Igniting the spirit of celebration, the resounding beats of the West African djembe drummers set the rhythm for the 17 graduates as they processed into the Isles Youth Institute (IYI) graduation. After varied and unsuccessful attempts to succeed within the traditional school system, these students had persevered to earn their high school diploma, launching them on the path for a brighter future. Adding to the chorus of accomplishments, 12 students proudly claimed construction certifications, while four attained CNA (Certified Nurse Aide) qualifications. 

The event pulsated with a resounding theme: the power of collective effort in propelling the graduates to new heights and inspiring them to make indelible impacts in their communities. Keynote speaker and Isles Board Member Austin Edwards emphasized that "Whatever you choose to do, whether it's art, whether it's construction, whether it's engineering, follow your passions and follow your dreams, but never forget about the reason that you're here. Never forget about the people who got you here, and never forget about all the experiences that got you here."

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made the Isles 2023 Forum an extraordinary and impactful event! Over the course of three engaging and thoughtful days, we explored the central role Justice plays – whether it be social, economic, or environmental – in shaping effective and meaningful community development. 

With hundreds of enthusiastic participants, the sessions delved into a range of pressing issues on topics as diverse as mitigating the effects of urban heat islands, promoting building electrification, sponsoring community public safety initiatives, and examining the after-effects of marijuana legalization. The breadth and depth of these sessions fostered an environment of collaborative problem-solving and innovative thinking.