Embrace Naperville Youth Forum Invites Students to Share Their Stories

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — As part of its mission to build an inclusive community that values diversity, the City of Naperville announces the third event in the Embrace Naperville series – The Power of a Generation: Community Coming Together – from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25 in the library at Neuqua Valley High School, 2360 95th St., Naperville. The City invites all Naperville high school and college students to attend and share their voices.

The event will include a panel discussion among a diverse and intergenerational group, followed by a breakout session centered on stories, experiences and inclusion. Participating students can stop by early for refreshments from 5 to 5:30 p.m. and stay to help shape future dialogue around coming together as a diverse youth community. Registration is required for this free event. Find details and a link to register at naperville.il.us/embracenaperville.

Working alongside others, Dr. Geneace Williams, the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Manager, leads the Embrace Naperville series under this year’s focus, Empowering our Mission Through a Year of Learning. Williams is grateful to partners including 360 Youth Services, The Alive Center, KidsMatter, North Central College, Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 and Naperville Community Unit School District 203 for their shared commitment to building a community where all are seen, heard, included and valued.

“One thing I have learned is that today’s youth desire a voice in helping to shape and transform communities for everyone,” Williams said. “I encourage students to take part in this first Citywide youth forum. The City and its event partners look forward to hearing an insightful and uplifting dialogue among and between our youth and community members.”

Embrace Naperville events are one way the City creates space for storytelling and conversations that foster a sense of belonging within our increasingly diverse community. These events follow the hiring of Williams as the City’s first DEI Manager in 2021 and City Council action in 2019 to add “creating an inclusive community that values diversity” to the City’s mission statement.

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.