Over one hundred young men gathered for a leadership conference at UC Riverside's Bourns Technology Center on Iowa Avenue, where they participated in workshops focused on personal development and career pathways.
Students from across the city arrived by bus for the 2025 Young Men's Conference, which provided resources and guidance aimed at their future success.
The event featured five breakout groups emphasizing networking, personal development, communication skills, action planning and establishing mentorship relationships. Sessions highlighted various college and career opportunities available to the high school students.
Felix “Coach” Bobo, delivered the keynote address, encouraging participants to challenge themselves.
He talked about how doing what you love is not the same as doing whatever you want to do.
"Greatness doesn't happen in the comfort zone," Bobo said during his speech. "Love is more than a feeling. I love to give these talks but I also love shoes and staying in bed and watching Netflix. If love was just about feeling, I'd be at home in bed."
The conference included both competitive and collaborative activities. In various sessions, students participated in LEGO building challenges and Mario Kart tournaments, combining entertainment with team-building opportunities.
Speaker Sonny Von Cleveland addressed one group on the topic of emotional intelligence, teaching participants to recognize emotions as controllable factors rather than excuses for behavior. This practical approach aimed to provide students with skills applicable to both personal interactions and professional settings.
Throughout the day, attendees had opportunities to connect with potential mentors and explore educational pathways, establishing relationships designed to support their future endeavors.
The conference represented an investment in local youth development, providing attendees with both immediate skill-building opportunities and long-term connections to support their educational and career goals.
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