Conversations with Jasmine Lynch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Lynch

Hi Jasmine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Our Youth Our Future Foundation originally operated under the name “Youth Lives Matter.” Founded by Jalen and Jasmine, our organization emerged from the recognition of the pressing need to support underprivileged youth in Lansing, MI. Our initial efforts were focused on organizing small-scale events addressing mental health and engaging in community service, including activities such as supporting food banks, fundraising for holiday initiatives, and encouraging youth voter participation.

In 2023, we conducted our inaugural backpack giveaway, successfully distributing 200 backpacks to local youth with the generous support of family, friends, and local businesses. We are pleased to announce that on August 17th, 2024, we will be hosting another backpack giveaway with the same objective, continuing our commitment to community support.

Looking ahead, Jalen and Jasmine aim to secure additional funding to expand mental health programs and create safe spaces where youth and families can freely express themselves. We aspire to foster an environment where youth can thrive, thereby enhancing parental involvement and helping young individuals to explore their future aspirations.

We firmly believe that community collaboration is key to empowering our youth and securing a successful future for them. We encourage everyone to join us in this vital effort, as now is the time to act.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Our journey has not been without its challenges. Both Jalen and Jasmine maintain full-time employment, which demands a significant amount of their time. Additionally, engaging the community and securing sponsorships has proven difficult at times. Despite these obstacles, we remain committed and resourceful in achieving our objectives.

Our long-term goal is to secure government funding, which would provide us with stable financial resources each year to support our specific goals and initiatives.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work in the pharmaceutical industry with a focus on enhancing animal health through medicine and research. My role primarily involves overseeing the administrative aspects of research studies to ensure they proceed as planned. I am deeply engaged with the scientific underpinnings of our work, driven by a personal interest in animal welfare, as I have a pet of my own.

I take pride in my progress within my field, particularly in staying aligned with my academic background and career aspirations. As the first member of my family to graduate from college, I am especially proud of my accomplishments.

What distinguishes me is my unwavering determination and resilience. I am committed to persevering through challenges and remaining steadfast in my professional journey, regardless of the obstacles. This perseverance is a core value instilled in me, and it continuously motivates me to advance and succeed.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I have learned the importance of consistently putting my best foot forward. While I may not always agree with certain viewpoints or situations, I recognize the value of maintaining a constructive and open-minded approach. Previously, I found it challenging to navigate disagreements without allowing them to affect my relationships. However, I have since developed the ability to consider multiple perspectives, which has significantly enhanced my ability to collaborate effectively with others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @YouthlivesMatter1
• Facebook: Youth Lives Matter