Youth-Led Mapping for Good: Reflections from ESRI UC 2025

Attending the ESRI User Conference (UC) 2025 in San Diego was nothing short of an

unforgettable experience. It was my first time representing YouthMappers on such a grand stage, and having the opportunity to present during the GIS for Good session on the theme “Youth-Led, Community-Focused: The Power of YouthMappers in Local and Global Resilience” was both humbling and empowering.

From the moment I stepped into the convention center, I could feel the energy buzzing through the halls. Thousands of GIS enthusiasts, experts, and change-makers from all over the world gathered under one roof to share how geography and geospatial technologies are shaping our future. But for me, this year was extra special because it wasn’t just about the technology, it was about telling our story.

During my session, I had the chance to highlight the incredible work YouthMappers chapters are doing across the globe. From mapping vulnerable communities exposed to extreme heat to improving disaster preparedness through open geospatial data, our projects show what’s possible when young people are given the tools, training, and trust to lead. I shared how our community-driven approach allows us to co-create solutions with local stakeholders, ensuring the data we collect actually translates into impact.

One of my favorite moments was seeing how the audience connected with the stories of resilience led by youth. Many people came up to me afterward, expressing how inspired they were by the idea that students and young professionals can make a difference not just in their local communities, but on a global scale. It reminded me why I became part of YouthMappers in the first place, to use mapping as a force for good and to empower others to do the same.

Beyond my session, ESRI UC 2025 was packed with learning opportunities. From the opening plenary to the tech deep dives, I left with new ideas on how GIS can be used to tackle pressing global challenges. But more importantly, I left feeling connected to a larger movement of geospatial innovators and enthusiasts who believe in the power of collaboration, and data-driven approaches for human development.

Representing YouthMappers on this platform was more than a professional milestone; rather, it was a celebration of what we’ve accomplished together as a global network. It was a chance to show that youth-led initiatives are not just the future of geospatial science; they are driving resilience and solutions today.

As I flew back home, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the YouthMappers Steering Committee Members, faculty advisors/mentors, peers, and countless mappers who make this work possible, and for the opportunity to share our journey with the world. If there’s one thing this experience reinforced for me, it’s this: when young people are empowered with the right tools and community support, we won't just build maps, but raise leaders who use geospatial knowledge, data, and skills to make a difference.

Special thanks to Dr. Michael Gould of Esri, Dr. Patricia Solis, and Ms. Juliette Dixon for their incredible support in making this opportunity possible.