2011 World Leadership Congress

Last Updated on Saturday, 10 September 2011 14:29 Written by Gabriela Campos Friday, 02 September 2011 12:29

The theme for this year’s World Leadership Congress (WLC) was igniting your light and that’s exactly what WLC did for me.  WLC was a life changing experience.  I was so honored to represent Massachusetts at WLC.  This year, WLC took place at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois.  Ambassadors from 46 of the 50 United States attended along with ambassadors from nine other countries: Argentina, Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, and United Arab Emirates.  There were a total of 402 ambassadors.  WLC was much more then what I expected.   I was able to experience different cultures and create life long bond with people miles away.  My most memorable experience at WLC was my community service project.  My group’s project was world relief.  I was able to go out to the streets of Chicago and hand out flyers to raise awareness of immigration assistance.  I was able to speak in my native language (Spanish) to help other people.  It was an amazing feeling.  We also had several speakers and panels.  One panelist that impressed me was Dr.Tererai , a woman from Africa.  She spoke about how she came from nothing and was doubted, but she rose to follow her impossible dream which was to have an education.  What I took away from this speaker was to never say never, always go for that impossible dream and to value education.  In the words of Dr. Trent” if you believe it you can achieve it”.  WLC helped me grow as a leader and a person. WLC gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams to be a Neonatal nurse.  WLC was a life changing experience that I was honored to be a part of.

HOBY hugs,

Gabriela Campos

2010 World Leadership Congress

The 2010 World Leadership Congress was held at University of California in Los Angeles from July 23-July 30. It was attended by 400 students from around the world from Taiwan, to Germany to across the United States. One of the attendees from MA, described his experience as follows:

“I got back from WLC just a couple of days ago and wanted to tell you the great experience I had! Like MA HOBY, the days were long and sleep was short. We listened to inspiring panelists that included founders of companies, executive producers, creative thinking advisers, and an actor. While those were great, they were nothing compared to the activities we did. Some of these included Project H20 which was a governmental simulation of water shortage, Model UN, the Amazing Race around L.A., and volunteering at the Beach Clean up. It was a really long week that went by quick if that makes any sense at all. The activities and panelists were motivational and meaningful but what I loved most was the World part of the World Leadership Congress. It was amazing to meet people from not only all around the nation but also from around the world. I made friends from Taiwan to Germany to Alaska, to the UAE. The exchanging of cultures was eye opening, just listening to their daily lives and struggles gave me a new outlook on my life as well as the lives of others. It wasn't just talking to them that made this experience great but it was how understanding and trustful every individual was. Looking back, I grew emotionally and mentally.”

~Brett Fortin

2009 World Leadership Congress

"The HOBY WLC was by far the greatest week of my life. I made great friends from all around the world who I still talk to today. Being in Washington, DC was such a learning experience, it was amazing being only four minutes from the White House. The biggest lesson I learned at the WLC was how to be a leader in a group but how to still work on skills individually. It was so insightful to meet other leaders from places like, South Korea, Washington, Taiwain, Texas, Nebraska, Mexico, and even Long Island, NY and learn about their own experiences. WLC was such an OUTSTANDING experience and I love bringing the concepts I learned there back to Massachusetts HOBY."

~Tori Landry

2008 World Leadership Congress

Over 400 students from across the United States and around the World attended the World Leadership Congress held from July 25 - August 2 at the George Washington University in Washington D.C.  Their action packed and fun filled program was inspiring and impactful!

"I feel more motivated to work harder, and more motivated to make a difference. WLC has helped me realize that I can do something - that I can make an impact in this world". ~Reece Liang  

I loved meeting people from not only everywhere in the United States, but also from so many places in the world. Knowing these people and participating in the World Leadership Congress helped me understand what life was like in other places and how we can band together in the future". ~Patricia Cahill

Reece Liang, G-Hoon Yi, Elizabeth Glivinski, Emily Russell, Dylan Kerr, Patricia Cahill