Young People to the Front

Iziaih ChoquetteOn Youth Power, Systems Change, and Building a Future Beyond SurvivalIn this energizing conversation, host Tonny St. James is joined by advocate, consultant, and community leader Iziaih Choquette (they/them) to kick off Season 3 of Young People at the Front (YP2F).Iziaih shares their journey from navigating youth homelessness in the Midwest to becoming a statewide and national voice for systemic change. With humor, candor, and unapologetic fire, they reflect on what it means to be “booked and blessed,” the struggles of tokenization, and how young people are reshaping advocacy from boardrooms to the White House.From astrology to activism, this episode highlights Isaiah’s multi-hyphenate path: consultant, organizer, researcher, and relentless truth-teller. Together, Tonny and Iziaih unpack adultism, radical imagination, and the ongoing fight to create systems rooted not in crisis response but in dignity, equity, and care.Topics Discussed in this EpisodeGrowing up in Nebraska and finding voice through advocacyWhy many young people never envision life past 21—and why that mattersEntering advocacy through housing instability and systemic barriersAdultism, tokenization, and how young people are leading real changeThe importance of redefining youth homelessness and prevention systemsLessons from Vienna’s social housing model and international approachesBalancing purpose, mental health, and community in advocacy workRadical good vs. radical hate: imagining new futuresConnect with Iziaih Choquette:LinkedIn: Iziaih ChoquetteCalifornia Homeless Youth ProjectInstagram: @Iziaih

In this emotional and unflinchingly honest episode of YP2F, host Tonny St. James welcomes writer, filmmaker, and journalist Loe Renee for a conversation about what it means to survive—and thrive—after the foster care system.From early experiences in group homes to a professional journey through film, journalism, and advocacy, Loe shares their story with striking vulnerability and clarity. Together, they unpack what it means to be a “shadow youth,” the unspoken gaps in the system, and how reclaiming childhood joy—through bouncy balls, Connect Four, and creativity—can be a radical act of healing.This episode is a testament to the power of listening, the complexity of systemic inequity, and the dignity every young person deserves.Topics Discussed in this Episode:What it means to be a "shadow youth" and why so many foster youth remain invisibleNavigating group homes, legal ID numbers, and early adult responsibilitiesWhy trauma-informed care must be more than a buzzwordTransitioning from survival to expression through film and journalismThe systemic failure of programs that aren’t led by or informed by lived experienceEmbracing joy, play, and community as survival toolsReimagining youth care: dignity, trust, and real support over performative fixesConnect with Loe Renee:Published Work: The Imprint – Loe ReneeInstagram: Coming soonYouTube (Launching Soon): Late Night Loe

In this episode of Young People to the Front, Tonny, Robin and Fatine are joined by Christian Quijano and Chino Quinlan to discuss their shared work in youth homelessness advocacy and how their friendship and professional collaboration evolved from a West Coast convening event. Christian, Associate Director at My Friend’s Place, and Chino, a youth advocate with lived experience working at Safe Place for Youth and the LA LGBT Center, reflect on the intersection of data, storytelling, and personal history. They explore the complexities of transitioning from receiving services to providing them, navigating professional relationships formed through shared experience, and the essential role of belonging and community in healing and empowerment. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of youth voice in program design, the challenges of burnout, and how success and validation are defined differently depending on background and culture.Topics Discussed in the EpisodeNavigating professional relationships between former service recipients and providersYouth-led advocacy and the Young Adult Steering Council (YASC)Nonlinear paths to success and redefining metrics of achievementThe role of belonging and community in healing and program engagementProvider responsibility, burnout, and the importance of representation in service organizationsConnect with My Friend’s Place:https://www.myfriendsplace.org/https://www.instagram.com/myfriendsplace/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/my-friend's-place

On this week's episode, Tonny sits down with Will Sens Jr. from the Echo Park Research Collective. The two discuss his non-traditional route to becoming part of a research project. Will shares his journey from being a resident of Echo Park Lake to participating in a research project alongside UCLA students. They explore the power of community and belonging, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely support you rather than those who exploit your expertise. Discover firsthand experiences of participating in community-based research, how data collection becomes an act of empowerment, and ways to revolutionize the research field through meaningful youth engagement.

In this episode of Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine welcome Ben Kay, a dedicated leader in Los Angeles’ homeless services sector and co-creator of the Homeland Podcast.

In this episode of Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine sit down with Alexis Obinna, a dedicated community advocate, social worker, and consultant.

In this episode of the Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine reflect on recent milestones, including the success of Measure A in Los Angeles County, which secures $1.2 billion in funding for homelessness initiatives. The team discusses their participation in the West Coast Convening, a collaborative effort among service providers addressing youth homelessness across Pacific Standard Time states, and explores the unique challenges and achievements in homelessness services during the pandemic. Special guest Mark Markarian, Regional Coordinator for Service Area 3 (San Gabriel Valley), shares his journey into the field, the importance of collaboration in service delivery, and insights into how the homelessness response system can better serve young people. This episode dives deep into practical solutions, the resilience of communities, and the need for systemic changes to support youth facing housing instability.Topics Discussed in the Episode:Measure A and its impact on homelessness funding in Los Angeles.Insights from the West Coast Convening and regional collaboration.Mark Markarian’s journey into youth homelessness services.The role of community colleges in addressing housing insecurity for students.Challenges and successes of providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic.Connect with Mark Markarian and Sycamores:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-markarian/https://www.sycamores.org/https://www.facebook.com/SycamoresABetterLifehttps://www.instagram.com/sycamoresabetterlife/https://www.youtube.com/user/HathawaySycamores