CHASE Fest 2025
CHASE FEST is a FREE event for Kansas youth & young adults and their parents. Parents must be accompanied by a youth.
Featuring
LeDerick Horne, Poet, Speaker, and Advocate
- Keynote Session – The Words That Matter Most
- Youth Breakout Session – Self-disclosure
LeDerick Horne’s remarkable journey is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. Diagnosed with a learning disability in the third grade, LeDerick is a dynamic spoken-word poet, a respected author, and a passionate advocate for People with Disabilities. As the grandson of a prominent New Jersey-based civil rights leader, LeDerick uses his gift for spoken-word poetry to open doors to discussions on equal opportunity, self-determination, and hope for individuals with disabilities. His work addresses the challenges of all disabilities, uniting the efforts of diverse groups to achieve substantive, systemic change.
Youth Breakout Sessions
Hands-on interactive sessions for youth only
- “Cool, Calm and Connected” (Yoga/Body Movement) – Jordan Williams, Homebody Hands
- “Making WAVES” (Songwriting/Music Making) – Art As Mentorship, Art As Mentorship
- “Art of Conversation” (Podcasting) – CHASE Team, CHASE Your Dreams Podcast
Parent Sessions
These will include sessions in the main room and breakout rooms
- “Grow Your Mindset” – Jane Groff, Director of the Kansas Parent Information Resource Center, KPIRC
- “Imperfect, but Effective: Curating Your Mindset for Success” – Edgar Palacios, Founder & CEO, LatinX Education Collaborative
- “Field with Flavor & Joy!”– Kendall Harris, Chef & Agricultural Advocate, Green Dirt on Oak / Fair Share Farms
- “Yes You Can!” – Jason Martin, Educator, Mill Creek Campus
Lunch, snacks, and materials will be provided to those who pre-register.