Queens Community House Youth-Led Conference Highlights Next Generation of Women Leaders in Queens

Queens, NY — May 2, 2026 — New York City Council Finance Chair Linda Lee headlined Queens Community House’s (QCH) 27th Annual Youth Leadership Conference, inspiring nearly 200 young women, families, and community members gathered at the organization’s Forest Hills Community Center.

A child of immigrants who began her career in social services, Lee’s presence reflected a powerful full-circle Queens story—returning to uplift and inspire young women from similar backgrounds as they develop their leadership and voices.

“There are so many people that need a voice that don’t have one… I wanted to be that voice for them and do the best that I can,” Lee told attendees.

She encouraged participants to see themselves as future leaders and emphasized the importance of civic engagement: “Having a seat at the table matters… we create laws that impact you all… and we need people in those seats who are going to think through what communities truly need.”

Led entirely by participants in QCH’s Access For Young Women (AFYW) program, the conference featured young women ages 12–18 who spent months developing and leading workshops on issues that matter most to them—ranging from mental health and self-care to artificial intelligence, social justice, and workplace rights.

The event showcased the power of youth voice and leadership, with participants facilitating sessions such as mental health awareness, AI’s impact on creativity and beauty, healthy relationships, and community advocacy. Attendees also engaged in hands-on activities including vision boarding, art, and service-based projects.

In addition to workshops led by the young women, the conference featured live youth-led performances, including music and expressive arts such as multiple styles of dance and opera singing—highlighting the creativity, confidence, and talent of the young women beyond the classroom setting.

The conference drew strong attendance from families, friends, QCH staff, board members, and community supporters, all gathered to celebrate the leadership, creativity, and voices of young women across Queens.

“This conference is where young women step into their voice, lead real conversations, and see what they are capable of,” said Ben Thomases, CEO of Queens Community House. “They are not just participating. They are leading.”

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About Queens Community House:
Queens Community House is one of the borough's largest nonprofit organizations, committed to serving the diverse neighborhoods of Queens. Serving more than 30,000 children, youth, adults, and older adults every year, QCH provides individuals and families with the tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities. Through a broad network of programs, QCH offers Queens residents a needed support system at every stage of life, helping them to develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills to change their lives for the better and become active participants in their larger community.