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
Get to Know the Speakers!
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:
- General Information
- 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.
- 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.
- Liability Waiver
- At the end of the application, please review the terms and conditions.
- 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!