Stovall (Credit: tedxcharleston.org)
Charleston resident and youth advocate Alli Stovall took the global stage Sept. 25 as the only American representative on the Youth Empowerment and Capacity Building panel at the International Youth Conference, an event presented in partnership with the United Nations through the International Organization of Youth.
Her panel, live-streamed to more than 5.8 million viewers worldwide, highlighted her expertise in youth empowerment, leadership development and capacity building for emerging changemakers.
“Empowerment begins the moment a young person realizes their voice has value — and that they know how to use it effectively,” Stovall said during her remarks. “When we walk into a room, our job isn’t to give them the big picture, it’s to give them tangible tools they can apply today — so the moment they walk out that door, they know who to go to, how to articulate their needs and how to turn their ideas into action.”
The International Organization of Youth serves as a global platform for youth engagement and policymaking, working with United Nations agencies to ensure that young voices are heard and valued within international spaces. The organization champions youth participation across all regions, emphasizing that young people are the torchbearers of tomorrow. Through skill development, policy engagement and grassroots involvement, IOY empowers youth to tackle global challenges and drive sustainable change.
Stovall also reflected on the importance of mentorship and storytelling in helping young people recognize their potential.
“Human experiences are the most valuable currency we can trade,” she said. “We grow when we see ourselves in others — when someone stands before us who shares our fears and our dreams, and we realize what’s possible for us, too. That’s what mentorship is — showing someone that their story matters.”
Drawing from her experience as a youth leader in South Carolina, Stovall shared practical strategies to strengthen youth capacity and expand access to leadership development programs. Her remarks focused on creating pathways that allow young people to be not only heard but also equipped to act — fostering a generation of confident, capable changemakers.
“True empowerment starts when we help youth identify the power within themselves,” she said. “Once they believe they’re capable, their perseverance, passion and hope become unstoppable forces for change. That’s how we create sustainability — not by telling them what to do, but by helping them believe they can.”
Stovall’s participation underscored Charleston’s growing role in advancing education, leadership and service-based initiatives — demonstrating how local advocacy can inspire global transformation.
About Alli Stovall
Alli Stovall is a youth empowerment advocate, nonprofit leader and speaker dedicated to bridging communities through education and leadership. She continues to represent South Carolina in national and international youth initiatives, inspiring young people to lead with purpose and confidence.