YMCA of Greater New York connects 150 NYC teens with industry leaders at career forum
Sonia Atherly, left, and Rana Foroohar lead the Q&A session after Foroohar’s speech. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Julie Thompson
By Special from Bed-Stuy Y
December 29, 2025
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BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Earlier this month, the YMCA of Greater New York hosted a free career forum at its Bedford-Stuyvesant branch, bringing together 150 New York City teens aged 13 to 18 for a day of learning, inspiration and networking with leaders from some of the world’s most recognized companies.
The forum introduced young people to a wide range of career paths, including artificial intelligence, education, entrepreneurship, health care, media and business. Teens participated in panel discussions and interactive conversations with executives and professionals from organizations such as Google, the NFL, NBCUniversal Media, Con Edison, Christian Dior, Moody’s, Louis Vuitton Americas, Mount Sinai and more.
Global Business Columnist and Associate Editor at the Financial Times Rana Foroohar gave keynote remarks. Following the keynote, teens attended smaller panel sessions and networking opportunities where they were able to ask questions, hear firsthand career stories and connect directly with industry experts.
By convening youth and professionals from diverse industries under one roof, the YMCA of Greater New York reinforced its commitment to empowering young New Yorkers and preparing them to start building their future — connecting them to possibilities and giving them exposure to careers they may not otherwise encounter.
About the YMCA of Greater New York
For more than 170 years, the YMCA of Greater New York has been where New Yorkers find their purpose, their people and their place.
As New York City’s leading nonprofit advancing individual and community health and well-being for all, the Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by providing access and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. The Y provides a place to play, to be healthy and to give back. It gives parents childcare, young adults job training, seniors a way to connect, and children a safe place to go.
By bringing people together from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y improves overall health and well-being, ignites youth empowerment and connects and supports diverse communities across New York City.
Follow the Y on Facebook, X and Instagram at @ymcanyc.
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