All 10 MA YouthBuild Coalition programs gather each year to give students an opportunity to meet senators and representatives from their districts, as well as other YouthBuild members from around the state. This year on Wednesday March 24, students and staff from YouthBuild Boston joined the 26th annual, and first ever virtual State House Day to advocate and elevate YouthBuild voices from across the state. One of those voices was that of Ianee Gomes, a current student in our Building Exploration Program. Ianee’s full speech can be found below.

Good morning everyone,

My name is Ianee Gomes. I’m from Dorchester and I currently attend YouthBuild Boston. I was actually enrolled in YouthBuild last year pre- pandemic to get my GED and gain skills for the trades, but at that time I encountered a lot of obstacles that distracted me from focusing on my goals and myself. 

After realizing that I really wanted more for myself and for my future, I reached out to YouthBuild and I got a 2nd chance. I am very excited to finally start again. I'm more focused and ready to start a new chapter in my life. I never really felt confident in anything, but YouthBuild Boston really gives me the support I need and reassures me that as long as I'm focused I can do anything.

As a female trying to pursue a career in the trades, I know it’s tough to succeed. I would love to join the painters’ union and YouthBuild Boston is really providing me with the skills I need to follow my career path and definitely providing me a chance to join the trades. 

After YouthBuild Boston, I plan on joining the union, and eventually, opening my own painting company. I always dream of being my own boss. In closing, I would like to thank the YouthBuild Boston staff for helping me focus on my goals and giving me a 2nd opportunity to be great. Thank you all for listening, and I look forward to hearing other students’ success stories. 

Please visit http://www.massyouthbuild.org/ to learn more about MA YouthBuild Coalition and the annual State House Day event.