At GLIDE’s Transitional Age Youth Health and Wellness (TAY) Center, creating space for young people to be seen, heard, and inspired is at the heart of everything we do.
Having opened just three months ago, the TAY Center is open 24/7 to serve youth between the ages of 18-27, who are facing homelessness or housing instability in San Francisco with coordinated care, vital resources, and long-term support. That mission came to life on the afternoon of Friday, April 3rd 2026 with connection, food, and powerful storytelling, as Bay Area artist P-Lo joined us for a youth-led conversation.
As youth arrived, they were welcomed with food from event sponsors, Señor Sisig and Square Pie Guys, as the room quickly filled with energy, conversation, and anticipation. Andres Carlin, Director of the TAY Center and the event’s MC, opened the program by grounding everyone in the purpose of the space: a community where young adults can access support, find belonging, and explore their potential.
Dr. Gina Fromer, GLIDE President and CEO, and Joi Jackson-Morgan, 3rd St Youth Center and Clinic CEO, followed with meaningful inspiration and reflections, reinforcing GLIDE and 3rd St Youth’s commitment to investing in young people and creating opportunities for them to lead. And lead they did.
Before the conversation began, the audience was reminded why P-Lo’s voice carries such weight in the Bay Area and beyond. A rapper, producer, and cultural tastemaker, P-Lo has built a career that extends far beyond music – creating experiences that authentically connect fans, local businesses, and brands.
Born and raised in Pinole, California, he is a foundational figure in the Bay Area music scene, known for blending West Coast sound with deep community roots. As both an artist and producer, he has helped shape the region’s sound, collaborating with major artists like Yo Gotti, Kehlani, and Wiz Khalifa, while also gaining recognition for his own hits like “Same Squad” and “Put Me On Somethin.”
His work reflects a powerful blend of Bay Area authenticity, cross-cultural connection, and an energy rooted in positivity, creativity, and cultural pride.
The heart of the event was a youth-led interview with P-Lo, facilitated by TAY participants Emanuel and Jhakari. Their questions were thoughtful, and deeply relevant for a conversation that went far beyond music.
TAY audience listening to P-LO
P-Lo reflected on his experience growing up in the Bay Area and how that shaped his identity and artistry. He spoke about the influence of local culture, the importance of staying true to himself, and the lessons he learned while navigating the music industry as a young artist.
The conversation didn’t shy away from the harder truths. When asked about challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, P-Lo was candid. He shared that there were times when giving up felt like a real possibility, but what kept him going was consistency, belief in his vision, and the support of his community. Mentorship and relationships, he emphasized, played a critical role in his journey.
For many of the young people in the room, the most powerful moments came from his reflections on being in their exact stage of life. Speaking about his late teens and twenties, P-Lo offered insight into both the uncertainty and opportunity that define that period. His advice to his younger self, and to the audience, was clear: stay focused, take risks, and trust that setbacks are part of the process, not the end of it.
The conversation also made space for joy and connection. From favorite Bay Area artists and memorable collaborations to local food spots and current playlists, there were moments that reminded everyone of the shared culture and pride that ties the community together.
The final portion of the program opened to audience Q&A, where youth had the opportunity to engage directly with P-LO, asking their own questions and sharing their own perspectives. It was a powerful reminder that this wasn’t just an event to listen to, but a space to participate.
Events like this are what make the GLIDE TAY Center so special. They are not just about bringing in influential voices, they are about creating opportunities for young people to lead conversations, ask real questions, and see pathways forward in their own lives.
We are grateful to P-Lo for showing up with authenticity and openness, and to our TAY youth, especially Emanuel and Jhakari for shaping a conversation that reflected the strength, curiosity, and leadership of this community.
