From attending the Institute to mentoring others, Hector shows what youth leadership really looks like.

From Spark to Sparkle – How Hector Found SafeBAE

It started with a conference. Hector, a student leader already engaged in making change at school, was at the Spark LEAD Conference in D.C.—a space where youth from across the globe gather to exchange ideas that make their schools safer, stronger, and more inclusive. But there was one workshop in particular that caught his eye: “Preventing Sexual Violence in Schools.”

“Nobody really talks about sexual violence in school,” Hector remembers. “It’s such a taboo issue.” That silence made SafeBAE’s presence all the more powerful.

He walked into the room. The lights dimmed. The trailer for Audrie & Daisy played—and Hector felt something click.

“That really stuck with me,” he said. The workshop went on to explain what SafeBAE was all about, how students could get involved, and how the Summer Activist Institute trains teens to lead the charge in their own schools. By the time the session ended, Hector wasn’t just inspired—he was ready.

He applied. He interviewed (shoutout to Alim and Theo). He was accepted. And soon after, he was on his way to the Summer Activist Institute.

The Moment That Stuck — Rethinking Sex Ed

Hector didn’t expect to walk away from the Summer Activist Institute with so many memories, but one stood out above the rest: Michelle’s sex ed presentation.

“It was really comprehensive and really not awkward,” he shared. That might sound simple, but if you’ve ever sat through a painfully outdated or uncomfortable health class, you know how rare that is. “Most of the teachers I’ve had who taught sex ed were pretty awkward and really didn’t want to talk about it.”

But at SafeBAE, it was different. There was no shame. No skipping the hard parts. No brushing things under the rug.

Instead, Hector was met with real, honest, and respectful conversations about sex, consent, boundaries, and communication—led by someone who clearly cared. “Sexual education should not be awkward,” he said. “It should be really comprehensive. And the people teaching it should be comfortable talking about it.”

It was a moment that redefined what sex ed could look like—and it lit a fire in Hector that he carried back home.

From Student to Leader – Where Hector Is Now

These days, Hector isn’t just a SafeBAE alum—he’s one of the people making the movement happen.

“I actually have two roles at SafeBAE,” he says with a smile. “I’m a Youth Programming Manager and a Chapter Lead.” That means he’s not only running his own school club, he’s mentoring other student leaders across the country—supporting them as they start SafeBAE chapters, launch peer education efforts, and bring sexual violence prevention into their communities.

He travels all over New York City, speaking at schools and inviting other teens to join the Peer Educator Training. And when he talks, students listen. “I think they really hear me because I’m like them. I’m their age.”

It’s that peer-to-peer model that makes SafeBAE’s work so effective—and Hector is living proof. “I’ve had students DM me after a talk to say, ‘You’re the reason I started a club,’ or ‘I showed my friend what you posted and now we’re getting involved.’” Those ripple effects—those small, quiet moments of impact—are what keep Hector going.

Because when young people see someone like them leading the way, it makes it easier to imagine that they can do it too.

Why You Should Apply to the Summer Activist Institute

If Hector could say one thing to someone thinking about applying to the Summer Activist Institute, it’s this:
“Just do it.”

It’s more than a four-day program. It’s a launchpad for youth who care deeply about making change—and who want the skills, support, and community to actually do it.

“You’re surrounded by people who want to see you succeed,” Hector says. “Everyone there is passionate about preventing sexual violence. You’re not alone in this work.”

The Institute gives students everything they need to start a SafeBAE club, lead workshops, and become real advocates in their schools. But it also gives them something that sticks—like friendships that last beyond the summer, and a sense of purpose they carry into everything they do.

“I’m still friends with people I met at the Institute,” Hector says. “It’s fun. It’s meaningful. And honestly? It looks great on college apps, too.”

For any adult reading—whether you’re a teacher, parent, or advocate—this is the opportunity your students have been waiting for. If you know a teen who’s ready to lead, tell them about the Summer Activist Institute. Help them apply. Support their passion.

🌟 Applications for the 2025 Summer Activist Institute are open now.
Visit safebae.org/summer-institute to apply, nominate a student, or donate to help fund travel scholarships. Let’s keep building a generation of changemakers.