The Power of Young People Podcast: When Adults Champion Youths: Lessons from Operation Grow

Posted by National Youth Leadership Council on October 14, 2025

Join us as we sit down with Sharonda Allen, an inspiring adult leader and founder of —a 2025 9/11 Day Team and an innovative youth-led initiative in East Orange, NJ dedicated to addressing food deserts through sustainable agriculture and community empowerment.

Sharonda shares her journey of creating spaces where young people’s voices can be heard, emphasizing the importance of education, mentorship, and empathy in fostering leadership. She discusses how systemic issues like food insecurity are connected to broader historical contexts and highlights the transformative power of youth engagement.

Tune in to learn how Operation Grow is inspiring the next generation of changemakers and demonstrating that with guidance and compassion, young leaders can create lasting community impact.

Listen here.


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