a resilient society.
Protecting Our Youth: Sextortion Awareness
The conference concluded with an eye-opening session led by Detective Suarez, focusing on Sextortion Awareness. This crucial discussion provided attendees with practical tools to safeguard young people against online exploitation, reinforcing the importance of digital literacy and security.
Closing Remarks & A Look Ahead
The event wrapped up with closing remarks from John O’Neill, reflecting on the day’s powerful discussions and the collective commitment to ongoing empowerment and support for parents and youth alike.
Watch the Highlights of Parent and Youth Conference 2025
Couldn’t attend or want to revisit the highlights? Check out our event recap video and photo slideshow:
Relive the Highlights from 2024
Take a look back at last year’s incredible Parent & Youth Conference! Our 2024 event was filled with impactful discussions, insightful workshops, and meaningful connections. Check out the 2024 Conference Recap featuring photos and key moments that set the stage for another powerful gathering in 2025.
Join Us Next Year!
We are grateful to all the speakers, panelists, educators, parents, and youth who participated in making this conference a success. If you missed this year’s event, don’t worry—Parent & Youth Conference 2026 is already in the works! Stay tuned for updates and future events that continue to inspire and empower our communities.
For more information, visit Tender Steps of New York, Inc. and follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Comments