When it comes to fostering leadership and team building among young advocates, few people understand the process better than Iesha Hayes, Youth Advocacy and Engagement Coordinator at THMS. What makes her story unique? Iesha isn’t just a staff member—she’s a former youth partner herself. Rising from a participant in the Mind Elevation Project in 2019 to a leadership role today, Iesha’s journey exemplifies the power of mentorship and community engagement.
In a recent reflection, Iesha shared her insights and innovative strategies for developing leadership and teamwork skills during the MYCouncil Orientation, a weekend dedicated to preparing young people for a year of advocacy and policy work. Here’s how she’s transforming traditional approaches into dynamic, empowering experiences.
Building Teamwork Through Creativity
One of the first activities MYCouncil members tackled was an escape room adventure. While it may seem like just a fun outing, the escape room was intentionally chosen to promote key team-building skills like communication, listening, decision-making, and problem-solving.
“I was proud that my group of young people were able to escape from the 1980s,” Iesha recalled with a smile. “It wasn’t just about getting out of the room—it was about learning to rely on each other and work as a cohesive team under pressure.”
This experience set the tone for the weekend, encouraging council members to connect and trust one another—a crucial foundation for effective advocacy work.
Leadership Through Role-Playing
As a former youth partner herself, Iesha understands the importance of making training relatable and engaging. That’s why she designed an innovative activity where participants created and performed acting scenes. The goal? To simulate conversations with legislators and explore what it means to work collaboratively in leadership roles.
“I wanted the youth council to vividly demonstrate what they’ll be doing throughout the year,” she explained. “We even had one group act out what balance looks like when multiple people are leading a training.”
This activity not only encouraged creativity but also helped participants develop public speaking skills, understand power dynamics in leadership, and practice presenting ideas effectively.
Constructive Feedback for Growth
Leadership isn’t just about strengths—it’s about learning to grow from weaknesses. During the presentations, Iesha provided constructive feedback to participants, helping them refine their communication and collaboration skills.
“During this activity, there were moments where I noticed areas for improvement,” Iesha said. “It was an opportunity for me to guide them while also showing my own leadership skills.”
This open, growth-focused approach allowed participants to embrace feedback as a tool for development rather than criticism.
Encouraging Effective Communication
Iesha’s approach to leadership training also included a focus on communication and planning. These are essential skills for policy advocacy, where delivering clear, impactful messages is critical.
“When working in policy, it’s important to know what you want to say and what point you’re trying to get across,” she emphasized. “In our program, we identify issues that affect youth and present them to policymakers.”
By incorporating communication exercises, Iesha ensured that participants were well-prepared to advocate for their communities with confidence and clarity.
Empowering Youth Voices
At the heart of Iesha’s leadership and team-building activities is a belief in the power of youth voices. She works tirelessly to ensure that young people not only feel heard but also gain the tools and confidence to take action.
“Young people don’t just want to be heard—they want to be seen,” she said. “Each youth ambassador in MYCouncil has a deep passion for addressing issues in their communities. My role is to help them use their voices effectively.”
Through activities that combine fun, creativity, and critical skill-building, Iesha Hayes is setting a new standard for youth leadership development. Her unique perspective as a former council member turned mentor ensures that young advocates not only learn how to lead but also how to inspire and collaborate with others.
For Iesha, leadership isn’t just a skill—it’s a mission. And as she continues to guide the next generation of changemakers, her journey proves that with the right tools and mentorship, anything is possible.
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