2026 Youth Service Leadership Summit, presented by Suncoast Credit Union

REGISTER HERE (or scroll down)

The Ryan Nece Foundation and Community Tampa Bay invite you to join us Friday, February 13, 2026, at Feeding Tampa Bay’s Causeway Center for our 6th annual Youth Service Leadership Summit, presented by Suncoast Credit Union. This event is open to all high school teens aged 14 to 18 years old. February 13th is a Non-Student Day for most Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco County public school students. Please note: For any students where February 13th is a student day, please seek out permissions from your school (you can involve us in that process) to be involved.

The mission of our Youth Service Leadership Summit, presented by Suncoast Credit Union, is to help build, shape, and mentor the next generation of servant leaders in our community, by engaging high school students in a morning of community service, followed with an afternoon of leadership education with talented speakers. Our hope is students will discover the power of heart!

Overview of Day

Between 7:45 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. – Service Projects Start (learn more here)
By 11:30 a.m. – Leave Service Project for Feeding Tampa Bay
12:00 p.m. – Lunch
12:15 p.m. – Welcome Remarks
12:30 p.m. – Opening Activity, Service-Learning Discussion, Ice Breaker
1:00 p.m. – Keynote on Discovering the Power of Heart with Glimmer of Hope
1:30 p.m. – Begin Breakout Sessions (25-minute rotating sessions)
3:20 p.m. – Closing Activities with Ryan Nece Foundation and Community Tampa Bay
4:00 p.m. – Dismissal

About The Keynote: Discovering the Power of Heart

Join Ali Hornung, founder of the Glimmer of Hope Foundation and former Miss Rhode Island 2024, alongside Reilly Cardella, Programs Manager and professional entertainer, for an inspiring keynote that reveals how love, loss, and unwavering commitment can transform tragedy into triumph. This keynote explores the transformative power of compassion, the courage it takes to turn grief into action, and how each of us can use our own “glimmers of hope” to make an extraordinary impact. Prepare to be moved, motivated, and reminded that the greatest force for change in this world is the human heart.

Meet Your Keynotes

Alison Hornung

Alison Hornung, 25, is a passionate childhood cancer advocate and the former Miss Rhode Island 2024. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, she holds degrees in Global Business Management, German, and Human Development & Family Sciences. Her advocacy began at age 12, inspired by her honorary “little sister” Ella, who courageously battled leukemia for three years. Ella’s strength continues to drive Alison’s mission to bring comfort, hope, and tangible support to children and families facing cancer.

As the founder of the Glimmer of Hope Foundation, Alison has raised nearly $1 million to support childhood cancer awareness and holistic health initiatives. Her work has led her from local communities to national platforms, including speaking before Congress and serving on a panel at the White House. Through Glimmer of Hope, she provides bald dolls to children undergoing treatment, empowers families with programming and resources, and champions legislation to fund pediatric cancer research. Alison’s efforts have made her a nationally recognized voice for change, and a tireless advocate for families navigating the unimaginable.

Reilly Cardella

Reilly Cardella, 27, is a passionate childhood cancer advocate whose mission was born from personal loss. She was just 13 when her best friend, Kassie, passed away from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a life-changing moment that continues to guide her purpose.

Based in Orlando, Reilly is a professional live entertainer specializing in theme park entertainment. She is a professional singer, actor, character performer and stilt walker at Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios Orlando. Outside of performing, Reilly proudly serves as the Programs Manager for the Glimmer of Hope Foundation. Before working for Glimmer of Hope, Reilly founded her own 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Love for Ladybug, where she donated over $9,000 worth of brand new toys to children’s hospitals throughout Central Florida. Reilly’s passion for pediatric cancer philanthropy has fueled a powerful friendship and a successful work relationship dynamic with Ali in the fight against pediatric cancer.

Overview of the Breakout Sessions

Session Overview: 8 Steps To Financial Success with Suncoast Credit Union

Take control of your financial future with this practical workshop from our Suncoast Credit Union. Learn eight proven strategies to build financial stability and reach your goals. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to strengthen your money management skills, this session provides actionable steps to make informed choices that align with your priorities. Remember” Financial success isn’t determined by how much you earn, but by the choices you make with what you have.

 Session Overview: Social Cause Discussion with Community Tampa Bay

What moves you to action? What issue keeps you up at night? At this interactive session, your voice matters. When you register for the Summit, you are asked to share a social cause that ignites your passion. Now it’s time to connect with fellow students who share your fire for change. In this session, Community Tampa Bay will facilitate dynamic discussions where you’ll dive deep into the causes you care about most. Explore why these issues matter, share stories that fuel your commitment, discuss barriers to progress, and more. You’ll leave this breakout with new perspectives, potential collaborators, and concrete ideas for making an impact in your community.

Session Overview: The Heart of the Matter with Ryan Nece Foundation

This powerful panel discussion will explore the critical connection between heart health awareness and the lifesaving impact of organ donation. Moderated by Veronica Paul, the Senior Manager of Entertainment for the College Park Skyhawks, this interactive session will explore heart health prevention, the realities of living with cardiovascular disease, the transplant process, and how each of us can become advocates for heart health and organ donation. Featured on the panel is Kina Lucombe, MSN, RN, CCM, Founder and Executive Director of Hearts of Valor Inc., who brings over 25 years of nursing expertise focused on cardiovascular health education, particularly for women and underserved populations; Daniel Rigsby, heart transplant recipient and retired Indiana State Police officer, who will share his profound journey from a life-threatening heart condition to receiving the ultimate gift (a new heart) after six months on the transplant list; and London Hunter, Public Affairs Coordinator specializing in Youth Education at LifeLink® Foundation, who will provide insight into how organ donation transforms and saves lives across our community. Whether you’re learning CPR, making healthy lifestyle choices, or registering as an organ donor, you have the power to save a life, because sometimes the most heroic thing we can do is give someone a second chance to live.