Local NC Woman, Lucie Matsouaka, Creates Conference To Boost Youth Leadership

RALEIGH, NC—On September 28th, the non-profit organization Telemah is hosting an annual conference on the theme “The Dangers of Success Without Principles.” The founder of Telemah and the host of this conference is Lucie Matsouaka, a youth leadership trainer with a background in career coaching and a focus on human rights.

With career coaching, Matsouaka teaches young people to do job interviews, helps them write resumes, and teaches children how to sustain a job. She works with the UniSCOPE branch of the United Nations and brings coaching to many young people around the world, whether in person or online. With her background, she eventually created Telemah, which means to “stand up” in the Lingala language. 

The annual conference brings young adults face-to-face with leaders of their communities. When Matsouaka was asked why this conference is important and particularly important to the Black community of Raleigh, she answered, “I believe we don’t take the time to talk about the principles when we talk about leadership.” She continued, “When we talk about leadership and teach leadership or self-leadership in general, we talk about the things we can do and how to act. We’re not focusing on the principals; I believe the principals are the foundation.”

Her goal, particularly with this conference, is to show young Black people leadership with principles and morals. Each individual’s background will differ from that of another, as one individual will have more disadvantages than another. Even with disadvantages, there is misinformation surrounding these issues. “If we give them the correct information, they won’t have to go through the same storms other kids go through.”

Society teaches Black kids that they are born different and something is missing, when in fact, we are all equal.” According to Matsouaka, it’s how the kids grow up in an environment that is key. If a child is taught to value education and deems it important, they will have that mindset in the future.

Surrounded by an environment that does not value education, the child will not value it either. Her programs help young African American children see what is and isn’t essential – shifting their focus for the better and helping them.

The Telemah conference is being held on September 28th in Morrisville, NC. The choice for the location is that Morrisville is the center of the Triangle area. Parents are encouraged to bring their children here as what they can learn is beneficial for them now and in the future. It’s better to start early in regards to teaching children principles.

In the Telemah Youth Leadership conference, a child or their parents might hear something they never have. Matsouaka notes that, at times, children, particularly teenagers, will not listen to their parents. Matsouaka herself and this conference are third parties for these young people. They serve as an outside party influence and can be the voice of guidance for said young individuals. 

The Telemah conference teaches how mistakes can hinder one’s success and others around them. Tips and warning signs are given to make the children reflect. This reflection regarding success in their lives makes them realize, “If I want to be successful, it’s up to me.” This realization is vital to the Telemach organization. For someone to take ownership and control over themselves and their success. Hearing this information and having this reflection early on is better than learning later. 

The Telemah Youth Leadership conference has leaders that young people can see themselves as and see different walks of life come together. This space is where concerns or fears can be openly discussed and understood. It encourages young people between 15-22 to come and learn something for themselves. As Lucie Matsouaka states, “Giving access to great leaders that they’re looking for, they have the answers to their questions.” 

More information can be found here.