Finding His Voice: How Michael Turned Lived Experience Into Leadership.

At just 13 years old, Michael walked into his first Brevard Youth Leadership Council (BYLC) meeting unsure of what to expect.

"I felt kind of confused about what the whole thing was," he recalled. "But as I kept going to more meetings, I kept getting more engaged and more comfortable around that environment. I realized, 'Hey, this is something that I actually want to be involved with.'"

That single step marked the beginning of a transformative journey, one that would see Michael grow into the resilient leader, mentor, and advocate he is today.

The Power of Belonging and Connection

At Smile Forward, we know that true growth begins with connection. For Michael, the turning point wasn't a formal workshop or a structured activity. It was something much simpler, yet profound: unconditional acceptance.

Another youth, John, recognized him, welcomed him, and made him feel like he belonged.

That sense of safety became the bedrock for everything that followed. Supported by the Smile Forward community and BYLC, Michael found a space where he could heal, build confidence, develop essential leadership skills, and step fully into the power of his own voice.

"I took it upon myself to want to be a part of the amazing group that I'm a part of now," he said. "I'm just truly grateful for it."

Elevating Youth Voices to Drive Change

As Michael grew within BYLC, he stepped into leadership training and advocacy opportunities designed to help young people turn their lived experiences into systemic change.

One pivotal milestone was traveling to Tallahassee to meet face-to-face with state legislators, bringing the reality of youth in foster care directly to the decision-makers.

"I remember being nervous," Michael admitted. "But the senators actually took their time to listen to me. I got more comfortable as I went along."

Those moments reinforced a core pillar of Smile Forward’s mission: advocacy isn't just about sharing a story, it's about opening doors so other young people can be heard, too.

"I want to advocate for youth in ways that I wasn't able to advocate for myself," he shared. "I want them to see that there's someone out there for them, that even when they can't stick up for themselves, they'll always have people by their side."

Reframing the Past into Purpose

Like many young people navigating the foster care system, Michael faced obstacles that could have dictated his path. Instead, with the right support network, he reframed those challenges into strength and purpose.

"My past doesn't define who I am," he said. "It's something I had to go through to help guide me and lead me to where I am now."

Today, Michael is focused on paying it forward, mentoring peers, advocating for systemic reform, and helping other youth recognize the innate strength they already possess.

"I want to help prepare other youth," he said. "I want to continue to advocate and use my voice to help others grow along with myself."

Peer-to-Peer Support in Action

When asked what he would say to another young person considering joining the Brevard Youth Leadership Council, Michael’s response captured the heart of Smile Forward:

"It's definitely worth your time. We want to help youth learn how to use their voice, be that peer-to-peer support and mentor for them, and let them know they have a safe environment they can always come back to. They aren't alone through their journey."

Leadership Begins with Being Heard

Michael’s story is a powerful reminder of why Smile Forward exists. Leadership doesn't require having all the answers from day one. It starts with being welcomed, validated, and given the room to believe in your potential.

Through BYLC and Smile Forward, young people are building the confidence to speak up, uplift one another, and reshape their futures. Michael's journey is a testament to what happens when we invest in youth, honor their lived experiences, and empower them to lead the way forward. We can’t wait to see where his voice takes him next.

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