🌿 Meet Nyalah Johnson —

ROCC Climbers Youth Founder

In 2020, at just 7 years old, Nyalah Johnson was deeply moved by the community work led by her Nana, Kae Jae. Inspired to create a space where young people could grow, connect, and lead together, Nyalah began using her voice to advocate for a youth-centered initiative rooted in belonging and empowerment.

Her passion for nature and outdoor exploration became the spark that launched ROCC Climbers—a vibrant program designed to nurture leadership, friendship, and adventure among youth of color.

Today, Nyalah plays a key role in shaping ROCC Climbers. She helps lead after-school and out-of-school programs, contributes to planning and structure, and actively participates in decision-making through youth advocacy. Her vision and voice continue to guide the program’s growth, ensuring it remains a space where young leaders rise, connect, and thrive.

purpose

ROCC Climbers is an after-school and out-of-school leadership program that empowers youth of color (ages 8–17) to climb higher, lead boldly, and build a future they believe in.

Through mentorship, hands-on leadership experiences, and a vibrant community of support, our youth break barriers, discover their voice, and become changemakers in their schools, neighborhoods, and beyond.

Whether they’re speaking up, showing up, or lifting others as they climb—ROCC Climbers are bold, brilliant, and unstoppable

A colorful poster for the ROCC Climbers After-School Program featuring four photos of children engaging in activities, with a decorative border of geometric patterns in orange, purple, black, and pink. The text states the program connects youth in 3rd-8th grade, serves 20-40 youths weekly.
Decorative image with colorful tribal patterns at top and bottom, centered text in purple reads: '2024 ROCC THE CLIMB FAMILY HIKE WITH WILDERNESS INQUIRY. FAMILIES WERE PROVIDED FREE LODGING, TRANSPORTATION, AND MEALS.'
Collage of three photos showing a diverse group of people hiking and exploring in a green, forested outdoor setting, with a decorative border and the logo of Residents of Color Collective.
Group of people gathered in a garden or farm, listening to a woman with a yellow headwrap, while a man in a red shirt explains something. There are trees and a wind turbine in the background.
Smiling girl sitting on a red chair holding a large snake, with another girl standing behind her, in a room with tables displaying animal pelts and skulls.
Two young girls sitting on beige folding chairs facing each other against a wooden wall, with one girl handing a gift to the other.
A smiling girl with beaded hair holding a black puppy, sitting on the floor with a boy nearby and a backpack in the background.
Two women smiling outdoors, one wearing a black T-shirt with a graphic and the other in a white T-shirt, both holding drinks and with their arms around each other.
A group of children and adults gathered around a colorful, house-shaped booth at an outdoor event, with some children looking at items on a table and others standing nearby.
A young girl wearing a pink hoodie and patterned face mask holding a box of chicken at a community food distribution event. In the background, a man is stacking boxes of food near a black truck.
A young girl smiling at the camera while crouching down next to a small wooden sign that reads 'YOC Climber Garden'. She is outdoors on a sunny day, with a garden and trees in the background.
A young girl sitting behind a colorful handmade sign that says 'POPSicle Fundraise,' with a clear container filled with popcorn in front of her, set outdoors on a table with various snacks around.
A young girl walking on a sidewalk with an adult, wearing a white oversized shirt and pink shoes, with the back of her shirt reading 'Junior ROCC Sta'.
Two young girls sitting outdoors, one drinking a beverage through a straw and the other eating popcorn, enjoying a sunny day.
Children and adults seated and standing around a table engaged in arts and crafts activities in a brightly lit room.
Child walking outdoors wearing a white T-shirt with 'junior ROCC star' on the back, with a garden hose coiled on a reel nearby.
A young boy with short dark hair and a purple long-sleeve shirt, sitting at a table in a colorful school or recreational area, holding a large python snake around his shoulders and arms.
A man and two young girls at an educational animal exhibit, with the man holding a snake and the girl touching it.
A young girl with dark hair smiling and kneeling on colorful carpet, holding a small black puppy, with other children and classroom furniture in the background.
A young girl in a blue jacket smiling and holding a snake inside a building with tables and animal furs in the background.
A man and a boy in a classroom with animal pelts on a table, possibly during a lesson on wildlife, with classroom decorations and a clock on the wall.
Four children sitting at a school table working on papers with writing utensils, in a classroom with a large TV screen behind them, a bookshelf, and cabinets.
A group of people standing in a garden or farm, some wearing matching white t-shirts, with young children and adults, surrounded by rows of plants and trees.
A smiling girl holding a snake, with another girl standing behind her in a room with tables and chairs, display of animal pelts on the table, and a large screen on the wall in the background.
A boy sitting on a red chair in a room with a snake wrapped around his arm, smiling at the camera. A girl stands behind a table with animal pelts on display, and a large monitor and windows are visible in the background.
A young girl smiling and holding a large ball python snake in a room that appears to be a school or community center.
A group of children in a classroom, one girl is sitting on the floor adjusting her headband, while others are kneeling or sitting on the colorful carpet, engaging in a group activity or performance.
A young girl with dark hair, wearing a colorful hoodie and a sparkly headband, holding a large snake in a room that appears to be an educational or museum setting.
A young boy holding a snake with a person helping him in an indoor setting, with other children and recycling bins in the background.
A young girl smiling and holding a snake in a classroom or school hallway. The hallway has green lockers, recycle bins, and colorful ceiling decorations.
A boy in a red hoodie and black cap holding a snake in a school cafeteria with green and blue walls and yellow seating.
Two young women taking a selfie outdoors, smiling, with trees and a clear sky in the background.
Group of children in a room, some standing in line, with snacks, art supplies, and a gym bag with a ball on a table.
A young girl smiling and posing outdoors near a waterfall surrounded by green trees on a sunny day.
A girl sitting on a tree stump in a wooded area, wearing sunglasses, a maroon tank top with 'be kind' written on it, blue shorts, and flip-flops, with a blue star-patterned backpack on the ground beside her.
Group of women and children gathered around a fire pit near a lake in a park, some sitting and some standing, chatting and cooking marshmallows.
Flyer for ROCC Reading with ROCC Climbers event at Wentworth Library, every Friday 3-4:30 pm, featuring children reading books, surrounded by children and logos of Dakota County Library and Residents of Color Collective.