WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA, UNITED STATES, June 28, 2026 — Syd Stewart, founder and CEO of Los Angeles-based nonprofit Better Youth, delivered a powerful spoken-word presentation at TEDxBeverlyGrove 2026, challenging audiences to rethink how society supports young people affected by difficult circumstances.
Held on March 14, 2026, at the Marilyn Monroe Theatre in West Hollywood, Stewart’s talk, titled “Shift Happens,” explored the idea that young people often labeled as struggling or overlooked may not lack ability — they may lack access, opportunity, and meaningful support.
Rather than presenting a traditional policy discussion, Stewart shared her perspective built from years of working directly with foster and system-impacted youth. Her message focused on changing the way communities view young people and creating environments where their strengths and ambitions can develop.
“They are not broken. The system is,” Stewart shared during her TEDxBeverlyGrove appearance, emphasizing that many young people need connection, encouragement, and opportunities rather than assumptions based on their past experiences.
Stewart explained that impactful mentorship goes beyond short-term motivation. It requires consistent support, trust, and guidance that allows young people to recognize their own potential and build confidence.
Through Better Youth, Stewart has spent years developing programs designed to support creative growth, career preparation, and professional skills among young people ages 16 to 24. The nonprofit has reached more than 12,000 foster and system-impacted youth since its launch in 2008 through media arts education, mentoring, and workforce development initiatives.
The organization’s programs include AIM-N-Inspire, a media arts pre-apprenticeship program; Real to Reel Global, an international youth film festival; and a Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship pathway focused on game design.
Stewart’s TEDx talk is expected to become available online as part of the TEDxBeverlyGrove 2026 speaker series.
About Syd Stewart
Syd Stewart is the founder and CEO of Better Youth, a Los Angeles nonprofit focused on helping foster and system-impacted youth build creative confidence, develop professional skills, and access opportunities within the creative economy. Stewart’s background includes work as an educator with GirlUp through the United Nations Foundation, leadership roles with Usher’s New Look Foundation, and experience as a television writer and filmmaker.
About TEDxBeverlyGrove 2026
TEDxBeverlyGrove 2026, themed “Reimagining the Possible,” brought together speakers, community leaders, and innovators on March 14, 2026, in West Hollywood, California. The independently organized TEDx event featured discussions focused on ideas, creativity, and social impact.
About TED and TEDx
TED is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing ideas across areas including technology, education, science, business, arts, and global issues. TEDx events are independently organized gatherings that bring communities together through talks and discussions inspired by the TED mission of spreading meaningful ideas.
