On February 22, 2025, North Hollywood Northeast Neighborhood Council (NHNENC) President Zaid Diaz-Arias had the incredible honor of moderating a panel discussion on youth development and civic engagement at the 2025 EmpowerLA Youth Conference. The panel featured LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia, Department of Neighborhood Empowerment General Manager Carmen Chang, Youth Development Department General Manager Lisa Salazar, and LAUSD Student Empowerment Director Dr. Lorena Franco. Together, they engaged young leaders from across Los Angeles in discussions about the Neighborhood Council system, city services, and opportunities for youth involvement in shaping their communities.
The EmpowerLA Youth Conference, brought together 100 young people between the ages of 14-17 for a full day of learning and engagement. Attendees participated in interactive workshops on civic engagement, explored leadership pathways through the Neighborhood Council system, and had the chance to connect with city leaders and like-minded peers. The conference also featured a resource fair with over a dozen City departments and trusted community partners, providing valuable insights and opportunities for youth looking to make an impact in their communities.
Serving on NHNENC for 5 years, Diaz-Arias is now in his second term as president. As one of the youngest Neighborhood Council presidents in the system today, his leadership and commitment to youth civic engagement made him the ideal choice to moderate this important discussion. Under his tenure, the council has fully utilized its budget on impactful projects and has launched more community improvement initiatives than ever before.
As one of the youngest Neighborhood Council presidents today, Diaz-Arias remains committed to empowering young people to see themselves as active stakeholders in their communities. Events like the EmpowerLA Youth Conference highlight the importance of youth voices in local government and the impact of creating spaces for engagement, learning, and action.
NHNENC extends its gratitude to EmpowerLA, the esteemed panelists, and all the youth who attended and contributed to this vital conversation. The future of Los Angeles is bright, and NHNENC looks forward to continuing its work in championing youth leadership and civic engagement in the city.
📸 View Photos from the Event: Click here to see the full photo gallery
 
  
