Young Leaders Conference – United States 2025 | Applications Are Now Open!

What is it?

MCW Global’s 2025 Young Leaders Conference – United States Edition is an expansion of the Young Leaders Program focused on leveraging leadership to solve region-specific issues through regional networking. Through carefully selected speakers and training materials, the Conference semi-annually creates region-specific discourse worldwide over the course of three days and is tailored for community development practitioners.

The primary goal of the Conference is to equip young professionals with the essential skills necessary to successfully navigate the modern workplace. Through interactive sessions, workshops, and panel discussions, participants will gain valuable insights into leadership, professional development, cross-cultural communication, and the complexities of the modern workplace.

The Conference will virtually welcome young people between the ages of 22-27 from the U.S. who are motivated to expand their leadership knowledge and engage in important discussions that advance their region’s well-being.

What We Offer?

The 2025 Young Leaders Conference- United States Edition | Virtual via Zoom

January 27th – 29th, 2025 (Mandatory)

The Conference will feature numerous sessions over three days, focusing on key leadership topics such as personal development and strategic thinking. Additional sessions will cover diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, effective communication, adaptability and resilience, work-life balance, and mental health. Speakers will include educators, development partners, and employers who will enhance young leader’s understanding and skills in topics related to professional development and cross-cultural competence through interactive sessions.

Conference Online Webinars

February 1st – February 28th, 2025 (Optional)

Two additional webinars on effective communication and strategic thinking will follow up on the Conference. These webinars, although optional, are highly recommended for participants to expand their knowledge and skills further to become competent leaders and deepen their understanding of growth when leading teams.

Am I Eligible?


Young Leaders Must:

  • Be young professionals between the ages of 22-27.
  • Reside in the United States.
  • Be early-career professionals seeking to advance their careers.
  • Be interested in leadership, professional development, cross-cultural communication, and navigating the modern workplace.
  • Be committed to enhancing professional competencies, developing cross-cultural understanding, fostering networking opportunities, and becoming effective leaders.
  • Be interested in understanding and working in a globalized world.
  • Seek to build connections and expand their professional network.
  • Be dedicated to continuous learning and growth.
  • Be able to articulate how the conference theme aligns with their current work or aspirations.
  • Demonstrate willingness to engage in networking activities.
  • Commit to actively participate throughout the conference.
  • Be willing to share best practices and contribute to collaborative initiatives.
  • Commit to fostering regional networks for future exchange.
  • Be willing to engage in post-conference virtual activities.
  • Commit to attending the three-day conference.
  • Have access to email and internet to allow for consistent communication with the MCW Global team.
  • Submit a completed application on or before December 15th, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST.

The Conference Agenda

Day 1: January 27th (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

Session I: Getting to Know MCW Global 

Speakers: MCW Global Team 

Session II: Introduction to Leadership 

Speakers: Dhurata Berisha and Adrien Bizimana, MCW Global Leadership Task Force

Day 2: January 28th (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

Session I: Reflecting on my Values as a Leader

Speaker: Richard Magid, President, Soundboard Consulting Group   

Session II: Adaptability and Resilience 

Speaker: Albesa Aliu

PhD Candidate, University of Montreal

Day 3: January 29th (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

Session I: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace 

Speaker: Dr. Charles Robbins, MCW Global Board of Directors   

Session II: Work-Life Balance and Mental Well-Being 

Speaker: Samantha “Sam” Luxmikanthan, PhD Candidate, Rutgers University

* Please note that the sessions are provisional and may be updated in the coming weeks.

Get to Know the Speakers!

Albesa Aliu
Speaker | Adaptability and Resilience
Albesa Aliu is a community connector who has worked with non-profit organizations in Kosova, Greece, and Canada. She has led numerous projects connecting well-being and social justice, including a three-year initiative in Toronto promoting social prescribing and community development. Albesa holds degrees in Psychology and Peacebuilding from universities in Greece and Canada. Ms. Aliu is currently pursuing her PhD in Sociology at the University of Montreal, where she explores the socio-cultural impacts of AI on youth across diverse regions.
Sam Luxmikanthan
Speaker | Work-Life Balance and Mental Well-Being
Sam Luxmikanthan (they/them) hails from Toronto, Canada and currently residing in Brooklyn, NYC. They are committed to social justice, health justice and community care. Throughout their leadership roles, they have fostered relationships amongst their communities and have been an advocate for BIPOC LGBTQ+ populations. Their interest within social work has provided them experience in higher education, domestic violence, disability justice and mental health. With their clinical social wok degree from NYU Silver School of Social Work, they are passionate in bridging the gap between macro systems and micro practices and strive to bridge the gap between research and practice. They are currently in their PhD in Social Work at Rutgers University. If they aren’t reading articles, they love watching re-runs of tv shows, photography or going to local cafés.
Dhurata Berisha
Speaker | Introduction to Leadership
Dhurata Berisha is an MCW Global alumna who first attended the Young Leaders Access Program in 2017. After more than 3 years after her graduation from the program, Dhurata returned and joined the team as the Young Leaders Fellowship Coordinator in 2021. Prior to her role at MCW Global, Dhurata gained valuable experience in Kosovo's youth development field for over 6 years, working with various non-profit organizations, where she led local and international exchanges, community development trainings, youth camps, and teacher capacity-building trainings. As a creative person, curriculum and activity development are some of the main elements of her work. Dhurata believes in the impact of experiential learning, and her expertise has always been focused on this approach. Dhurata studied English Language and Literature at the University of Prishtina. She is a passionate leader who seeks improvement in education, community service, and positive youth skill development.
Richard Magid
Speaker | Leadership Values
In June of 2000, after 20 years in the financial world, Richard started his coaching and consulting practice, Soundboard Consulting Group. The primary goal was to do work that would fully align with his core values of impact, respect, freedom, curiosity, growth, and community. Over the last 24 years, he has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs, executives and managers at all levels to help them achieve their professional goals, live more fulfilled lives, and realize their full potential. Parallel to this work, he co-founded two early-stage investment funds and remain committed to his charitable work which is focused on supporting global youth leadership.
Adrien Bizimana
Speaker | Introduction to Leadership
Adrien Bizimana joined Miracle Corners Rwanda in 2019 as the Program Officer and currently serves as the Senior Education and Leadership Officer. He is deeply committed to youth empowerment and is a strong advocate for quality education and peacebuilding, especially for vulnerable children and youth. He believes that the life success begins with a positive change mindset, quality lifelong learning, and supportive external factors. These values drive his passion for education and leadership as essential pathways to success. Adrien holds a Master’s degree in Education Quality from Otto Friedrich University of Bamberg in Germany and a postgraduate diploma in Leadership and Management.
Dr. Charles Robbins
Speaker | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Dr. Robbins is Professor Emeritus at Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare. His scholarship focuses on social justice and gender equality, emphasizing engaging men and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Dr. Robbins is passionate about reducing injuries and deaths resulting from gun violence. Dr. Robbins is a member of the Global MCW Board of Directors. At Stony Brook, he served as a professor in the School of Social Welfare, vice provost for undergraduate education and student success, and founding director of the Center for Changing Systems of Power. He was an NGO Delegate to the United Nations. His TEDx Social Justice talk has been viewed over 140,000 times on YouTube.
* Please note that the list of speakers is provisional and may be updated as speaker confirmations are received.

Ace Your Application!

  • The application must be filled out in English.
  • Any part of the application that is not written in English will not be read and be considered incomplete.
  • The application includes:
  1. General Information
  2. Essay Questions
    • What does leadership mean to you? Describe the leadership qualities you believe a good leader should possess.
    • Describe a time when you exhibited leadership qualities to address a social issue or challenge in your community. How did your actions make a difference? What lessons did you learn about the importance of leadership in creating positive change?
    • Describe an experience where you were exposed to a different culture or perspective. How did this experience broaden your understanding of the world and your own identity? How do you plan to apply this global perspective in your leadership journey?
    • Describe a situation where you witnessed or experienced inequality or discrimination in the workplace. How did this experience impact you and your understanding of diversity and inclusion? What steps have you taken, or plan to take, to promote equity and foster a more inclusive work environment?
    • Describe your long-term career goals and how you envision yourself using your leadership skills to make a positive impact in your chosen field. How will participating in the Young Leaders Conference help you achieve these goals?
    • Please describe your professional background (i.e. studies, profession, work engagements), including years of involvement. Please specify if you are still studying or graduating and if you run your own business/initiative. 
  3. Resume
    • Your resume should not be more than one page. We suggest that it be prepared in Times New Roman, 12 font, with 1-inch margins.
  4. Liability Waiver
    • At the end of the application, please review the terms and conditions.
  5. Application Form
    • Click below to submit the application by Sunday, December 15th, 2024.

Here’s How it Works

Important Logistics Information

To ensure a seamless experience for all participants, please note the following:

Conference Fees and Expenses 

  • Fully Funded Program | The Young Leaders Conference is fully funded by MCW Global. There is no fee to attend.
  • Refundable Deposit | Upon acceptance, a $100 deposit will be required. This deposit will be fully refunded upon completion of the Conference.

Technical Requirements

  • Camera Requirement | All participants, including guests, speakers, and team members, are required to keep their cameras on during the Conference unless prior approval has been obtained. Failure to comply may result in removal to the waiting room.

**If you have any questions or need further clarifications, please feel free to contact us at apply@mcwglobal.org.**

Good luck with your application!