YBK Leadership Conference

EVERY CHILD who signed up for a ticket to the YBK Youth Leadership retreat has been CONFIRMED! We extend our special thanks to our partners SQUARE, Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis, and the Build-A-Bear Foundation for their invaluable support in making this event possible.

Power Your Future

“Power Your Future” serves as our guiding principle, encapsulating the essence of every entrepreneurial journey—a journey ignited by a dream. It’s about seizing the opportunity to innovate, to create something new, better, or more meaningful. It’s about taking charge, becoming the master of your destiny, a leader in your chosen field. It’s about leaving an indelible mark, contributing to your community, and paving the way for future generations.

At YBK, we’re dedicated to inspiring and equipping the next generation of business leaders in America. We’re committed to providing immersive experiences that expose youth to invaluable learning opportunities and essential resources. Together, let’s empower young minds to dream ambitiously, pursue their passions, and shape a brighter tomorrow.

Among the activities we offer are engaging programs by Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis, such as JA STEM 360 and JA Trades activities. Additionally, the Build-A-Bear Foundation hosts book signings and organizes team-building exercises. Participants can also look forward to insightful Q&A sessions with industry luminaries Maxine Clark and Arriel Biggs. Join us as we embark on this transformative journey towards a future filled with promise and possibility.

Registration Fees

All Inclusive Conference 1-Day Registration

Early Bird Pricing (Ends March 31, 2024). If you have significant dietary restrictions or need special accommodations at this event, please email admin@ybkday.org and we will be glad to assist you.​

There will be a $35 processing fee for conference registration cancellation requests received beginning September 25, 2024.

Speakers

Maxine Clark

Founder of Build A Bear Workshop

 

Maxine Clark is one of the true innovators in the retail industry. During her career, her ability to spot emerging retail and merchandising trends and her insight into the desires of the American consumer have generated growth for retail leaders, including department store, discount and specialty stores. In 1997, she founded Build-A-Bear Workshop®, a teddy-bear themed retail-entertainment experience.

In June 2013, Maxine stepped down from her Chief Executive Bear role to apply her entrepreneurial skills to her passion for improving K-12 public education and to invest in and mentor women and minority entrepreneurs. Maxine credits her teachers as her foundation for success—classroom teachers and mentors alike. To honor them she gives back. Her next “act” is to make public education much more consumer friendly by creating more access for families and students to systems and supports to enrich each child’s learning experience. 

Marquel Russell

Founder of Client Attraction University

Arguably one of the best when it comes to revenue growth for coaches and consultants, Marquel Russell is a multimillion-dollar revenue generator, best-selling author, Rapid Business Growth Strategist and coach who has earned the title, “King of Client Attraction.”

His genius lies in his innate talent of drenching clients in a downpour of qualified leads that convert into more clients and increased profits. His sharp-shooting approach to lead generation has helped coaches and consultants pull in more than $1 Billion in client success stories, billions of ad impressions, millions of high-quality leads and 10’s of thousands of clients.

From high school dropout and former drug dealer to multimillion-dollar Rapid Business Growth Strategist and coach, Marquel is a walking billboard for the lyrics
“started from the bottom now I’m here.” Visit PaidAdPlaybook.com to see for yourself why so many have crowned him the King of Client Attraction.

Arriel Biggs

Founder of Young Biz Kidz

 

Arriel Biggs is the founder of Young Biz Kidz and (YBK Day), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower young people by engaging and encouraging financial literacy and entrepreneurship in youth. She believes that teaching financial education through entrepreneurship is a great way to introduce smart money habits early.

In addition to providing income, Arriel wants all to know that entrepreneurship teaches effective communication, personal responsibilities, and problem solving skills. It also builds self-esteem and strong relationships making it a great resource economically, academically and socially.

Initially focusing on educating her own children entrepreneurial success, Arriel soon realized that other parents could also use guidance in helping their children become business owners. She now offers services to educate, empower and equip parents with the self-confidence to support their Biz Kid through her program The Young Influencer Blueprint.