This year, the Bleeding Disorders Council of California welcomed 22 teens, our largest group yet, to Sacramento for the Future Leaders Program.  During the four days from March 21^st to March 24^th, these teens experienced team building, leadership training, and practice in telling their stories.  On Legislative Day, they told their stories to advocate with legislators for bills that will support the bleeding disorders community. In addition to leadership development and improved confidence, the teens also had a chance to experience Sacramento, first through a downtown mural walk and then later via our annual Alumni & Friends Reception hosted at the Capital Pinball Parlor-complete with karaoke!

In 2026 our Future Leaders had an additional leadership growth opportunity; on the last day, the teens elected the first BDCC Board Youth Representative.  This person will serve as a non-voting member of the BDCC Board in 2026 – 2027 until the next Future Leaders Program.  This year the teens elected Sophia Horta to be the Board Youth Representative!  Congratulations to Sophia, and to all of our graduating Future Leaders:  Logan Dawes, Bella Li, Heidi Jimenez, Ava Felix, Natalie Cardenas, Joseph Martinez and Jazlene Castro!  We can’t wait to see what you all do next in your advocacy journeys! And to the other teens who completed the 2026 Future Leaders Program, we hope you come back to Sacramento again for 2027!