Teen Vogue Summit 2025: Celebrating Authenticity, Resilience, and Representation
By Natalie McCarty
On Saturday, September 20, Teen Vogue hosted its annual Summit in Los Angeles, bringing together today’s most influential cultural icons and change-makers. The full-day experience offered dynamic conversations, hands-on networking, and mentoring opportunities with industry leaders and Teen Vogue editors at The Network Lounge. The energy in the room, as always, was electric and hopeful with a palpable sense of possibility at the Summit. Guests connected with a community rooted in lifting each other up, sparking fresh ideas, and turning passion into action.
This year’s Summit celebrated authenticity, resilience, and the power of representation across identity, career, and creative expression. Panels explored fandom-driven storytelling, bold declarations of identity, and the importance of showing up fully in both personal and professional spaces. Fashion, sustainability, and mindful culture were ever-present: attendees and panelists alike showcased pre-loved pieces (thanks to eBay), vegan eats, and thoughtful styling, reinforcing that authenticity and our values extend to every choice we make.
Image Credit: Getty Images for Teen Vogue
Fandom Fueled, Character Driven: Reimagining Representation
The "Fandom Fueled, Character Driven" panel brought together actors Marissa Bode (Wicked), Iñaki Godoy (One Piece), Nikki Rodriguez (My Life With the Walter Boys), Leah Sava’ Jeffries (Percy Jackson and the Olympians), and Joy Sunday (Wednesday), moderated by Teen Vogue Culture Editor Kaitlyn McNab. The conversation highlighted the responsibility and privilege of embodying beloved characters, while also serving as a mirror for audiences craving representation.
Leah Sava’ Jeffries reflected on her experience as the first Black Annabeth Chase: "Representation isn’t just about seeing someone like you onscreen; it’s about imagining what’s possible for yourself." Iñaki Godoy shared how fan engagement fuels his performance, noting that he even learned Japanese to connect with international fans: "Their passion fuels my performance."
Marissa Bode spoke to staying grounded amid rising fame: "It's easy to get lost in the noise, but I remind myself why I started." Nikki Rodriguez emphasized focusing on support rather than criticism: "I try to focus on the love and support. The rest is just noise." Joy Sunday added, "At the end of the day, it's about the work."
Audience reactions underscored the impact of the panel. Afterward, attendees could be heard discussing how seen and represented they felt, which was such a crucial reminder–especially in this current climate–that authenticity on stage or screen reverberates beyond the spotlight.
Image Credit: Getty Images for Teen Vogue
Vivian Wilson: Advocacy, Independence, and Bold Vision
Speaking to authenticity, Vivian Wilson, a 21-year-old model and content creator, had her own panel that addressed financial independence, advocacy for transgender rights, and navigating the modeling world on her own terms. Despite assumptions about her family background, Wilson emphasized she has been financially independent since coming out as transgender in 2020. “I don't have that inheritance,” she said, highlighting her commitment to supporting herself through modeling and content creation.
She challenged harmful stereotypes about transgender individuals: "I'm not going to shoot anybody, I'm a model." Wilson also underscored the critical importance of access and visibility, stating, “Transgender affirmative care is life-saving health care.” Her reflections and quips are just so unapologetically Vivian. Carrying a sense of autonomy, when asked what’s next for besides more cover shoots and runway shows, she just teased, “Girl, I have plans.”
Teen Vogue’s News and Politics Editor Lex McMenamin reinforced the message for young attendees: "Follow the brave people, and you’ll end up where you need to be." Wilson’s panel tied beautifully to the broader Summit themes: showing up as yourself, charting unconventional paths, and inspiring others to do the same.
Image Credit: Getty Images for Teen Vogue
Reclaiming Space: Resilience Across Industries
The Summit’s discussions on reclaiming space brought together voices across music, entertainment, and culture, highlighting unconventional career paths and intersectional representation.
Image Credit: Getty Images for Teen Vogue
Country artist Tanner Adell shared her journey as a Black woman in country music. Her 2022 EP Buckle Bunny reclaimed a once-derogatory term, transforming it into a statement of empowerment. Reflecting on her collaboration with Beyoncé on the Grammy-winning album Cowboy Carter, Tanner emphasized collaboration and the power of manifestation. “Showing up and being authentically you… that’s what’s going to get you so much farther,” she said, adding, “No, you have it in your lap right now,” reminding the audience of the importance of claiming their own opportunity.
Image Credit: Getty Images for Teen Vogue
Reflecting on decades in entertainment, fan-favorite Raven-Symoné offered insight on longevity and resilience during a panel with her wife, Miranda Maday, and longtime friend and former Disney child star Alyson Stoner. "The industry we’re in requires a kind of callous to thrive," she noted, adding, "But the more you hate, the more we win." Her words highlighted how criticism can be transformed into fuel and reinforced the Summit’s message of steadfastness and authenticity.
Image Credit: Getty Images for Teen Vogue
KATSEYE, the rising K-pop group, emphasized that diversity isn’t a trend but a necessity. "Anyone can look at us and see herself in us," they said, highlighting the critical role of displaying and protecting their different cultures. There is an integral need for KATSEYE to mirror their audience and see themselves reflected on stage. Their voices tied together the Summit’s intergenerational and cross-cultural themes, bridging fandom, music, and identity advocacy.
Image Credit: Getty Images for Teen Vogue
A Day of Possibility and Action
The Teen Vogue Summit 2025 proved that showing up as your most genuine self — whether through fandom, fashion, career, or advocacy — can create ripples far beyond a single panel or stage. Attendees left buzzing with inspiration, their conversations reflecting how representation, authenticity, and resilience can transform both personal and cultural landscapes.
From sustainable fashion and vegan eats to bold career moves and unapologetic identities, the Summit celebrated mindful choices and the courage to carve one’s own path.
