The CKYC is dedicated to empowering both Karen and non-Karen youth and communities statewide through culturally informed leadership education, the arts, advocacy, and human services. With a 13-year track record of leadership, arts education, and community service, CKYC has supported the Karen American refugee and asylum population, as well as other vulnerable and underrepresented communities. We serve over 400 individuals annually across the Bay Area, Sacramento, Manteca, Kern County, and Southern California. Additionally, we collaborate with more than 10 partners to amplify our impact. We deliver four core programs: Arts and Cultural Program, Leadership Development Program, College and Career Mentorship Program, and Civic Engagement Program. These programs and services are critical to the success of our youth and a thriving community. By engaging in cultural practices, youth and the broader community gain not only a sense of pride in their Karen identity but also a deeper connection to their heritage and each other. The preservation of Karen traditions helps break the cycle of trauma and displacement, offering individuals a space to heal, connect, and thrive, furthermore, by passing down knowledge from one generation to the next. The CKYC ensures that these traditions evolve into sources of strength, collaboration, and opportunity for future generations. As youth develop leadership skills, they become ambassadors of their culture, promoting diversity and inclusion both within the Karen community and in society at large.