GLC Virtual 2025: A Week of Shared Vision and Global Collaboration
April 11–17, 2025
Around the world, JA is committed to offering growth and educational opportunities for staff. That’s why, every two years, JA Worldwide hosts our Global Leadership Conference (GLC) for all JA staff, no matter where they are in the world.
Over the course of four powerful days, GLC Virtual 2025 brought together voices from across the JA network to explore what it means to lead, grow, and innovate in a rapidly changing world. More than 30 sessions and over 75 speakers representing all six JA regions, the event highlighted the strength of JA’s global community and our shared commitment to empowering youth.
Originally an in-person conference for JA leadership, GLC went virtual in 2021 and opened up to staff at every level of the organization. Although the in-person edition of GLC returned in 2023, we remained committed to staff development at every level and decided to continue hosting the virtual edition. Thanks to sponsors Delta Air Lines and Adobe, that new tradition continued in 2025. This year, the event also included two days for JA alumni and three special sessions for JA volunteers, teachers, and board members.
For the first time ever, JA Worldwide hosted special sessions for JA alumni at GLC. From April 11–12, JA Alumni Days at GLC Virtual 2025 brought together JA alumni from around the world online for exclusive updates, interactive sessions with changemakers, and powerful networking opportunities. JA staff invited teachers, volunteers, and board members to attend stakeholder sessions designed exclusively for them. Watch stakeholder session recordings on jaworldwide.org.
GLC Day by Day
Day 1, Cultivate Partnerships, set the tone by spotlighting how collaboration with teachers, volunteers, alumni, and research leaders drives innovation and impact across the JA network. From strengthening volunteer engagement in Europe to positioning JA as a leader in digital education, sessions emphasized the role of strong partnerships in amplifying our mission.
Day 2, AI and Accelerate Digital, explored how digital tools and artificial intelligence are transforming learning and leadership. Highlights included region-specific approaches to expanding digital access in remote communities, practical sessions on AI prompt engineering, and insights into building digital literacy with tools like WhatsApp and Adobe. A mindfulness session reminded us that innovation and well-being go hand in hand.
Day 3, Strengthen OneJA, focused on resilience and long-term strategy and celebrated JA staff milestones. The day began with a session on burnout prevention and continued with the celebration of Service Awards honoring over 500 staff. Conversations ranged from scaling impact and youth advocacy to managing risk and fundraising strategies. A key moment came with an update on JA Worldwide’s strategic plan, reinforcing our collective vision.
Day 4, Empower the Underserved, closed the event by centering equity, inclusion, and access. Sessions tackled educational initiatives in underserved communities, youth entrepreneurship in Africa, and internship pathways across MENA. We also explored tools like JA ID and IPS to streamline access and measure outcomes, capping the day with an inspiring call to turn conflict into collaboration through the Million Peacemakers framework.
GLC Virtual 2025 affirmed the strength of the JA network and our ongoing drive to connect global strategy with local action. As we look ahead, the energy and ideas shared this week will continue to shape how we serve young people around the world.
Take a Deeper Dive into GLC Virtual 2025
Day 1 Sessions and Highlights
1. Innovative Volunteer Engagement: Insights and Best Practices from Across Europe
Presented by Vera Martinho, Chief Impact Officer, JA Europe
“Volunteers are the beating heart of our programs. When we innovate how we engage them, we unlock new ways to amplify our mission across borders.”
2. Stakeholder Session: JA Teachers
Presented by Alison Gottsch-Walton, Senior Manager, Learning Experiences, JA Worldwide; Stacie Fieth, VP, Education, JA Worldwide; and Emmalyn Green, Director, Learning Design, JA Worldwide
“The biggest challenge isn’t delivering content—it’s creating learning environments that reflect the world students are stepping into: flexible, digital, and driven by ownership.”
3. The Next Mile for Alumni: JA Community Builders
Presented by Sarah Rapp, Director, Youth Advocacy and People, JA Worldwide, and Dana Khairallah, Global Community Manager, JA Worldwide
“We’re not just activating alumni—we’re cultivating changemakers. The next mile is about connection, co-creation, and shaping a global network that drives impact beyond JA.”
4. From Insights to Impact: Bridging Research and Practice
Presented by Howard Leong, Research Strategist, JA Worldwide, and Emmalyn Green, Director, Learning Design, JA Worldwide
“Measuring outcomes isn’t just about numbers—it’s about showing how our work transforms lives. Research helps us move from anecdote to evidence, from insight to action.”
5. Code Week: Positioning JA as a Digital Education Leader
Presented by Diana Filip, Deputy CEO, JA Europe; Yuriy Tokarski, CEO, JA Ukraine; and Irina Ilieva, COO, JA Bulgaria
“What began as a dream—using Code Week to position JA as a digital leader—is now a reality. We’re building a future-ready network powered by skills, innovation, and impact.”
6. NAUFest: Local Roots, Regional Impact
Presented by Florencia Bullano, Deputy CEO & CDO, JA Americas; Magdalena Peralta, Executive Director, JA Chile; Daniela Acosta, Communication Coordinator, JA Morelos Mexico; and Pablo Marroche, CEO, DESEM Junior Achievement (JA Uruguay)
“NAUFest proves that youth-led, regionally grounded experiences can scale. It’s more than an event—it’s a movement of growth, identity, and exponential engagement.”
7. The Power of Story: Persuasion Through Storytelling
Presented by Sam Alpert, Development Consultant, JA Worldwide; Bennett Anderson, Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer, JA Worldwide; Hernan Zocco, Director of Partnership Marketing, JA Worldwide; Tere Stouffer, Chief Marketing Officer, JA Worldwide; and Lorrie Noggle, Director of Content Production, JA Worldwide
“Stories move people more than data ever can. When we share the ‘why’ behind our impact, we inspire trust, action, and long-term belief in our mission.”
8. Mastering the Pitch & Proposal: Securing Resources to Boost JA’s Mission
Presented by Ana Martiningui, VP, Global Development, JA Worldwide, and Don Sedlock, Director, Global Development, JA Worldwide
“Fundraising isn’t just about asking—it’s about aligning values, telling the right story, and demonstrating that JA is a partner worth investing in.”
Day 2 Sessions and Highlights
1. Reaching Remote Communities with Digital Tools
Presented by Ringin Abel, Regional Development Manager, JA Asia Pacific
“What started as a challenge became a breakthrough—we nearly doubled our reach by embracing low-bandwidth, mobile-first platforms that brought learning to even the most remote mountain schools.”
2. AI in Education
Presented by Emmalyn Green, Director, Learning Design, JA Worldwide
“It’s not just about using AI—it’s about building responsible, inclusive systems that empower teachers and students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
3. AI for Africa: Innovative Tools
Presented by Bimpe Olufemi, Director, Digital Strategy, JA Africa
“To build an inclusive digital continent, we must design AI that’s frugal, accessible, and responsive to the realities of Africa’s infrastructure.”
4. Stakeholder Session: Board Members
Presented by Erin Sawyer, Chief People Officer, JA Worldwide; Zabeen Hirji, Purposeful Third Act and JA Worldwide Board Member; Asheesh Advani, CEO, JA Worldwide; and Camille Blair, People & Culture Strategist, JA Worldwide Global Council Member, and JA Africa Board Member
“These board sessions connect leaders from across the globe, helping us not only build community but also strengthen the governance that fuels JA’s global mission.”
5. Impact Intelligence and Sustainable Growth
Presented by Caroline Jenner, COO, JA Worldwide; Howard Leong, Research Strategist, JA Worldwide; Adnan Bokhari, CFO, JA Worldwide; and Boris Kolev, Global Head of Technology, JA Worldwide
“Growth today isn’t just measured in numbers—it’s measured in meaning, resilience, and purpose. That’s what impact intelligence is all about.”
6. Mastering AI Prompts: A Leadership Toolkit for the Future
Presented by Amanda Bickerstaff, CEO, AI for Education
“Mastering AI prompts is about more than efficiency—it’s a leadership skill that sharpens critical thinking, creativity, and strategic insight.”
7. Learning Anywhere: WhatsApp, TV, and Beyond
Presented by Victoria López Lazzari, Project Manager, JA Americas
“Education doesn’t start or stop in the classroom. From WhatsApp to television, we’re meeting learners where they are and turning every space into a place to grow.”
8. Relax and Recharge: Mindful Practices for Clarity
Presented by Christopher T. Willard, Mindfulness Expert
“We grow through what we go through. Mindfulness isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership necessity in a world that rarely slows down.”
9. Building Digital Skills with Adobe
Presented by Gail Hammler, Sr. Content Producer, Adobe; Emmalyn Green – Global Educator, JA Worldwide; and Tere Stouffer, Chief Marketing Officer, JA Worldwide
“Digital literacy is the new currency of opportunity—and with the right tools and training, we’re unlocking creative confidence in youth around the world.”
Day 3 Sessions and Highlights
1. Burn Bright, Not Out
Presented by Jeff Hittner – Head of JA Fellows & Executive Coach
“Burnout doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’ve cared deeply. But to keep going, we need boundaries, purpose, and the courage to pause.”
2. JA Service Awards: Honoring Our Colleagues
Presented by Erin Sawyer, CPO, JA Worldwide; and Asheesh Advani, CEO, JA Worldwide
“This session is a celebration of more than 500 JA team members around the world—people whose daily work changes lives, builds futures, and strengthens our global network.”
3. Scaling Impact: INJAZ’s Holistic Approach
Presented by Athmane Abbassi, Programs Manager, INJAZ Qatar
“By embedding life skills into national education systems across the MENA region, we’re not just scaling programs—we’re changing how students learn to lead, think, and thrive.”
4. Making Youth Advocacy a Priority in JA
Presented by Sarah Rapp, Director, Youth Advocacy & People, JA Worldwide
“This next phase of alumni engagement must be co-created. We’re not just building a network—we’re building a movement, together.”
5. From Pledge to Paper: A Guide to Fundraising Contracts
Presented by Kristina Yurko, Global Development Manager, JA Worldwide, and Sofi Caballero, Development Project Coordinator; and Saloni Choudhry, General Counsel & Head of Risk, JA Worldwide
“Understanding contracts isn’t just about risk—it’s about trust, clarity, and ensuring that every partnership we build supports our mission with strength and transparency.”
6. Selling JA: Data, Stories, and Impact
Presented by Ed Grocholski, Chief Marketing Officer, JA Worldwide
“Data gives us credibility, but stories give us power. When we combine both, we don’t just inform—we inspire action.”
7. JA Worldwide Strategic Plan Update
Presented by Asheesh Advani, CEO, JA Worldwide and Marla Capozzi, Partner, McKinsey
“This strategy isn’t just about scaling—it’s about shared purpose. We gathered insights from over 500 JA staff worldwide to build a plan that reflects all of us.”
8. Managing Risk in an Uncertain Age
Presented by Tim Greinert, President, Junior Achievement USA; Ed Priem, CFO, JA USA; and Jackie Dant, Senior VP, Operations, Junior Achievement USA
“In a world where uncertainty is constant, our strength lies in preparation, collaboration, and our unwavering commitment to mission-driven decision-making.”
Day 4 Sessions and Highlights
1. Bridging Gaps: Educational Initiatives in Underserved Communities
Presented by Kirk Kenny, Chief Development Officer, JA Asia Pacific
“Virtual GLC is such a powerful testament to the spirit of our organization. The stories we’re about to hear show how we’re bridging the gap for those who need us most.”
2. Stakeholder Session: Volunteers
Presented by Sarah Rapp, Director, Youth Advocacy & People, JA Worldwide; Erin Sawyer, CPO, JA Worldwide; and Laura Goodman, VP, Resource Development & Volunteer Partnerships, Junior Achievement USA
“JA could not make the impact we do without the tireless work of our volunteers. They deliver our programs, mentor youth, and bring real-world experience that inspires the next generation.”
3. Unlocking Africa’s Youth Potential with Entrepreneurship Training
Presented by Maxwell A. Ashon, Director, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning, JA Africa
“We empower youth to realize their full potential through entrepreneurship—and we do it by building strong partnerships with government and other stakeholders across Africa.”
4. The Impact Score
Presented by Debbie Williams, Director, Member Operations, JA Worldwide; Caroline Jenner, COO, JA Worldwide, and Tere Stouffer, CMO, JA Worldwide
“The JA Impact Score helps us tell our story through data—showing not just what we do, but how deeply we’re making a difference in every local context.”
5. Internship and Employability Initiatives Across MENA
Presented by Christelle Hleyhel, Entrepreneurship Program Manager, INJAZ Lebanon; Jennifer Nammoura, Program Coordinator, INJAZ Lebanon; Mireille Mikhail, Strategy and Impact Manager, INJAZ Egypt; Nadine Gergis, Project Officer, INJAZ Egypt; and Sara Aljassar, Program Executive, INJAZ Kuwait
“This panel is especially meaningful—it’s an all-women lineup of leaders who’ve turned their own internship experiences into careers of impact, paving the way for others across the region.”
6. Million Peacemakers: Transform Conflict Into Nonflict
Presented by Stephen Hecht, Chief Executive, Million Peacemakers, and Jon Moyal, Executive Director, Million Peacemakers
“Conflict doesn’t have to be destructive. With the Nonflict method, we train people to transform tension into understanding—building a culture of peace, one conversation at a time.”
7. IPS Decoded: Tracking What Matters
Presented by Debbie Williams, Director, Member Operations, JA Worldwide, and Alison Gottsch-Walton, Senior Manager, Learning Experiences, JA Worldwide
“IPS—Inspire, Prepare, and Succeed—is more than a framework. It’s a mindset that keeps us focused on what matters most: measurable, meaningful progress for the young people we serve.”
8. JA ID: One Login to Rule Them All
Presented by Jamie Stivala, Director of Technology, JA Worldwide, and Boris Kolev, Global Head of Technology, JA Worldwide
“JAID is JA’s future single sign-on solution. It streamlines access to our digital platforms and services—for staff, students, teachers, and stakeholders—while strengthening data security and enabling global collaboration for a more unified JA experience.”