There can be no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has cast light on significant issues impacting our children today. Headlines are rife with the warning signs of a generation in crisis; mental health, academic gaps and substance abuse overdoses have ravaged communities across the U.S. The tumult of the adolescent world, augmented by these crises has heeded a call to action to protect our kids, not seen in decades. As an educator, I have seen the impacts, endured the challenges and taken a direct interest in this call to action. Mission Z, “Empowering Change” will be an advocate for our struggling youth. We want to give voice and relevance to the students, families and educators in our communities to foster connections, facilitate meaningful conversations with professionals in the field to ensure collaboration for real action and real solutions. What can these conversations, connections and collaborations yield? Mission Z “Empowering Change” will delve into the heart of these issues, bring all stakeholders to the table, and give a powerful voice to the future, our children.