YVSB Founder Bryan Zhao Shares Insights at GHCF’s 30th Anniversary Celebration
November 8, 2025 — Houston, TX
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 8. The celebration, themed “Ready, Set, Amplify,” brought together hundreds of families to celebrate intergenerational giving, civic engagement, and the growing impact of young leaders.
As part of the morning’s featured panel, “Voices & stories of Impact,” Bryan Zhao, Founder and President of Youth Voices for Small Business (YVSB) and a senior at The Awty International School, joined other outstanding student leaders to discuss how young people can turn ideas into meaningful community change.
“Don’t be afraid, especially don’t be afraid of what other people think,” Bryan shared with the audience. “When I was starting out, one of my biggest fears was that people might think my advocacy wasn’t legitimate or that I didn’t have enough experience. But you can’t let those fears dominate you. If you don’t believe in yourself, it’s difficult to get others to believe in you. Many people want to support your efforts, as long as you care deeply about something, just go for it.”
Bryan’s message captured the day’s larger theme: empowering young leaders to believe in their voices and transform passion into purpose. His organization, YVSB, embodies that mission by helping students advocate for small businesses through civic education, research, and policy initiatives.
The panel also featured Madison “Maddie” Petaway, 2020 Houston Youth Poet Laureate; Michael Antonio, senior at Blanson CTE High School and City of Houston Youth Ambassador; and Sawsan Busari, senior at Alief Elsik High School and civic organizer. Together, they represented a diverse cross-section of youth leadership shaping Houston’s future.
“Each of these students exemplifies what it means to use your voice for good,” said Jennifer Touchet, Vice President of Personal & Family Philanthropy at GHCF. “As we celebrate three decades of impact, it’s inspiring to see the next generation of Houstonians lead with compassion, courage, and creativity.”
After the panel, families participated in volunteer projects supporting twelve local nonprofits—including Bo’s Place, Easter Seals Greater Houston, and Project C.U.R.E.—earning “Nonprofit Passport” stamps as they completed service activities promoting literacy, health equity, and community well-being.
YVSB Founder Bryan Zhao Shares Insights at GHCF’s 30th Anniversary Celebration
November 8, 2025 — Houston, TX
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 8. The celebration, themed “Ready, Set, Amplify,” brought together hundreds of families to celebrate intergenerational giving, civic engagement, and the growing impact of young leaders.
As part of the morning’s featured panel, “Voices & stories of Impact,” Bryan Zhao, Founder and President of Youth Voices for Small Business (YVSB) and a senior at The Awty International School, joined other outstanding student leaders to discuss how young people can turn ideas into meaningful community change.
“Don’t be afraid, especially don’t be afraid of what other people think,” Bryan shared with the audience. “When I was starting out, one of my biggest fears was that people might think my advocacy wasn’t legitimate or that I didn’t have enough experience. But you can’t let those fears dominate you. If you don’t believe in yourself, it’s difficult to get others to believe in you. Many people want to support your efforts, as long as you care deeply about something, just go for it.”
Bryan’s message captured the day’s larger theme: empowering young leaders to believe in their voices and transform passion into purpose. His organization, YVSB, embodies that mission by helping students advocate for small businesses through civic education, research, and policy initiatives.
The panel also featured Madison “Maddie” Petaway, 2020 Houston Youth Poet Laureate; Michael Antonio, senior at Blanson CTE High School and City of Houston Youth Ambassador; and Sawsan Busari, senior at Alief Elsik High School and civic organizer. Together, they represented a diverse cross-section of youth leadership shaping Houston’s future.
“Each of these students exemplifies what it means to use your voice for good,” said Jennifer Touchet, Vice President of Personal & Family Philanthropy at GHCF. “As we celebrate three decades of impact, it’s inspiring to see the next generation of Houstonians lead with compassion, courage, and creativity.”
After the panel, families participated in volunteer projects supporting twelve local nonprofits—including Bo’s Place, Easter Seals Greater Houston, and Project C.U.R.E.—earning “Nonprofit Passport” stamps as they completed service activities promoting literacy, health equity, and community well-being.
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