TCAH’s Youth Empowerment Conferences address vital issues—food justice, mental wellness, financial literacy, and anti-gun violence—resonating with the needs of New York City’s youth. In a city where approximately 30% of children live in poverty and youth violence remains a concern, our conferences provide a crucial platform for young individuals. They actively engage in dialogues to empower them to be agents of change in their communities. The enthusiastic participation of these youths, set against the backdrop of NYC’s challenges, underscores the importance of such initiatives. By focusing on empowerment through education, The Campaign Against Hunger contributes to shaping informed, resilient future leaders for our city.

 

REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE TODAY

Youth
Partners
Performers
Groups/Individuals
Moderators

Where?

320 Beach 104th St

Rockaway Park, NY 11694

 

Keynote Speaker

Curtis Turney-Rentas

Curtis Turney-Rentas Currently serves as the Founder and President of Far Rock Greek Council Inc. and the Director of The B.R.I.D.G.E. Family Enrichment Center. He is also a co-founder of Rock The Block Foundation. Curtis Turney Rentas is a community organizer, philanthropist, curator, and graphic designer born and raised in Far Rockaway, Queens, NY, after graduating from Delaware State University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology. He continued to serve the community he was born and raised in.

 

He firmly believes in community care and organizing cross-generationally, which has proven to be key in engaging a community with deep mistrust in systems and institutions. Curtis Turney-Rentas is a 2022 Recipient of the United States Presidents’ Volunteer Service Award. In 2019 Curtis founded Far Rock Greek Council Inc. which was created to bring members of Greek Organizations of the Far Rockaway community and NYC at large together..

Workshops and Panel Discussions

Embark on an enlightening journey with our engaging workshops and thought-provoking speaker-led panels. Together, we’ll delve into the intricate interplay of food justice, poverty, and the pursuit of peace in our communities.

 

Our discussions will shine a light on the undeniable link between food insecurity, financial constraints, and the presence of gun violence. We recognize that fostering a healthy community begins with fostering access to nourishment.

 

  • SCHEDULE
  • PANELISTS
  • YOUTH PANEL
  • PERFORMERS
  • PANEL DISCUSSIONS

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

  • 9:00- 10:00 am – Registration, Breakfast and Vendors
  • 10:00 am- 10:30 am– Greetings Welcome, Dr. Samuels CEO and Founder, Elected Officials, and Keynote
  • 10:30am – 11:30am– Conversations
  • 11:40 am – 12:30 pm – All Workshops
  • 12:30 pm- 1:00 pm – Lunch & Vendors
  • 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Entertainment Segment Raffle Giveaway Fun, Closing Remarks and Exit

PANELISTS

DR. MELONY SAMUELS, CEO & FOUNDER OF TCAH

Dr. Melony Samuels is responsible for daily operations, vision planning, and resource management for TCAH. Before founding TCAH, Dr. Samuels worked in the insurance industry and was the Chief Administrator for the Full Gospel Tabernacle of Faith Church Inc. in Brooklyn, working extensively on strategic management, proposal writing, event planning, and business development. In 1998, she founded a small, traditional food pantry located in the church’s basement. TCAH grew out of this effort. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TCAH mobilized to serve food for 20 million meals from March 2020-March 2021 and continues to adapt to current and emerging food security challenges.

MALIK SANDERS, QUEENS DEFENDERS

Upon graduating from Hampton University, Sanders, a lifelong New Yorker, returned home and dedicated himself to community advocacy which led to a career in politics and non-profit work, including working in New York City Council, the Queens Borough President’s Office, on several political campaigns, Now at Queens Defenders, Malik has been working towards bettering his city however possible. When he isn’t focused on improving quality of life in New York City and beyond, he can be found producing music and making jokes about any art or media he over analyzed.

DENISE BROWN, MASSAGE THERAPIST

Denise Brown is a multi-faceted health and wellness professional, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience. As a licensed massage therapist and licensed esthetician, she specializes in holistic approaches to health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being. With a background as a registered nurse, she integrates clinical expertise with natural healing practices. In addition to her clinical work, Denise is a dedicated herbalist, utilizing plant-based remedies to support health and vitality. She, along with her family own and operate a family farm, where they cultivate a variety of medicinal herbs and promote sustainable agriculture. Denise is passionate about educating others on the benefits of holistic health and natural therapies, making her an invaluable asset.

NICOLE SMITH, DIETICIAN

Nicole Smith is a Registered Dietitian dedicated to promoting healthy eating habits and wellness in the community. She currently works in the Population Health Department at Episcopal Health Services, where she provides nutrition workshops, nutrition education tabling, cooking demonstrations, and guided grocery store tours in the Rockaways. She also helps clients decrease their risk of diabetes as a Lifestyle Coach for the National Diabetes Prevention Program. Nicole enjoys Caribbean and Indian food, spending time with her family, and jogging!

PANELISTS

CAMERON GREGOIRE, ASPIRING GAME DESIGNER

Hello, my name is Cameron Gregoire and I am currently 24 years old. I am a graduate of SUNY Albany with a major in informatics with a concentration in game design and development and a minor in history. I have worked with The Campaign against Hunger Organization since

July of 2024 and I have enjoyed my experience so far. I aspire to be an independent game designer and create games in my free time, as well as being a smart investor. My goal for the future is to have a residence for myself that I like and have a pet bunny.

MARYMAR CASTRO, ASPIRING HAIR & NAIL DESIGNER

Hi, my name is Marymar Castro. I am 23 years old and I am a parent to a 2 year old. I aspire to be a hair and nail designer and my current goal is to achieve things that others say is impossible. I am very outspoken and I like to meet new people and learn new things.

JOSHUA HERNANDEZ, ASPIRING WEB DESIGNER

Hi, I am Joshua Hernandez. I grew up in Brooklyn, been here my entire life. What I’m most interested in is figuring out my next steps to take to be more successful in my goals, especially on where I want to be in the next couple of years. I wanted to be an actor when I grew up but there are many other things too. If that career doesn’t work I might move on to journalism! I also have some skills on how to build a website!

PANELISTS

Phonetic Wisdom, poet and Spoken Word Artist

Phonetic Wisdom was born and raised in Far Rockaway, Queens, NY. She graduated from Hofstra University in 2016 with a B.A. in Psychology & a minor in Business. She is a published poet, spoken word artist, lyricist, host, event curator, and founder of Voices of Black PowHer.
She began acting in church as a teen and started performing her own poetry pieces nearly a decade ago. She has become well known at open mics and showcases across NYC as an energetic and captivating artist. She is known to draw her pieces from deep, dark places to bring light to relatable, but often challenging thoughts and experiences that we all have as humans. Phonetic Wisdom lives up to her name, injecting her pearls of spiritual wisdom that can bring you to tears, revelations, joy, laughter, and an overall appreciation for life no matter where it takes you.

Oluwafisayo

My name is Oluwafisayo and I am a student leader of the Scholars Academy. Since the 6th grade I have always been insistent on participating in as many things as possible in order to make the best of my school experience. Within the building you can see me participating in different activities of many different disciplines. I am a student leader in the student government I have helped with planning activities such as the TCAH performances and leading tours of the school for open houses.

I am a Junior leader of our schools My Sister’s Keeper program and co-captain of the Step Team. I am also a part of the Performing Arts Department. I participate in the marching band, chorus, dance, and theatre. Outside of school I have participated in different community activities such as volunteering with my church and working with the Rockaway Institute for Sustainability and Equity as an intern.

Amirah

My name is Amirah, apart of class of 2027. I started my journey at the Scholars’ Academy my freshman year being a very involved and creative student, since my elementary years with no plan to stop to my work ethic. I’ve been in numerous positions of leadership/team roles such as step team captain on a prior team, msgi debate team captain, apart of the stunt team here at scholars and still on a private competitive dance team Powerhouse. When I arrived at Scholars I knew I wanted to immediately work on creating a step team I can look back on and be proud of. From getting signatures to making presentations to a proposal to student government I had a plan and was ready to do anything necessary to start the step team at Scholars’ Academy High School. Proud to say I Amirah class of 2027 is the Scholars Academy step leader/ captain with sideline support from my amazingly selected co captains Renee s. and Oluwafisayo

Renee

My name is Renee and I am an active member of my school community. For starters I am a GLOW mentor, meaning I help out with the middle school community and I am also apart of a 1-1 mentorship with one of the seventh graders. Additionally, I am a junior leader of the MBSK club and co-captain of the Step team. I am also apart of the Cheer team and PSAL Stunt team. Outside of school I am mostly helping out my family as I have 2 younger sisters. I try to be more involved in school activities because they’re fun and I’m able to connect with a lot of my people from my school community.

Soleil

Hi, I am Soleil, I am 16 years and junior I have been singing since I was 10 and it has been my passion ever since. Singing is my gift, passion, and a way to connect to people’s souls. I have performed with Grammy award winner Stevie Wonder and I have sung on some of the most iconic and renown venues such as Met Life Stadium,Radio City, 54 Below, The Hard Rock Cafe,The Apollo, Gracie Mansion and The New York City Winery. Inside school I’m the drama club,cooling club and a glow mentor!

Nate The Great

Hi, I’m Nate the Great! I’m an independent artist/producer hailing from Far Rockaway, Queens. I have been creating & writing music since I was 15. My whole purpose of being a musician is to motivate plus inspire those who take time to listen to me and show introspective, relatable messages with my audience. I currently have an album released titled Still Pressure.

PANELS

Food for Your Mood 10:30-11:00

Featured Speakers:

  • Jenae Russell, TCAH
  • Tamara Dawson, TCAH
  • Hannah Luna, Sun Works
  • Sabrina Loaiza, Camba

Mindful Bites 11:00- 11:30

Featured Speakers:

  • Jenae Russell, TCAH
  • Tamara Dawson, TCAH
  • Hannah Luna, Sun Works
  • Sabrina Loaiza, Camba

Why Attend?

Your Voice Has the Power to Transform Communities

Understand the Concepts

Dive deep into the complex web of social issues, and explore the causal relationship between food insecurity and gun violence. Understand how empowering communities through food access can be a catalyst for safer streets and brighter futures.

Raise Your Voice

Learn and practice effective advocacy to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality and violence

Be Inspired and Inspire

Hear from young activists who are making strides in breaking the cycle of violence and hunger, and share your own story of change and resilience.

Network for Change

Connect with like-minded peers and mentors who are actively working to create safer, more equitable communities.

Develop Key Skills

Participate in workshops designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge necessary to address the root causes of food insecurity and violence.

Video Resources

Conference Highlights

Questions about the conference?

Please contact Howard Brown, Youth Empowerment Manager: hbrown@tcahnyc.org

Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities?

Please contact Racquel Peters, Director of Development, to learn how you can support our youth: rgrant@tcahnyc.org

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