A mic, a mission, and a village that won’t let you shrink. We sit down with Ximena, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year, to unpack how a sports-loving club kid became a confident advocate on national stages, from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. The story moves fast—junior staff summers turn into public speaking reps, MC gigs at the Keystone Conference, and a front-row seat to how major events are built. Along the way, she shares the nerves, the learning curve, and the moments that made her feel ten feet tall, like a whirlwind trip to Toronto and conversations with leaders who model presence without pretense.

What stands out is how community converts potential into momentum. Advisors and mentors at the Boys & Girls Club create real opportunities: hosting, co-leading programs, and meeting people who open new doors. That support powers focused advocacy, including a Teens Leading Change project in the Rio Grande Valley designed to help immigrant teens navigate language barriers and school transitions. We talk about meeting with a senator’s office, partnering with immigration lawyers, and pushing for teacher training through the state education agency—practical, local moves with system-level ripple effects. We also spotlight mental health initiatives at clubs, from calming corners to hands-on fairs that make coping skills feel normal and accessible.

Behind the highlights is the grind: AP tests, college essays, a week-long national competition, and leadership roles that stretch every hour of the day. Ximena lays out how she stays steady—early-morning “lock-in” writing sessions, leaning into energizing work, and remembering why the effort matters. A chance interview on a club podcast leads to a first legal internship, which leads to another, and soon a career path emerges: study business or political science, go to law school, practice business law, and one day serve in public office. If you care about youth empowerment, civic leadership, and turning opportunity into impact, this conversation will leave you fired up to take the next step.

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More About this Episode

From McAllen to the National Stage: How Youth of the Year Winner Ximena Became a Voice for Her Generation

When someone earns the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Youth of the Year, it’s natural to focus on the end result. What is often overlooked is the effort, sacrifice, and character development that lead up to that achievement. In this episode of Youth Unmuted, we sat down with Ximena, the 2025–2026 National Youth of the Year, to learn about her journey. She represents not just her club in McAllen, Texas, but also the thousands of young people who are striving to lead and make a difference in their communities.

Her path is not simply about awards or recognition. It is about service, resilience, and finding purpose through adversity. Ximena's story is one of leadership in action.

Finding Purpose Through Club Involvement

Ximena began attending the Boys & Girls Club as a child, initially joining to play sports like volleyball and softball. At that time, it was a fun and engaging outlet. Later, in high school, she discovered the club’s junior staff program, which allowed teens to volunteer and assist in running summer activities.

It was through this program that Ximena first connected with service and leadership. Her involvement quickly expanded. She began joining advocacy groups and speaking opportunities within her club. These early experiences shaped her confidence and helped her develop a passion for public speaking and civic engagement.

The Road to National Youth of the Year

The Youth of the Year process involves several stages: local, state, regional, and national. Each stage requires participants to prepare speeches, write essays, and present themselves as community leaders.

Ximena first won at the local level in McAllen. She then moved on to win at the state level in Texas. After that, she advanced to the Southwest regional level, and finally to the national competition held in Los Angeles.

“It was nerve-wracking at every stage,” she explained. “There was a lot of public speaking and networking, but it was also inspiring. Everyone there had powerful stories.”

The national event was more than just a competition. It was a platform where she connected with CEOs, nonprofit leaders, and other young advocates. Despite the pressure, Ximena focused on the bigger picture: learning from others and representing her community with pride.

Highlight Moments: From Public Speaking to the World Series

One of the highlights of Ximena’s journey came after the national competition, when she was invited to attend a World Series game in Toronto. There, she was given the honor of delivering the game ball. While many thought she was going to pitch, she clarified with a laugh that she simply placed the ball on the mound.

The experience was surreal. She met Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, and Alex Rodriguez. She also met the Jonas Brothers, which she described as one of her most exciting celebrity encounters. For Ximena, the experience was both humbling and thrilling. It also marked her first trip to Canada, a destination she now recommends to everyone.

Balancing Senior Year and National Leadership

Ximena is not only National Youth of the Year. She is also a high school senior, applying to colleges, managing extracurricular responsibilities, and serving as president of her school's National Honor Society chapter.

Her schedule is intense. During the national competition, she missed a week of school, including several exams. Catching up took nearly a month. She also worked on college applications during that time, often staying up late or waking up early to finish essays.

“I’ve been up since five in the morning working on supplementals,” she said during the interview. “It’s a lot, but I really enjoy what I’m doing.”

Her ability to manage multiple commitments comes from past experiences. During regionals, for example, she traveled immediately after taking an AP exam, only to return and take a makeup test days later. These moments taught her how to stay calm under pressure and focus on the task at hand.

Internships and Career Goals

Ximena’s passion for advocacy has grown into a clear career path. After mentioning her interest in law during a podcast episode at her club, a guest speaker offered her an internship at a law office. That opportunity led to another. After speaking with a board member from her club, she was offered a second internship with a business law firm.

Through these internships, Ximena was exposed to both criminal defense and corporate law. She attended court proceedings, met with clients, and helped draft legal documents. These experiences solidified her goal of becoming a business lawyer and eventually a senator.

“I realized that I want to be an advocate not just for issues, but for individuals,” she said. “Law allows me to do both.”

She plans to major in either business or political science and then attend law school.

Advocating for Mental Health and Immigrant Support

One of Ximena’s most meaningful projects came through the Summit for America’s Youth in Washington, DC. Her team focused on immigrant youth and the unique challenges they face, especially in border communities like McAllen. Many immigrant teens struggle with language barriers, adapting to school environments, and supporting their families.

Ximena and her team proposed language support programs and training for educators to better serve these students. They presented their project on Capitol Hill and placed third nationally. The funding they received is now being used to expand their initiative and build relationships with state education leaders.

She also supports mental health advocacy and has worked on initiatives such as “calming corners” at her club. These are spaces where children can go to regulate emotions and take a break if they feel overwhelmed. She believes these small but powerful tools make a lasting difference in helping youth manage stress and mental health challenges.

Representing on National Platforms

Ximena has also served as an emcee at the National Keystone Conference, where she energized the crowd and introduced speakers. She shared the stage with motivational speakers and celebrities, including Alex Weber and singer-actress Leimoni. For Ximena, the experience was educational and empowering.

“It showed me that even people who seem incredibly accomplished were once in our shoes,” she said. “Everyone starts somewhere. Seeing that made the national competition feel more achievable.”

She values the authenticity of the leaders she met and believes that true leadership comes from being relatable, kind, and consistent.

The Power of Community

Throughout her journey, Ximena has remained deeply grateful to her support system. Her family, club advisors, and community mentors have played essential roles in her development. She credits them for giving her the opportunities and encouragement she needed to grow.

“My club staff always believed in me,” she said. “They gave me chances to lead before I thought I was ready. Because of them, I was prepared when it mattered most.”

When she returned home from the state competition, she was welcomed at the airport by a crowd of community members. That moment reminded her that her accomplishments are shared with the people who helped her along the way.

Looking Ahead

Ximena is still waiting to hear back from colleges, including Harvard. She remains focused on continuing her advocacy and education while enjoying her final year of high school.

For other youth who may be uncertain about stepping up, she offers this advice: “Say yes. Even if you feel scared or unprepared. You never know what could happen when you take the first step.”

She represents not only what is possible for one young person, but also what can happen when youth are supported, believed in, and given space to lead. Her story is not about reaching a peak. It is about paving the way for others to climb with her.