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  • Jun 17, 2025
  • 2 min read

The Youth Empowerment Summit (YES Camp 2025) returns this summer with a bold theme: “Who I Am Makes a Difference,” uniting youth ages 16–25 for a powerful weekend of leadership development, wellness, and civic engagement. Held from August 8–10, 2025 at the scenic Boxwoods Retreat at Camp Cho-Yeh, YES Camp will feature a diverse lineup of dynamic speakers whose stories will ignite purpose, resilience, and action.

🔹 Keynote Speaker: Judge Christopher V. Phan

Vietnamese American • Navy Veteran • U.S. Immigration Judge


Born in Vietnam and raised in Indiana, Judge Phan’s journey from refugee to Navy JAG officer to U.S. Immigration Judge exemplifies leadership through service. A former city councilmember and prosecutor, Judge Phan currently serves at the Houston Greenspoint Park Immigration Court. His story of courage and civic commitment resonates deeply with youth leaders ready to make their own mark on the world.


🔹 Worskhop & Wellness Speaker: Dr. Anhlan Nguyen

#1 International Bestselling Author • Emotional Intelligence Coach


Dr. Nguyen brings decades of experience as an educator, speaker, and life coach. Founder of Lyceum Global and author of Living in GRACE, she guides youth through emotional intelligence and personal growth with her signature GRACE model—Gratitude, Respect, Accountability, Courage, and Engagement. A former refugee herself, Dr. Nguyen’s life mission is to empower the next generation to lead with heart and purpose.


🔹 Workshop & Wellness Speaker: Dr. Renea Skelton

Certified Life & Communication Coach • Writer


With 20+ years of leadership in the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Skelton is a communication coach who helps young people develop self-awareness, emotional resilience, and authentic leadership. Through her coaching platform, RealWomen, RealCoaching™, she empowers others to overcome inner barriers and lead unapologetically with clarity and strength.


🔹 Workshop & Wellness Speaker: Dr. Dung Ngo

Associate Professor of Psychology • Texas A&M–Corpus Christi


A respected expert in Asian American mental health, Dr. Dung Ngo has dedicated nearly two decades to researching Vietnamese American psychology. His insights into cultural identity, emotional wellness, and community care will help campers better understand their mental health and the power of self-acceptance in leadership.



Spots are limited. Campers, mentors, and future changemakers—this is your call to rise. Because who you are truly makes a difference.


About YES Camp: Organized by the Institute for Civic Education in Vietnam (ICEVN), in partnership with VCSA and Viet Vote Houston, YES Camp is a leadership and empowerment retreat for youth ages 16–25, fostering personal growth, civic action, and community building.

 
 
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