October 22, 2025, 3:00 PM MDT
The 2025 Cities of Light North America Northeast YSA Conference, held September 19-21 in Washington, D.C., brought together more than 1,700 young singles from across the United States and six other countries to perform in dance, service, speed dating, and more.
The three days were the culmination of months of work by a team of 40 young people led by Molly Petersen and Justin Perfili.
“These YSA conferences are important because they strengthen our hope in Jesus Christ and His role in our lives,” Petersen said.
Conference attendee Maddie Steele echoed Petersen’s sentiments.
“I feel that the ultimate purpose of these YSA gatherings is to remind us that we are not alone in our journey as adults and disciples, no matter how alone we may feel.”
the best is yet to come
Celeste Giles, who led the conference’s experience design and marketing team, said the weekend was a mix of spiritual uplifting and fun activities.
“If you came here looking for connection, community and a desire to express yourself, it would have been impossible to leave empty-handed,” she says.
The planning committee selected “The Best is Yet to Come,” a quote from President Russell M. Nelson’s October 2024 general conference address, as the theme for the conference, which Giles said was an inspired choice.
“It was a source of support for me and a reminder that the best things can truly come to our lives because of the opportunities we have in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.”
The conference began on Friday evening, September 19th, with an opening reception at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Attendees participated in a treasure hunt, played dating games, received portrait sketches, and enjoyed snacks and drinks.
Steele said the opening social was a highlight for her.
“It may sound corny, but there’s an overwhelming sense of possibility in what you experience and who you meet,” she said.
The next day, young single adults gathered at the Washington, D.C. Temple Visitor Center and nearby stake center to participate in family history workshops, complete service projects, listen to speakers, and attend giving sessions.
A gala was held that night at the National Portrait Gallery, featuring a dance party, museum tours, a photo booth, and a soda bar.
The conference concluded on Sunday with sacrament meeting and lunch.
Steele said one of the main takeaways from the conference was the camaraderie with fellow church members.
“As the world grows darker and our beliefs become increasingly unpopular, there is something so refreshing and powerful about sitting in a room with 2,000 fellow believers who believe the same things as you and are actively working to spread light and goodness.”
God Knows His Children
Petersen said serving on the planning commission was “one of the most important experiences” she ever had.
But when she was first called to the position, she didn’t feel that way.
Petersen is originally from Utah and lived in Washington, D.C., for work. Her career was coming to an end and she was considering moving back to Utah, or perhaps Hawaii.
She said it was discouraging to accept the call because it would require her to remain in Washington, D.C., when she had other plans.
“When God asked me to do something I didn’t want or planned, I wondered if God really knew me and felt alone,” she said.
Shortly before accepting the call, Petersen had a personal moment when he realized God knew who he was and that he needed to extend his time in Washington, D.C.
“While the year has not been without stress and anxiety, I have always found myself standing back and looking at the hand of the Lord,” she said.
workers of zion
One of the ways Petersen saw the hand of God was through his fellow committee members.
She called her team a “miracle” and said they all “work together at Zion.”
“Our team was a well-organized organization because everyone gave their all and captured the vision of what it means for young single adults to attend these conferences and connect with others.”
Ms. Petersen said she and Mr. Perfieri prayed and sought revelation about who should be called to the committee. In the end, about 40 young single adults were assigned to help with translations, audio/visual needs, vendors, activities, social media, signage, and more.
Petersen said that through this experience, she felt the love and power of God as she worked with wonderful people and witnessed how much church leaders cared about young single adults.
She testified that God knows all of His children and keeps His promises.
“This year, God has paved every path and carried every burden.”
