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The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Saturday hosted more than 250 Southern California youth for #ThisGen2022, a youth empowerment forum.
The half-day forum brought featured professionals from the fields of sports, entertainment and technology, including Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Television Animation Studios, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the LA Rams.
“The more you realize you have a superpower and lean into it, the more things happen and the more authentic it is,” said #ThisGen panelist Jeff Stern, Apatow Productions.
The event featured three panels: “Hustle & Motivate,” “Victory Lap” and “The Blueprint.” Speakers focused on following dreams, finding success doing what you love, confidence and networking to help build future goals and leveraging talent in the professional world.
“We are extremely proud to bring together students and professionals for such an inspiring event,” said Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Amy Wainscott. “These professionals are from a variety of industries and backgrounds which after today, have given these young people fun and exciting ideas for their future.”
The discussions focused on relatable topics for young people, just beginning their careers, and practical advice.
“My favorite moment was when (LA Rams Director of Social Justice and Football Development) Johnathan (Franklin) spoke to the kid who got open heart surgery. It was really emotional,” said #ThisGen attendee Charlette Browning, of Ontario Christian High School.
Much of the discussion centered around the importance of working well with others and not being afraid of being different.
As Drew Rios, owner of Rogue & Fox Floral Design, laughingly told the students, “I was a big math nerd, and I played the snare drum in the drumline.” She said her teenage interest in math now helps her to “figure out the numbers” in her own floral design company.
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