Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnathan Lewis
Hi Johnathan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
YNT started as an idea among a group of close friends—freshman students at UT Austin—who saw a need for more safe, inclusive, and engaging entertainment opportunities in the community. Recognizing the power of young voices to shape their environment, we decided to take action.
Led by Johnathan Lewis (President), along with Gavin Wright (CFO), Kailey Cartwright (COO), Bryan Kamga (Event Strategist), Ikenna Nwosu (Community Engagement Chair), Zeriah Kincaid (CMO), Nahom Zemed (Media Strategist), and Skylar Jones and Zachary Stell (Co-Social Media Managers), we combined our unique skills and passions to create something impactful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is being underestimated. As a group of freshmen, a lot of people doubted whether we could successfully launch and run an organization like YNT. Some questioned our ability to manage logistics, build a community, and create meaningful events.
But rather than letting that discourage us, we used it as motivation. We knew that if we stayed committed to our vision and worked together, we could prove the doubters wrong. Every challenge has been an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. We’ve built YNT from the ground up, balancing school, responsibilities, and our passion for creating safe and inclusive entertainment for the Austin community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At YNT (Young Navigators of Tomorrow), our biggest impact comes from the events we organize—bringing students together in a fun, safe, and inclusive way. We take pride in creating unique, high-energy experiences that go beyond typical campus entertainment.
Two of our most successful events so far have been:
🎉 Meet the Bachelors – A fun, interactive social event where students got the chance to engage with and get to know each other in an exciting and dynamic setting. It was a great way to break the ice, form connections, and create lasting memories.
🎈 Pop The Balloon – A fast-paced, energetic event that turned simple fun into an unforgettable experience. The excitement and engagement from participants made it a standout moment for us, proving that creative ideas can bring people together in unexpected ways.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If there’s one thing we’ve learned through building YNT, it’s that age and experience don’t define your potential—your passion and determination do. When we started, people underestimated us. But we didn’t let that stop us. We believed in our vision, put in the work, and turned our ideas into reality.
To anyone out there with a dream—go for it. Whether it’s starting an organization, launching an event, or simply stepping outside your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to take the first step. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and most importantly, believe in yourself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ynt_productions/
