Jordan White and Chioma Okoro, two remarkable young leaders from the ASA Center for Career Navigation at JFF’s Youth Advisory Council, recently took to the national stage to discuss the importance of federal investments in career navigation. At the National Youth Employment Coalition’s Youth Days in DC, they participated in policy sessions, trainings, and workshops before heading to Capitol Hill to meet directly with congressional staff from four separate offices alongside Jobs for the Future (JFF)’s policy team. Throughout the day, they drew on their lived experiences navigating education and career pathways in their communities, advocating with clarity and conviction for the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and stronger investments in career guidance for young people.
Their insight, preparation, and leadership made the day an especially meaningful one and ensured that offices on Capitol Hill were hearing directly from their constituents on the changes they would like to see in their communities.
Here, Jordan and Chioma share their reflections and key takeaways from the experience:
Jordan: It’s okay to not know everything…
Going into this, I didn’t know what to expect. I was just going with the flow of things and trying my hardest not to overthink. When I initially started networking and experiencing the event, I felt kind of out of place because I really didn’t know much about politics, and my peers had way more knowledge than I did. As time progressed, I began to come out of that feeling out of place, and I began to ask questions, trying to make sure I wholeheartedly grasped the concept. By doing that, I felt so confident to go talk to legislators’ teams because I was fully aware of what the fight was for and how the policies behind it support the mission.
Chioma: It’s better to speak from yourself than from a script.
One of the first lessons I learned is that trying to sound “perfect” or overly prepared actually gets in the way. I went in wanting to prove I belonged by having the right language ready, but what congressional staff really want is your real voice. They’re not looking for polished speeches, they’re looking for people who can speak from lived experience and tell the truth about what young people are facing. Authenticity is more powerful than any script I could write.
Left (from left): Alex Sileo (JFF); Caroline Frauman (Office of Rep. Gwen Moore, D-WI); Jordan White; Chioma Okoro. Right (from left): Chioma Okoro; Iyanla Kollock (Office of Rep. Shomari Figures, D-AL); Jordan White.
Jordan: Be open-minded.
There were some panelists and breakout room leaders who really brought some amazing experiences for us. The way they carried their organizations’ principles all the way from their hometown to DC was so commendable. I could tell they truly believed in their mission statements, and it was so interesting to see what they were implementing in their own cities. It honestly made me think about what I would maybe want to implement in my own city. One breakout session had a rock-paper-scissors war where we had to join whoever we lost against and cheer their name, which was so fun. After the game, they revealed that the point of the game was to bring people together and make people familiar with each other. I thought that was so awesome that they were able to teach us how to build a community in five minutes and how we’re stronger together. That was awesome, I really enjoyed it!
Chioma: It’s okay to feel intimidated, you belong anyway.
Walking into meetings on Capitol Hill in the beginning was stepping into a whole new territory. And yes, it was intimidating at first. But the second the conversations began, it became clear that staffers are regular people who genuinely want to understand youth perspectives. That realization helped me breathe, settle in, and speak naturally. I learned that nerves don’t mean I am unprepared, they mean that I care.
From left: Robyn Gulley (Office of Rep. Terri Sewell, D-AL); Chioma Okoro; Jordan White; Alex Sileo; Staffer with Office of Rep. Sewell
Jordan: Versatility makes you wise.
After sitting in a room with people that are educated, it even helped me see areas that I want to grow in. I do believe that any extra education outside of high school makes you smarter. Whether you’re a carpenter, teacher, nurse, community activist, etc. Your devotion to learning something new makes you better equipped than someone else. For example, someone who’s a community activist may know how to deal with someone going through a mental health crisis. I am a carpenter (for example). Don’t know how to deal with that. In other words, I think it’s wise to have versatility because you’re able to help more people. Although a lot of the people I met at the NYEC were devoted to one organization, I observed that they all had versatile stories of what led them to the role they’re in now. Even the way they answered questions based off their versatile experiences was really wise, especially the directors of organizations. Their advice showed exactly why they’re strong in the role they are in.
Chioma: There’s a difference between “networking” and actually connecting.
I also learned that the best relationships form when you stop trying to network and start trying to genuinely connect. Instead of forcing small talk or trying to impress people, I just had real conversations with other youth delegates. We talked about navigating college, switching majors, pressure from families, financial barriers, all the things people don’t always say out loud, especially from albeit strangers! Those conversations lasted for hours and were deeply validating, and one of the best parts of the experience, hands down.
Jordan: It’s okay to not end where you started.
Many of the legislators’ team members briefly talked about how they never saw themselves in politics, and now here they are working in the United States capital. Which was interesting because I saw so much of myself in them, that is something I would totally do. Start in something completely unrelated and find a new love for something else along the way; so it helped me understand that that’s okay. Even in the most serious roles, we all experience an uncertain path in life.
Chioma: Own the space, and have fun while you’re in it!
Another important lesson was learning to own the space I was in. This was my second time in DC, and I made sure to enjoy it, taking photos, observing the energy of the city, and noticing the small details in each congressional office that reveal what people value. One Alabama office had a whole wall dedicated to the movie Selma, which said a lot about the staffer’s priorities and identity. Being present and allowing myself to enjoy the moment helped me feel grounded.
To close out the day, Jordan and Chioma recorded a short video to share their reflections:
Feeling inspired? JFF will host its Legislative Summit at Horizons 2026 on July 13-15 in Washington, DC! This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with policymakers and promote a policy agenda that ensures that young people across the country will face No Dead Ends in their pathways to quality jobs. Participants will receive trainings to better understand the federal policy landscape and communicate their impact before lending their voice and expertise to urgent policy conversations with members of Congress and their staff. You can learn more about applying for this event here.
