Thought Piece: Researcher Reflections on Belonging, Voice, and the Power of Youth with Dr.Marilee Coles-Ritchie

By: Dr.Marilee Coles-Ritchie

I was invited to join this project by a former student, Bailey Wymes-Rivera, who had been part of my Immigration and Education learning community at Westminster University. Watching her grow into a thoughtful community leader and researcher has been incredibly rewarding—and I was honored that she invited me to help shape this work. This project speaks directly to the heart of what I’ve been doing for years: listening to youth—especially those whose voices are often overlooked—and making sure their experiences shape how we imagine schools and communities. I’ve spent my career working alongside in-service educators and aspiring educators to build learning spaces where everyone feels not just included, but truly seen, heard, and valued.

“This project speaks directly to the heart of what I’ve been doing for years: listening to youth—especially those whose voices are often overlooked—and making sure their experiences shape how we imagine schools and communities.”

This research also connects deeply with my passion for supporting Multilingual Learners and fostering inclusive, culturally sustaining classrooms. It’s grounded in the powerful framework of belonging articulated by john a. powell—not as simply fitting in, but as co-creating spaces where everyone has the agency to shape the whole. Being part of this community-engaged project that focuses directly on what youth are saying about their lived experiences, future desires, and insights about belonging is transformational. Highlighting their voices can lead to more just and humanizing policies and practices in schools, community centers, and after-school programs. 

Read the full What Does it Mean to Belong?: Listening to Youth Voices report and the 5 Data-Driven Suggestions for Education Sites one-pager here.