When students and adults build strong relationships based on trust, they can break down barriers to co-create safe and healthy learning environments for all students, including those who have been historically sidelined or left out of conversations. By listening to students, collaborating with them, and supporting them in leading inside and outside the classroom, educators foster students' development of five essential social and emotional competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. The Region 8 Comprehensive Center is supporting the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) in their mission to center student voice in social and emotional learning. Educators and students will work together in providing safe spaces and healthy environments for all students to share their perspectives and lived experiences. Through collaboration, educators will be able to provide opportunities for students to take leadership roles in these spaces and learning environments to develop important social and emotional competencies.