Local organization to host its 3rd Annual Dream Out Loud Conference for youth to explore careers in various industries

Local organization to host its 3rd Annual Dream Out Loud Conference for youth to explore careers in various industries

Leaders in Transformational Education (LITE) exposes youth to career exploration in art, music, fashion, culinary arts, boxing, film and in trades including concrete and carpentry

AURORA – On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Leaders in Transformational Education will host its 3rd Annual Dream Out Loud Youth Conference at the Sheraton Lisle/Naperville, 3000 Warrenville Rd., from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.

The conference kicks off with a provided breakfast at 9:00 am. From there, youth can participate in various workshops called Dream Shops to explore various career paths. The conference features youth influencers like local author, life coach and actor Simeon Henderson. The conference will also feature longtime celebrity fashion designer Barbara Bates, who has done designs celebrities like Michael Jordan.

“Dreaming is a privilege for some of these young people,” said Candace Thier, Executive Director of LITE. “When we say dream out loud, we want them to truly believe in themselves and see their careers as a reality.”

This year’s Dream Out Loud Youth Conference will feature keynote speaker Marcelius Griffin, a youth wealth mentor who educates youth on generational wealth and financial literacy.

The youth conference allows participants to cast a dream by sharing their visions and career goals with their peers.

There are currently over 100 youth registered from neighborhoods spanning from Chicago to Dekalb. Youth can register for the Dream Out Loud Youth Conference online at https://transformationalknowledge.com.

LITE is in partnership with Menta School Group, East Aurora High School, Prisco Center, Proviso East High School, Proviso West High School, Proviso Township and DuPage Worknet.

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