Palm Beach County, FL – May 2026 — Approximately 100 Palm Beach County middle and high school students gathered for the “Next-Gen Leadership Summit: Lead With Integrity” at Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, FL, on April 25th. The Next-Gen Leadership Summit was a dynamic, one-day experience designed to introduce young people to real-world careers, leadership development, and a variety of professional pathways.

The summit was chaired by 15th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Cymonie S. Rowe, alongside a dedicated planning committee committed to expanding access, opportunity, and mentorship for local youth. Students in attendance represented schools from across the county, including Palm Beach Lakes High School Law Academy and Carver Middle School.

Saint Andrew’s School Head of School, Ethan Shapiro, enthusiastically welcomed the students to campus and provided additional resources to ensure the summit’s success.  Throughout the day, students engaged with professionals from the legal, government, business, and sports sectors.  The attendees participated in career panels, interactive networking sessions, and discussions that provided real insight into professional journeys and leadership in action.

“The goal of this summit is to expose students to leadership in action, encourage meaningful questions, and help the students understand the skills, discipline, and integrity required to succeed at whatever career they may choose,” said Judge Cymonie S. Rowe.

The students’ energy and engagement underscored the success of the day’s programming, as they actively explored career paths, educational opportunities, and the value of community involvement. One highlight for adult attendees was the speed networking session, where students met one-on-one with professionals to gain insight into their chosen fields.

In addition to the student-focused programming, the summit also featured a Parent Lounge session led by Tequisha Myles, Esq., Supervising Attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County and a member of the SDCBWLA.  Tequisha provided parents with practical guidance on estate planning, housing rights, and consumer protection. This component further reinforced the summit’s commitment to strengthening not only students, but entire families and communities.

The summit was made possible through the support of committed sponsors and community partners who invested in building the next generation of leaders.

Supporting organizations included: the Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association, Law Office of Andrea Reid, Osborne Francis & Pettis, Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Craig S. Barnard Inn of Court, Gunster, Will & Cheryl Harman, Cymplea Justice Foundation, Emily Lagerquist, and the Poveda Law Firm.

The host committee extends its sincere appreciation to the guests who gave their time on a Saturday to support the summit and encourage student participants. Panelists and presenters included: Honorable Joseph Abruzzo, Aarib Bass, Esq., Dr. Angela Bess, Judge Michael Barnett, Amy Borman, Esq., Rebecca Brock, Esq., Judge Maxine Cheesman, Judge Reginald Corlew, Judge G. Joseph Curley, Josh Dubin, Tammy Fields, Deputy Sheriff Charles Francis, Nicole Gasparri, Judge Jaimie Goodman, Dora Haque, Esq., Judge Bradley Harper, Nicholas Johnson, Esq., Daniel Levine, Amanda McCabe, Esq., Mike Rumph, Antony Ryan, Esq., Pamala Ryan, Esq., Remedy Ryan, Esq., Judge Lisa Small, Dwight Stephenson, Judge Debra Stephens, Billy Thompson, Sean Thompson, Kemar Thomas, Esq., Schnelle Tonge, Esq., Jonathan Polynice Vilma, Jerry Williams, Esq., General Magistrate Maxine Williams, Patti Woods, Shawn Woods.

Members of the committee included: Rev. Benjamin Anthony, Ph.D., Michelle Azar, Esq., Emily Lagerquist, Camila Leon-Barr, Tequisha Myles, Esq., Miguel Poveda, Esq., Melva Rozier, Esq., Thaysha Stephen, Nicole Tropeano, J. Samantha Vacciana, Esq.

The Next-Gen Leadership Summit stands as a powerful example of collaboration among the courts, legal community, and community partners, all working together to prepare Palm Beach County students for future success. Plans are in the works for the 2027 Next-Gen Leadership Summit.

Link to photos can be found here and Facebook photos here.  All photos by Supreme Melvin.