Stockton’s Youth Conference Aims to Uplift

City councilmember Michael Tubbs and Celebrity Blogger & Producer Jason Lee host celebrity guests and over 3,000 Stockton youth for a day of empowerment, leadership and self-expression.The I AM Ready Youth Conference brings celebrities, community leaders, and over 3,000 young adults together to uplift the city of Stockton and empower the community to inspire change through culture. The Reinvent Stockton Readiness Initiative developed by City councilmember Michael Tubbs and Celebrity Blogger and Producer Jason Lee, kicks off the I AM Ready Youth Conference with a bang on June 8 th, 2013 at the Stockton Civic Auditorium at 10am.The first major conference of its kind will focus on enriching young adults through workshops and non-conventional methods of education. Celebrity guests, including comedian/actress Luenell, actress/producer Eva Marcille from America’s Next Top Model, Grammy nominated producers Kevin McCall and Drumma Boy, host/producer Quddus, TV personality “New York” from hit show I Love New York and more, will give performances, host discussion panels, and inspire participants during this grand event.”We want any and every young person who’s ever had a dream for a better Stockton and more importantly a better life to experience the I AM Ready Youth Conference,” said Lee. “Stockton is where my heart is and I truly believe that by offering the youth an outlet for self expression all while teaching them positive skills is powerful and I’m excited about the future possibilities.”The Reinvent Stockton Readiness Initiative was developed by Tubbs and Lee to combat the violence and education disparity that plagues Stockton’s youth and the I AM Ready Youth Conference is the inaugural effort under the initiative. Sponsors and partners include KWIN-FM, Verizon Wireless, Bank of Stockton, I AM Ready Foundation, and the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel.For tickets and more information, including sponsorship opportunities, call (209) 565-0161 or visit www.iamready.orgConference program includes:Who’s Got Talent: Sponsored by Vibe Magazine and featuring celebrity judges, Who’s Got Talent will showcase San Joaquin’s rising stars all competing for $1,000 grand prize and industry recognition. Auditions will take place May 11 th, 2013 starting at 10am at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel. Ages for participation are 19 and under with a school ID.Who’s Got a Job: Participants will have the opportunity to enroll in a program of the foundation where each will immediately become eligible to earn money with an incentive for the top 50 performers in this area. The details of this opportunity will be shared the day of the conference.Financial Literacy Workshop: Network of Untapped Entrepreneurs (N.U.E.) will lead a workshop on financial literacy that’s fun and fused with celebrity participation.Discussion Panels: Celebrity and youth led panels will explore the challenges facing today’s youth in an open dialogue with audience participation. This will allow the youth to share the city of Stockton through their eyes and engage the celebrities in questions about the field of entertainment and following your dreams.