Ayeshwini Lama, a 27-year-old from Bhutan, a landlocked Kingdom in the Eastern Himalayas, first joined the MCW Global Fellowship as a Mentee in 2020. Having deeply enjoyed and learned from the experience, she returned as a Mentor twice, in 2021 and 2024.

A peer educator and trainer in adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights, with additional experience in mental health and meaningful youth engagement, Ayeshwini shares how her five-year journey with MCW Global has added value to her life in many ways.

Over the years, she has connected with numerous people through the MCW Global network, each one having shaped her journey in some way.

“Meeting individuals who carry so much passion for their communities and getting to learn about them and their work has been the most important for me on my journey with MCW Global. From my exchanges and experience with them, I have learnt that global change comes from a series of smaller changes, and no effort is inconsequential in the grand scheme. That is a valuable lesson I have learnt that helps me carry on.”

In the bigger picture, all these lessons and experiences reflect MCW Global’s mission, values, and its deep commitment to empowering young leaders..

Ayeshwini recognizes this and shares how strongly it resonated with her.

“The values and mission of MCW Global deeply resonate with me because coming from a developing nation that greatly values its youth, the belief that young people can be changemakers is at the core of everything I do. Additionally, my work has always been at the intersection of health and education for my local and regional community.”

MCW Global- A Journey that Shaped her Leadership, Growth, and Community Impact 

Since beginning her community engagement as an undergraduate student, she has had the opportunity to work alongside other young people in her community. 

“I was a part of local and regional youth networks and built campaigns and ideas with other young people. I believe that young people are extremely hard-working, resourceful, and passionate about community development, and organizations like MCW Global give them an incredible platform to nurture this ability.”

She further emphasizes how being part of the MCW Global network has pushed her to challenge herself and her abilities. Something Ayeshwini acknowledges has led to significant personal growth and development.

Recalling her first engagement with MCW Global in 2020, when she was a 22-year-old undergraduate student, Ayeshwini reflects:

“Working on my project idea back then helped me understand myself and my challenges better, and the mentorship I received from MCW Global gave me tools and highly transferable skills that I use to this day. In the five years since then, I have had the opportunity to go back as a mentor twice, and each time I learn more about the world and how we can make a difference. I have met many brilliant young leaders through MCW Global who have shaped me to be a better person simply through observation of their zeal and their friendship.”

Now, having moved to North America and started a full-time job since first joining the MCW Global Fellowship, she continues to see the lasting benefits of her connection with MCW Global.

“I find that my sense of global citizenship and the confidence I have in myself have been influenced a lot by the time I have spent in MCW Global circles.”

As MCW Global celebrated its 25th Anniversary Gala just last month, Ayeshwini reflects on the organization’s impact on young people and their communities over the decades.

“I have seen real-time impacts that MCW Global has had on me and my peers, and our communities. They help empower young people with skills, knowledge, and a platform, and go a step further to give them accessible resources to work with. I deeply appreciate the work that they do.”

“MCW Global’s impact truly ranges from simply seeding an idea of change to the full blooming of changemaking organizations and networks.”

Transforming Communities for 25 Years: Looking Back, Moving Forward Project brings to you a series of exclusive articles celebrating the 25th Anniversary of MCW Global. The stories and reflections shared represent the experiences and perspectives of individuals involved with the organization in various capacities, starting from alumni, board and team members, affiliates, supporters, and donors.