As MCW Global celebrates its 25th anniversary, we reflect on the transformative journeys of three dedicated team members: Regina Leichner, MCW Global’s Director of Strategy & Impact; Leon Gojani, Program Associate, Young Leaders Program; Dhurata Berisha Coordinator, Young Leaders Fellowship; and Maria Lovaton, Media Coordinator.
Each of them shares their unique paths with the organization, their deep commitment to its mission, and their hopes for its future.
Regina’s connection to MCW Global began in 2013 when she first engaged with the organization’s health and leadership programs. Two years later, in 2015, she transitioned to focusing on programs in Africa, driven by a personal passion for empowering local communities.
“Working with team members who have a deep capacity to care for others makes all the difference. There is something very unique about working in an organization with such diverse people who bring their own life experiences, ideologies, and skill sets, but who are extremely aligned when it comes to what we all want to achieve,” she says.
For Regina, MCW Global’s mission of supporting communities to solve their own challenges is close to her heart.
“It’s clear that the world doesn’t have an unequal distribution of talent or potential, but has deeply unequal opportunities and resources. It takes a certain level of self-awareness to understand that our role needs to be knocking down barriers for people in communities to lead rather than take charge ourselves.”
In particular, Regina emphasizes the crucial role of context, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the legacy of colonialism still affects every aspect of life.
“It matters not only what you are doing but how you do it, and putting the right people in the driving seat is critical to achieving any sustainable impact.”
Further, Leon’s journey with MCW Global began nine years ago, in 2015, when he joined as a mentee. He credits the organization’s supportive community for his transformation into a leader.
“A pivotal moment in my experience was when the organization entrusted me to co-create and co-host a conference in Kosovo just two years later. This opportunity to collaborate, lead, and take ownership significantly boosted my confidence. It was through this experience that I realized the immense potential within myself when given the right support.”
Leon further touches upon what MCW Global values resonated with him.
“The organization’s focus on interconnected global issues and its commitment to creating a supportive platform for young people deeply resonated with me. Inspired by this experience, I was motivated to contribute to expanding MCW’s reach so that more individuals could benefit from its valuable programs.”
Dhurata highlights a memorable moment from her first day as a mentee in the 2017 Fellowship program.
“As each participant stood up to introduce themselves and the countries they represented, I was immediately immersed in a level of diversity I had never experienced before. It wasn’t just hearing about places I had never heard of – it was seeing the world in one classroom through the voices, stories, and passions of young leaders from every corner of the globe. That week was more than exposure; it was a profound awakening […]”
Being the Fellowship Coordinator allows Dhurata to contribute to the development of leadership programs that empower young leaders to tackle challenges in health, education, and economic security.
“This role has allowed me to support growing leaders in realizing their potential, courage, and skills to create lasting change in their communities. It has also broadened my understanding of how community-driven projects can address systemic issues and create sustainable development.”
For Maria, MCW Global Media Coordinator, the journey with MCW Global began six years ago, in 2018, as a mentee.
“This experience ignited my passion for community development and equipped me with the skills to become a leader in my community. What truly motivates me to continue working at MCW is the opportunity to inspire and guide the next generation of leaders. Seeing young people grow into confident and capable individuals is incredibly rewarding.”
She adds that by providing them with the resources and mentorship they need, MCW Global is not only building stronger communities but also creating a lasting positive impact on the world.
“My recent role as Media Coordinator offered a unique perspective. Discovering that most of the staff were MCW alumni solidified my understanding of the organization’s core values. MCW Global’s dedication to youth empowerment is evident not only in its programs but also in its people.” Maria says while referring to her engagement as a team member that started one year ago.
For Maria, one experience that stands out is winning the Alumni Venture Fund in 2022, a testament to her growth within the organization.
Looking Ahead: Celebrating 25 Years and Building the Future
Regina believes that the 25th-year milestone is a great opportunity to pause and reflect on how far MCW Global has come and all that it has accomplished.
“We are a small, dedicated team that punches way above our weight, delivering really impressive results.”
Reflecting on one of the organization’s goals- to foster and sustain a global community of young leaders equipped to drive positive change toward a more just and equitable world, Leon shares his aspirations.
“Over the past 25 years, we’ve cultivated a robust network of inspiring individuals making a significant impact in their communities, and I hope we can continue to support their growth as leaders.”
Dhurata shares what inspires her to continue her work with MCW Global; highlighting the organization’s growth and impact over the years.
“What motivates me to continue working with MCW Global is the incredible privilege of being in a position to create and hold space for young leaders to grow, thrive, and unlock their potential.”
As we celebrate MCW Global’s 25th anniversary, Maria is filled with optimism for the future.
“Ultimately, I aspire for a world where education, health, and economic security are accessible to all. I am particularly eager to see increased participation from young South Americans in the MCW community.”
“Together, we can build a brighter future.”
Together, Regina, Leon, Dhurata, and Maria envision a future where MCW Global continues to expand its reach, empowering and inspiring young leaders from all corners of the globe.
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, including alumni, board and team members, affiliates, supporters, and donors.
To learn more about Khalid Elachi, Executive Director, and Gresë Sermaxhaj, Communications Coordinator, and the rest of our global team, click here.
