Teen Vogue Summit 2023 Gives Advice on Being an Influencer, Getting Politically Engaged, and More

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Teen Vogue Summit 2023 welcomed multiple leaders and changemakers to inspire young attendees in their future pursuits. Whether that be finding their creativity on social media, or learning about laws that will continue to affect future generations, Summit was proud to play host to panels that expanded on important topics.

One such discussion was sponsored by Adobe Express and brought out content creator and Girlbosstown founder Robyn DelMonte — aka “The Internet's Agent" — along with Adobe Express content strategist, Mallory Shoemaker. Talking with Teen Vogue editor Shauna Beni-Haynes, DelMonte and Shoemaker spoke about what it takes to pursue a career in social media and how best to reach your goals. Both speakers agreed that the first step is knowing your “why” when it comes to your own content and asking yourself what you really love.

On top of remaining authentic to who you are, Shoemaker recommended that creators “embrace the cringe" when posting online, meaning, pushing past the insecurity of what others might think. Both speakers said to dream bigger than you could ever imagine and “be delusional.” Some of your biggest goals could come true if you believe you're going to be a success, they encouraged. DelMonte also recommended having another creative outlet that isn't your career in order to avoid burnout and putting too much pressure on your content creation job. Both Shoemaker and DelMonte said that when they're in a creative rut, they turn to programs like Adobe Express to guide them toward their next project.

After getting inspired creatively, Summit attendees learned more about the power of young people in politics in an inspiring panel called, The Power of Your Vote: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders, sponsored by The Body Shop. Teen Vogue editor Alyssa Hardy was joined by 17-year-old activist Genesis Butler; digital creator and founder of Gen Z Girl Gang, Deja Foxx; and environmental scientist and Indigenous researcher Nikita Kahpeaysewat. The special discussion encouraged other young people in the audience to understand the strength of their voice in this country and beyond. While older politicians continue to make decisions that will shape the futures of millennials, Gen Z, and beyond, people under 30 need to vote for change. As part of The Body Shop Be Seen Be Heard initiative, all three panelists spoke about their work as activists: from fighting for reproductive rights to finding solutions to the growing climate crisis and discussing the importance of young people advocating and voting for change. Every day, politicians around the world make important decisions about the future. These choices impact young people the most, yet too often they’re excluded from decision-making.

Summit attendees were also invited to listen in on another topical discussion surrounding Title IX called Know Your Rights: Ending Sex Discrimination At School, sponsored by the National Women's Law Center (NWLC). Speakers for that panel included actor and activist Amrit Kaur; Know Your IX Student Engagement Organizer, Tanaya Kollipara; and NWLC’s Director of Justice for Student Survivors, Shiwali Patel. Moderated by features director, Brittney McNamara, the three panelists discussed the country's current state regarding gender discrimination and how the Trump presidency eroded much of Title IX's protections. The panel discussed how people can advocate for themselves and what they can do to push the Biden administration to reverse the previous administration's decisions.

Toward the end of Teen Vogue Summit 2023, attendees were welcomed back to the indoor stage to get a fun masterclass on all things makeup. From BUXOM celebrity makeup artist Ash K. Holm, the audience was led through a fun demonstration on glam, sponsored by BUXOM. Holm has worked with celebrities including the Kardashians, Ariana Grande, Shay Mitchell, and more, and has the industry knowledge to help other aspiring makeup artists achieve their dreams. Attendees were also gifted BUXOM products throughout the day.

The Teen Vogue Summit is supported by Adobe, Archer School for Girls, The Body Shop, BUXOM, Coach, Microsoft, National Women’s Law Center, Rise, and the Waverley Street Foundation.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue