South Miami Chapter Teens Attend Jack and Jill of America’s 70th Southeastern Region Teen Leadership Conference

Teen members of the South Miami Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated proudly represented their chapter at the 70th Southeastern Region Teen Leadership Conference, held June 17–23 in Hollywood, Florida.

The conference welcomed more than 1,200 teens from 51 chapters throughout the Southeastern Region under the theme, “Black to the Future.” The annual gathering brought together teen leaders for a week of leadership development, cultural enrichment, career exploration, college readiness, civic engagement and regional fellowship.

Representing the South Miami Chapter, 2025–2027 Chapter Teen President Dallas Garrett Modkins served as the chapter delegate, while 2025–2027 Chapter Teen Vice President Evans Branch IV served as the alternate delegate. Branch was recognized as a finalist for Outstanding Male Athlete, Division I, finishing third in the region.

Harper Day Modkins, the chapter’s 2026–2027 Corresponding and Recording Secretary, was also a standout participant. She was a candidate for selection to the Regional Nominating Committee and was recognized in the visual arts category for her self-portrait.

Other South Miami Chapter teen members in attendance included Aiden Goodlett, Joshua Hoffler, and Kaiden Williams.

Throughout the conference, teens participated in plenary sessions, leadership programming and interactive workshops designed to prepare them for future success. Career-focused workshops covered finance, medical fields, sports management, media and journalism, business and entrepreneurship, visual and performing arts, education and nonprofit leadership, legislative and legal careers, and STEM.

The workshops were facilitated by leading professionals across multiple industries, including WSVN Channel 7’s Reporter Donovan Campbell and Orange Blossom Classic Executive Director Kendra Bullock-Major, who helped provide students with real-world insight and inspiration.

In addition to the leadership and career sessions, teens attended an HBCU college fair, participated in CPR training, prepared mental health kits and engaged in other activities focused on wellness, preparation and personal development. The conference kicked off with an island styled Luau with WEDR 99Jam’s DJ Nasty hosting the night with a special guest Rapper YKNiece.  The members also attended a high energy step show and a talent showcase hosted by HOT 105’s Shelby Rushin and Big Lip, giving teens an opportunity to celebrate creativity, culture and performance.

A highlight of the conference was the Senior Gala, hosted by NBC 6 evening anchor Jawan Strader. The keynote address was delivered by Keisha Lance Bottoms, former mayor of Atlanta and Democratic nominee for governor of Georgia. Her message encouraged teens to lead with purpose, use their voices and remain committed to excellence, service and legacy.

The Leadership Luncheon keynote address was brought by Monique Rodriguez, Founder of Mielle Organics.  Rodriquez encouraged the attendees to keep going and to be mindful of what they listen to and watched.  She left the luncheon leading the teens with a Jack & Jill rendition set to Yung Miami’s latest hit record, Spend Dat.

The conference ended by recognizing the graduating teens, who introduced them self to an audience of 3,000 gala attendees along with their anticipated colleges and universities for the fall. Many of the graduates announced plans to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Howard University, North Carolina A&T State University, Hampton University, Spelman College and others.

For the South Miami Chapter, the 70th Southeastern Region Teen Leadership Conference was a proud moment of representation, achievement and growth. The chapter’s teen members returned home inspired by the experience, strengthened by regional fellowship and motivated to continue leading within their chapter, schools and communities.