About
The Youth Action Conference is a statewide initiative hosted annually by Niagara University’s Rose Bente Lee Ostapenko Center. Designed to empower young people as leaders in social change, the conference provides a fully youth-led space where high school and college students engage in meaningful dialogue, collaborative workshops, and critical thinking around issues that impact their communities.
Embracing Perspectives: Initiating Dialogue To Challenge Fear
- Conference is free to all participants, made possible through the generous support of our Sponsors
- All students will receive a complimentary meal!
- Schools must arrange transportation to and from the venue
- Schools from across New York State are encouraged to bring up to 30 students
- We will provide info on hotel accommodations for out-of-town schools
- Schools should designate an appropriate number of chaperones
- Each school’s primary contact will receive event details for participating students
Youth Conference Awards
At this year’s Youth Conference, we are proud to recognize young people who demonstrate leadership, creativity, courage, and commitment to making a difference in their communities. The following awards celebrate outstanding contributions from youth participants.
Youth Changemaker Award
Recognizes a young person who has created real and meaningful change at their school or within their community.
Creative Impact Award
Honors someone who uses art, media, music, design, or other creative expression to advocate for important causes.
Rising Leader Award
Awarded to a participant who shows strong potential to lead through responsibility, initiative, and being a positive role model.
Solution Builder Award
Recognizes an individual who brings clear, practical solutions and constructive ideas to the team.
Brave Voice Award
Honors someone who speaks up for what is right, even when it is uncomfortable or challenging.
Courage Changes Award
Celebrates a young person who demonstrates courage and helps create real change in their community or organization.
Our Team
Dr. Rolanda L. Ward
Department Chair and Program Director
Alicia Yamashita
Social work Dept and Ostapenko Center Office Coordinator
Dr. Taylor
Professor of Criminal Justice
Dr. Yong Tong
Associate Professor of Computer and Information Sciences
Irina Nikikova
Ostapenko Center Intern
Jessica Fernandez
Ostapenko Center Intern
Niesha Belleus
Ostapenko Center Intern
Adrianna Selkie
Ostapenko Center Intern
Carlos Hernandez
Data Handling & Web Developer Intern
Our Clubs
SWSA (Social Work Student Association)
The Social Work Student Association at Niagara University is a club for aspiring social workers to come together, to promote the social work mission and ethics outlined by the NASW, while striving to be a community focused group.
- Organized a series of on campus events for the NU student body
- Participated in two annual Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors Student Conferences
- Completed over 500 hours of community service in the 2024-2025 academic year.
Phi Alpha Honor Society
The Social Work Student Association at Niagara University is a club for aspiring social workers to come together, to promote the social work mission and ethics outlined by the NASW, while striving to be a community focused group.
- Inducts top-performing Social Work students into a nationally recognized lifetime honor society
- Provides leadership opportunities for members through chapter involvement, officer roles, and collaboration with the Social Work Department and student groups (including SWSA).
- Offers members access to scholarship, grant, and award opportunities through the national Phi Alpha organization
