In The News
Stay up-to-date with the latest developments, success stories, and community highlights from the Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB) network.
September 21, 2026
YVSB President Simon Zhong Discusses AI and Leadership with Mary Sit
YVSB President Simon Zhong recently joined Mary Sit for an interview titled Artificial Intelligence and the Human Heart, exploring the importance of empathy, integrity, and accountability in an AI-driven world.
Simon discussed his experience helping organize the 2026 National Youth Leadership Certificate Program and reflected on how serving refugee children has shaped his understanding of leadership. The conversation also explored critical thinking and the human qualities that remain essential as technology advances.
Thank you to Mary Sit for highlighting young voices and bringing our community together through meaningful conversations.
Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/-AttpcZozlY?si=Rk_4kHlapgs70ouL
September 19, 2026
YVSB President Simon Zhong Publishes Unheard Voices: Stories of Entrepreneurs from Main Street, Volume II
Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB) is proud to announce the publication of Unheard Voices: Stories of Entrepreneurs from Main Street, Volume II, authored by YVSB President Simon Zhong and now available on Amazon.
Volume II is the second book in YVSB’s Unheard Voices series, which shares the stories and experiences of entrepreneurs with the next generation. The series began in 2025 with Unheard Voices: Stories of Entrepreneurs from Main Street, written by YVSB founder Bryan Zhao.
Building on the foundation of the first volume, Simon interviewed 10 entrepreneurs and community leaders, documenting the challenges, turning points, risks, sacrifices, and values that shaped their personal and professional journeys.
September 8, 2026
University of Houston Today Features The Second National Youth Leadership Certificate Program
University of Houston, College of Education, News and Features
Youth Leadership Workshop Explores Human Leadership in Artificial Intelligence
UH Asian American Studies Center Connects Students with AI Thought Leaders
By Jeannie Kever
Much of the talk about artificial intelligence has focused on its potential to disrupt society, from health care to the job market. But for students who will inherit those changes, AI presents a different challenge: How to lead in a world where technology can do more than ever?
More than 140 middle and high school students took up that question last month at the second annual National Youth Leadership Certificate Program, a daylong conference led by the University of Houston Asian American Studies Center (AASC).
August 8, 2026
Houston Youth Gather at University of Houston to Discuss Human Leadership in an AI World
2026 National Youth Leadership Certificate Program drew nearly 200 students, educators and
professionals for a day of discussion on AI, careers and human responsibility
HOUSTON — About 200 students, educators, professionals, volunteers and community guests gathered at the University of Houston on Aug. 8 for the 2026 National Youth Leadership Certificate Program, “Human Leadership in an Artificial Intelligence World,” a conference exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, careers and leadership.
July 20, 2026
Human Leadership in an Artificial Intelligence World: YVSB and University of Houston Present the Second Annual National Youth Leadership Certificate Program
AI can acquire knowledge, but true leadership, judgment, communication, and responsibility will always belong to people.
After welcoming more than 200 students and parents to last year’s highly successful event, YVSB is proud to partner once again with the University of Houston to present the Youth Leadership Forum!
This year’s forum brings together distinguished speakers and industry leaders from Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Education, and Healthcare, along with NCAA Division I student-athletes and outstanding university students majoring in Art, Law, Computer Engineering, and other disciplines. They will share their personal journeys, academic experiences, career insights, and lessons learned.
Date: August 8, Saturday, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm.
Venue: University of Houston, Science Building, Suite 105.
3581 Cullen Blvd., Houston TX 77204.
Registration: https://www.coe.uh.edu/payments/AASC_Reg/index.php
March 5, 2026
YVSB Launches First AI Vibe Coding Workshop
YVSB recently completed its first AI Vibe Coding Workshop, where 15 students built an AI customer service chatbot app for the Asian Chamber of Commerce using Visual Studio Code and GitHub Copilot. The session introduced students to practical AI tools and real-world business applications while encouraging self-directed learning. YVSB will host additional workshops in April and May and launch a summer pilot program pairing student AI consultant teams with small business owners.
January 27, 2026
The 2026 Youth + AI Growth Engine Project
Connecting Houston small businesses with student AI consultants to accelerate AI adoption and growth.
Co-organized by the Youth Voice for Small Businesses (YVSB) and the Asian Chamber of Commerce Youth Council, which is also chaired by Bryan Zhao, the initiative helps businesses incorporate AI into day-to-day operations while giving students hands-on consulting experience and community service opportunities.
Project timeline of 2026:
March: Pairing (25 students & 15 businesses)
April-July: Development & Evaluation
September: Showcase
Project Committee:
Chair: Edward Kang
Members: Katelyn Hu, Simon Zhong, Luke Zhang
Additional details are shared below and in upcoming news as the project progresses.
January 20, 2026
Young Leader Driving Community Impact: STV Interviews Bryan Zhao
Bryan Zhao, Founder and President of Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB), was interviewed by Southern News Group STV on January 20 in recognition of his work supporting community small businesses and advancing youth leadership.
During the interview, Bryan shared the story behind founding YVSB, a nonprofit that empowers students to advocate for small business owners through storytelling, leadership development, and policy engagement. He also spoke about the important role young leaders play in strengthening and shaping their communities.
The interview can be found here: Bryan Zhao | Young Leader Driving Community Impact.
November 8, 2025
YVSB Founder Bryan Zhao Shares Insights at GHCF’s 30th Anniversary Celebration
The spirit of youth empowerment took center stage as the Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) marked two major milestones, its 30th anniversary and the 10th annual Family Philanthropy Day, at The Health Museum on November 8th. The celebration, themed “Ready, Set, Amplify,” brought together hundreds of families to celebrate intergenerational giving, civic engagement, and the growing impact of young leaders.
September 25, 2025
Bryan Zhao Appointed Founding Chair of the ACC Youth Council
Bryan Zhao, Founding Chair of Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB), was invited by the Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) to establish the ACC Youth Council for Business Advocacy and Leadership and has been appointed as its Founding Chair.
September 25, 2025
Research on the Actionable Small Business Friendliness Index
Bryan Zhao, Founder and President of Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB), has developed the Actionable Small Business Friendliness Index (ASBFI), a novel tool designed to evaluate how effectively regional governments support small businesses. The findings from this research aim to guide evidence-based policymaking and strengthen the local small business environment.
September 19, 2025
Unheard Voices: Stories of Entrepreneurs from Main Street
Bryan Zhao, Founder and President of Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB), has published Unheard Voices: Stories of Entrepreneurs from Main Street. The book is available on Amazon, and all profits will be donated to support small business initiatives.
September 15, 2025
Congressional Recognition of Bryan Zhao and Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB)
On September 15, 2025, Bryan Zhao, Founder and President of Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB), received a Congressional Recognition from the Ninth Congressional District of Texas in honor of his service to the community for his “dedicated commitment to amplifying student voices in small businesses through civic education, advocacy, and policy initiatives while empowering the next generation of leaders in the greater Houston area.”
September 12, 2025
Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB) Presents Tariff Petition to Congress through Congressman Al Green
On September 12, 2025, Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB), in partnership with the Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC), presented its tariff petition to the U.S. Congress through Congressman Al Green.
August 23, 2025
Inaugural National Youth Leadership Certificate Program Empowers Future Leaders in Houston
The First National Youth Leadership Certificate Program successfully concluded today at the University of Houston Hilton Hotel (Shamrock Room), bringing together 170 students and parents for a one-day event dedicated to cultivating essential leadership skills and fostering civic responsibility among middle and high school students.
In The News
Stay up-to-date with the latest developments, success stories, and community highlights from the Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB) network.
September 25, 2025
Research on the Actionable Small Business Friendliness Index
Bryan Zhao, Founder and President of Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB), has developed the Actionable Small Business Friendliness Index (ASBFI), a novel tool designed to evaluate how effectively regional governments support small businesses. The findings from this research aim to guide evidence-based policymaking and strengthen the local small business environment.
September 19, 2025
Unheard Voices: Stories of Entrepreneurs from Main Street
Bryan Zhao, Founder and President of Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB), has published Unheard Voices: Stories of Entrepreneurs from Main Street. The book is available on Amazon, and all profits will be donated to support small business initiatives.
September 15, 2025
Congressional Recognition of Bryan Zhao and Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB)
On September 15, 2025, Bryan Zhao, Founder and President of Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB), received a Congressional Recognition from the Ninth Congressional District of Texas in honor of his service to the community for his
“dedicated commitment to amplifying student voices in small businesses through civic education, advocacy, and policy initiatives while empowering the next generation of leaders in the greater Houston area.”
September 12, 2025
Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB) Presents Tariff Petition to Congress through Congressman Al Green
On September 12, 2025, Youth Voice for Small Business (YVSB), in partnership with the Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC), presented its tariff petition to the U.S. Congress through Congressman Al Green.
August 23, 2025
Inaugural National Youth Leadership Certificate Program Empowers Future Leaders in Houston
The First National Youth Leadership Certificate Program successfully concluded today at the University of Houston Hilton Hotel (Shamrock Room), bringing together 170 students and parents for a one-day event dedicated to cultivating essential leadership skills and fostering civic responsibility among middle and high school students.
