JA Staff Thrive at GLC Rio 2025
November 17, 2025
This week, JA staff from around the world gather in Rio de Janeiro for the 2025 Global Leadership Conference (GLC), our in-person gathering designed to inspire, collaborate, and chart the path forward for the entire JA network.
Originally an in-person event for JA leadership, GLC expanded in 2021 when GLC Virtual opened the door for staff at every level to participate from anywhere. When the in-person edition returned in 2023, the virtual experience remained, making staff development accessible to everyone.
That tradition continues. Held in April, GLC Virtual 2025 brought together colleagues for functional learning, networking, and sessions led by world-class speakers. Staff from all over the world came together for the weeklong global conversation.
GLC Rio Begins
This week, staff are gathering in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for GLC 2025. Following past in-person GLCs in Oslo, Boston, Toronto, Atlanta, Berlin, and Bangkok, GLC Rio brings our global community to one of the most vibrant cities in the world. The theme for GLC Rio, Thrive, reflects our vision of young people equipped with the skillset and mindset to help their communities flourish. It also connects to Thrive, our new strategic plan for 2026 through 2028 that outlines how we will accelerate impact across the network.
GLC Rio includes sessions for staff, board members, and teachers, although most content is designed for staff. If you are interested in working for JA and joining a community that values professional growth, consider connecting with your local JA office to explore employment opportunities.
One Unforgettable Week
In addition, for the first time, four major JA events are happening in Rio in one week. In addition to GLC, Rio is also hosting the JA Americas Company of the Year Competition, where JA student companies from across the region showcase their most innovative ventures. JA Americas leadership is gathering for a regional board meeting, and the JA Worldwide Board of Governors is meeting as well. Together, these events create a powerful convergence of staff, leaders, board members, and young entrepreneurs, all united in advancing the JA mission and strengthening our global impact.
As we begin an energizing week in Rio, you can revisit our most recent GLC events through the links below. Here’s to a week of learning, collaboration, and global connection as we continue our shared mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed.
