“Resilience Is the Name of the Game”: Empowering Takeaways from the Teen Vogue Summit
Featuring Key Speakers Law Roach, Jordan Chiles, Kristen Noel Crawley, and Laufey
By Natalie McCarty
Teen Vogue kicked off its 2024 Summit in Los Angeles on Saturday, November 23rd, celebrating 21 years of shaping culture, amplifying voices, and empowering young changemakers.
The event brought together a vibrant mix of creativity, activism, and industry leadership, showcasing the trailblazers redefining what it means to lead and inspire.
With an electrifying lineup of speakers and panelists, including stylist Law Roach, Olympian Jordan Chiles, KNC Beauty founder Kristen Noel Crawley, and musician Laufey, attendees left armed with fresh wisdom and actionable advice from some of the most influential voices in today’s industries.
Image Courtesy of Teen Vogue
Teen Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Versha Sharma set the tone with a powerful opening statement: “Resilience is the name of the game.”
In light of the shifting societal landscapes and the wake of recent election results, Sharma encouraged everyone to meet uncertainty with courage and resilience, reminding the crowd that facing challenges head-on is what fosters growth and change.
Image Courtesy of Phillip Farone/Getty Images
Law Roach: On Fashion as Activism and Personal Purpose
Renowned stylist Law Roach kicked off the day with a moving discussion on the transformative power of fashion. As a mogul and pioneer in the industry, Roach has set the bar for creative excellence. His influence has reshaped the fashion world, making him an undeniable force–and what I consider to be the standard–in styling and pop culture.
Despite a disruption during his panel by the anti-fur group Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade, who were protesting Teen Vogue’s parent company, Roach handled the situation with grace and professionalism. Senior Fashion Editor Tchesmeni Leonard quickly clarified that Teen Vogue has taken a firm anti-fur and cruelty-free stance, ensuring the audience knew the magazine’s position on the issue.
Instead of walking off, Roach, ever the pro, pivoted seamlessly, choosing to spend his allotted panel time engaging with the crowd.
He passionately emphasized the role of fashion as a vehicle for political expression. “Fashion has the ability to make political statements,” he shared. “We should use fashion to express ourselves, what we agree with, and what we disagree with—what’s happening in politics. Our voices make a difference.” Roach reflected on how fashion’s bold statements have helped shift cultural perceptions, including the ongoing fight for the acceptance of Black hair in schools and workplaces.
He closed his talk with a piece of wisdom that resonated with everyone in the room: “It’s about believing what’s for you is for you.” A simple mantra, yet profoundly inspiring—offering a sense of hope not just for those navigating their careers, but for anyone grappling with life's challenges. Law reminds listeners to trust the process, embrace what’s meant for you, and keep pushing forward with unwavering faith.
Jordan Chiles: Turning Pressure Into Power
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles took the stage with a raw and motivational message about embracing pressure and overcoming expectations.
“There is a lot of pressure, but I take my pressure and turn it into something great,” Chiles shared. “I use every negative comment—everything that’s thrown at me. And I use it to continue on my task, my journey. People will always expect you to do something, but when I look at those people, I ask them, ‘Why do you expect something out of me when I’m the one doing it?’”
Her words powerfully underscored the importance of reclaiming ownership of your narrative. Using that external pressure as fuel for personal growth, and not letting others define your path, Chiles’ unapologetic stance is a reminder that success is shaped by how you handle the obstacles and expectations thrown your way.
And what’s next for Chiles? She thinks it might just be real estate. It’s clear that this multi-talented powerhouse is just getting started.
Kristen Noel Crawley: Building Financial Empowerment
Kristen Noel Crawley, beauty mogul and entrepreneur, delivered an intimate and empowering masterclass on financial literacy, highlighting the vital importance of financial independence and security.
From passive income strategies to savvy investment advice, Crawley stressed the necessity of taking control of your financial future. She shared that while life’s uncertainties—whether breakups or career pivots—are inevitable, “There’s just something about having security in your bank account.”
Her overall message was that financial empowerment is just as essential to self-care as any skincare routine or self-love mantra (though she wholeheartedly believes in the power of manifestation).
Crawley’s talk reminded us that investing in your financial well-being is a form of self-love that supports long-term stability and personal growth.
Laufey: The Age of the Songwriter
Up-and-coming musician Laufey captivated the audience with her refreshing perspective on the music industry. As a breakout artist, she declared that we are officially living in “the age of the songwriter.”
Building her own sound and space into the popular music genre, Laufey shared her personal journey from a girl in a smalltown of Iceland to an international pop star as a testament to the power of dreams. Admitting that she is “walking, talking proof that even your silliest dreams can come true,” her passion for music and authenticity resonated with everyone in the room.
In a candid moment, Laufey expressed her admiration for fellow musicians (and friends) like Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Beabadoobee, Faye Webster, and The Marías, singing their praises as fellow women in the industry.
Inspiring young artists to trust their craft and keep pushing forward, Laufey closed out saying “I think it’s the best time to be a songwriter right now… [especially] in the age of the female songwriter.”
A Summit That Inspires the Next Generation
The Teen Vogue Summit was more than just a day of panels, speeches, and musical performances—it was a powerful call to action. Each speaker brought their unique perspective on creativity, resilience, and empowerment, demonstrating that every individual has the ability to spark change, whether through fashion, finances, or unapologetic self-expression.
As Versha Sharma said, resilience truly is the name of the game—and the Teen Vogue Summit showed us exactly how to play it.
