Meet Alex Ricardo, DuCAP’s Glendale Heights Teen Leadership Group Leader. For nearly two years, he has stepped up to lead, connect with his community, and show what youth leadership truly looks like.

We often hear people say, “Teens don’t step up like they used to.” Or maybe the better question is: When did showing up turn into scrolling? For many of us, growing up meant knocking on doors, fundraising face-to-face, setting up lemonade stands, or hosting car washes to raise money and awareness. Being actively involved in our communities was hands-on. Leadership wasn’t something you were told you had, it was something you practiced. Today, youth engagement looks very differ