Feeling empowered does not mean we can only experience joy when we reach some idea of perfection; both can exist together. Sadness and joy can coexist; it's not one or the other.
Francesca Licursi, Youth Empowerment Collective , Founder
Welcome to the Youth Empowerment Collective, where we champion unity and empowerment for young people through the transformative power of social-emotional learning. Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower youth with love, joy, and celebration.
Our movement was born from my deep-seated desire to make a difference in the lives of young individuals. Reflecting on my own journey and the challenges I faced growing up, I realized the immense importance of those who showed me kindness and acceptance. They were my unexpected heroes, guiding me through dark times.
Childhood bullying left scars that took years to heal. My childhood name "Francine" morphed into "Fatcine" under the weight of childhood taunts which led me to detach from my true self. But becoming a mother to three amazing children, especially my neurodiverse son Antonio, taught me the importance of advocating for acceptance and belonging. Through the transformative act of sharing my story, I've found solace in a community of kindred spirits. These compassionate souls, including dedicated volunteers and cherished friends, have breathed new life into my weary heart. Now, after 28 years, my heart can finally embrace the name Francine without pain, a testament to the healing power of love and resilience.
I'm one of the lucky survivors, but many weren't as fortunate. Each of us has the power to be a beacon of hope for young people. As survivors of our own battles, we understand the importance of extending a compassionate hand to those in need. Together, let us create a world where every young person feels seen, valued, and empowered to embrace their true selves. Join us in imagining a Canada where every young person feels a deep sense of belonging through love, community, and joy.
Together, we can make a difference and inspire positive change in the lives of countless young individuals.
Francesca Licursi
Founder, Youth Empowerment Collective
Nonno's Wisdom: A Guiding Light for Our Community
Celebrating Uniqueness and Unity Through Our Logo
In our community, there's a story from Nonno Gaspare Soldano that touches our hearts. He once showed me my hand and said something special. He said, "Look closely, Francine. Each finger is different, just like every person is unique. That's what makes life beautiful."
His words inspired our logo—a colorful picture of four hands. Each hand represents something important to us. Our logo features vibrant hands, each representing a key aspect of our community dedicated to supporting young individuals. But our logo means more than just colors and shapes. It's about accepting everyone, no matter how different they are. Nonno taught us that being different is normal and wonderful.
Our logo is like a promise. It reminds us to support each other and work together, just like Nonno showed us. In our community, we believe that when we come together, we can make the world a better place.
