Day 2 of Adapting to the Future of Work: Movement by Design asked the question at the heart of this year’s convening: What does it mean to design your own path in a workforce that is evolving by the day? On July 30, hundreds of young adults gathered at NYU’s Kimmel Center as strategists, change-makers, visionaries, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders to explore that question. The day centered young people not simply as participants preparing for a future someone else has designed, but as the contributors shaping what comes next.
Emcee and entrepreneur Heison Marte guided attendees through a full day of programming focused on an empowering premise: today isn’t just about preparing for the future of work, but recognizing your power to shape it. A Bronx native, Heison challenged young adults to claim their agency and their power to build what comes next. Drawing on a borough with a long history of youth leadership, creativity, and community action, he urged participants to be “intentional about where you’re going, what you’re building with, and the impact you want to make along the way.”
The day began with a riveting spoken word performance by Delaney Jocelyn, slam poet, playwright, and teaching artist. Marjorie Parker, CEO and President of JobsFirst and JobsFirst NYC, then reflected on why the convening now in its 11th year, remains a priority for the organization. “Your creativity. Your hustle. It is what brings us here every year,” said Parker.
Commissioner Sandra Escamilla-Davies of the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) picked up that thread, urging the young people to find their purpose. “If we are really listening and really noticing the things that we love, that move us and bring energy, that is where our purpose lives. Being able to change your mind doesn’t mean that you are confused,” Escamilla-Davies said.
Master Class
Your story is part of your career capital.
Keynote speaker Colin Rocker challenged young adults to create their own career narrative instead of trying to fit someone else’s definition of the ideal job candidate. He connected skills and AI, relationships, personal visibility, and wealth-building while reminding participants that humanity remains their edge. One attendee later shared that employers are not only hiring a resume; they are hiring the experiences, values, and perspective a person brings.
The Future of Work is Bigger Than Any One Industry.
Ten breakout sessions opened doors into AI and immersive technology, the green economy, creative industries, sports and entertainment, entrepreneurship, housing and health, independent culture, personal branding, civic engagement, and early-career development.
In survey feedback, young adult attendees said they learned about new industries, pathways, and tools. Some also described discovering a possible career direction, while others learned ways to enter a field they are curious about.
Networking becomes useful when young people can practice it.
After exploring the range of career possibilities available to them, participants had opportunities to build relationships that can help them move forward. In Kenya George’s “Sharpening Your 21st Century Pitch” warm-up activity, the entire audience developed elevator pitches and practiced micro-networking in real time. Young adult attendees shared that they made meaningful connections, and attending another networking event was one of the most common next steps identified in survey feedback.
AI literacy requires both skill and critical thinking.
Across sessions on prompting, ethical technology, and the Hot Takes panel, participants examined AI as a tool, a collaborator, and a powerful force requiring deliberate, responsible use, consideration, and responsibility. Speakers encouraged young people to use emerging tools without surrendering their judgment, creativity, or values. Feedback also called for even deeper future conversations about AI’s benefits, risks, and effects on work and society.
Youth voice grows through real opportunities to lead.
During the My City, My Community Social Impact Pitch Competition, three finalist teams presented community-based solutions, received live feedback, and competed for $5,000 in prizes, including an Audience Favorite award. Finalists said coaching helped them strengthen their presentations and turn critical feedback into action. They also emphasized that visible youth leadership makes change feel attainable and encouraged other young adults to apply next year.
Confidence grows when young people move beyond comfort.
Young adult attendees walked away with renewed confidence and a drive to explore new career and leadership opportunities, turning the day’s inspiration into immediate, tangible action. Participants committed to concrete next steps – from updating resumes and applying for internships to launching business ideas and attending future networking events – with one young adult sharing, “More than anything, this event pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I introduced myself to professionals I admired, started conversations with people I had never met, and even participated in the Q&A… This experience reminded me that growth begins the moment we decide to step beyond what’s comfortable.” Ultimately, these personal breakthroughs and actionable commitments serve as the clearest measure of the day’s lasting value.
Designing What Comes Next
Young Adult Day affirmed what JobsFirst NYC and our partners see every day: young people are ready to navigate change, build relationships, test ideas, and lead when they have access to information, trusted support, and meaningful opportunities to practice. Program staff rated the event highly for supporting participants’ growth and career readiness, and speakers repeatedly highlighted young adults’ engagement, questions, and willingness to contribute.
We are grateful to the young adults who showed up with curiosity and courage; to the speakers, facilitators, judges, volunteers, partners, and staff who built the space alongside them; to DYCD for its continued partnership; and to our sponsors for investing in young people’s futures. Together, we are not only adapting to the future of work. We are helping the next generation design it.