Noni K. Gaylord-Harden - Associate Professor of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago Part of the Youth-Nex Conference: Youth of Color Matter: Reducing Inequalities Through Positive Youth Development #YoCM15 Panel 1 - "Culturally-Grounded Approaches to Positive Youth Development" Cultural beliefs, traditions, and pride can play an integral role in promoting positive development for youth from ethnic minority backgrounds. In this panel, we will hear about connections between cultural values and healthy development for American Indian youth, culturally-linked coping strategies among African American teens, and the benefits of emphasizing cultural pride in natural mentoring relationships.