I Know I Matter, But Who Am I? Creative Identity Building for Today’s Youth: Every Voice, Every Story

Session Overview:

This interactive session weaves together emotional wellness, creative expression, and inclusive literature to empower all youth, regardless of race, culture, gender, ability, or family structure, to explore, affirm, and express their unique identities. Rooted in Nehi Cares’ “I Matter WAI” framework and the mission of Diverse Children’s Books Matter, this session invites participants to discover how writing, drawing, and storytelling can foster self-awareness, emotional resilience, and an authentic voice in the youth they serve. Through hands-on activities and real-world strategies, attendees will walk away with practical, creative tools to inspire every young person to embrace who they are—and know they truly Matter.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand how creative expression and diverse stories contribute to the development of youth identity and emotional well-being.
  2. Apply inclusive tools that guide youth through self-reflection and confidence-building activities.
  3. Use books, writing prompts, and visual art to uplift every child’s voice and lived experience.
  4. Facilitate a creative identity activity that helps youth answer the powerful question: “Who am I, really?”

Presenter: Juanita Banks-Whittington

Juanita Banks-Whittington is a dynamic leader, storyteller, and award-winning advocate whose life is a testament to resilience, purpose, and transformation. Born with a speech delay and addicted to drugs, she didn’t just overcome adversity—she transformed it into a driving force for service, leadership, and systemic change.

An Army veteran and Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Juanita brings a unique blend of lived experiences and mental health expertise to uplift others in every space she enters. She is the proud recipient of the Anne Arundel County Michelle Obama Diversity Award and an award-winning author whose work amplifies marginalized voices while fostering healing, inclusion, and youth empowerment.

Juanita is the founder of Nehi Cares LLC, a wellness-based organization that empowers teens through identity development, mental health advocacy, and emotional intelligence. Through Diverse Children’s Books Matter, she amplifies inclusive stories and serves as the co-founder of Charlene’s Circle of Support Inc., a nonprofit that supports youth affected by parental incarceration, mental illness, and substance abuse.

Her signature programs, “I Know I Matter, But Who Am I?” and “I Matter! WAI?” have been featured in schools, conferences, and community organizations, equipping youth with the tools to thrive. Whether she’s delivering care packages, training educators, or captivating an audience with her story, Juanita leads with heart, humility, and bold authenticity.

At her core, Juanita believes that every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and reminded: You Matter in Every Room You Enter. Juanita isn’t just changing narrativesshe’s rewriting futures.

Date, Time, and Location

Wednesday, June 18th

Breakout Session 5: 1:45 – 2:45 PM

Room: CPA 110