Youth Empowerment in Action will host a Teen Trivia Night at DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks on May 8 from 5 to 8 p.m.
This free event aims to build connection among local teens in a fun, safe, accessible environment where they can learn about the organization and how they can get involved.
Event attendees will have the chance to win prizes, including a grand prize Kindle.
Founder Sierra Mullan wants to empower teens to participate in community activities, which can encourage a sense of belonging.
“When teens have a space to connect, be themselves, and know that their voices matter, it changes everything,” she said. For more information, call (325) 266-0160.
What is ‘Youth Empowerment in Action?’
From “Local Youth Group Brings Power to the Teens”
San Angelo now has a resource specifically for teens: Youth Empowerment in Action (YEA), a youth-led program founded by Sierra Mullan that aims to fill a gap in teen-specific support and leadership opportunities in the community.
YEA was launched in 2024. It started with a brainstorming session, and weekly groups have met ever since.
Sierra’s background in social work and college research on empowerment-based youth development shaped the organization’s strengths-based approach. Her belief is that leadership should be accessible for everyone – including teens, who are often left out of community service planning. She also wants to give teens a place to feel like they belong.
“I think a lot of the time youth feel like ‘no one wants to listen to me,’” she said. “Now, they’re being told, that your voice matters here.”
YEA follows a “for teens, by teens” model. The program serves ages 13-18, teaching leadership skills and empowering participants to take meaningful action in their communities.
“We teach these skills that help build empowerment on an individual level,” Sierra said. “But we want to bring that to a community-wide angle, too.”
Foundational pillars of the organization include:
Lead and Learn: leadership development, team-building, community building.
Support and Strengthen: teen-led events and creating a sense of belonging.
Voice and Vision: leadership in advocacy and decision-making.
