Introducing the 2025–26 LEAD Cohort: A Global Commitment to Courageous, Collaborative Leadership (Copy)

[will appear on news section on July 21, 2025]

As part of JA Worldwide’s commitment to nurturing bold, effective, and globally minded leadership across our network, we are proud to announce the 2025–26 cohort of our LEAD program. This year’s 12 participants represent a diverse cross-section of JA regions, bringing with them a powerful blend of passion, experience, and a deep desire to grow as leaders.

LEAD—a yearlong learning and leadership journey—was launched to support Executive Directors and CEOs of JA member organizations who are new to their roles, preparing for expanded responsibilities, or seeking to deepen their leadership impact. Now in its second year, LEAD includes immersive retreats, virtual leadership circles, collaborative learning with peers and mentors, and space for reflection, innovation, and strategy. Most importantly, it builds a strong and supportive global network of leaders committed to advancing the JA mission in their communities and across the world.

A central feature of the LEAD experience is a weeklong job-shadow exchange between matched participants from different countries and regions. These immersive visits allow leaders to observe one another’s work in action—attending board meetings, observing programs, collaborating with staff, and learning firsthand how leadership is practiced in different contexts. These exchanges often spark new ideas, challenge assumptions, and create lasting partnerships across borders. Year 1 cohort member Sara Dziuk described her job-shadow week as “a masterclass in humility, curiosity, and reinvention” (read more about Sara’s trip from Minnesota to Bahrain).

One applicant’s response from the new cohort captured the spirit of LEAD and paid tribute to one of JA’s most inspiring leaders. Christy Tribe, President & CEO of JA Utah/Idaho, wrote:

“Early in my JA journey, I met a remarkable woman named Soraya Salti... Her dream was bold: to reintroduce JA programming in Jordan and build something transformative for youth across the Arab world… Through the LEAD experience, I hope to honor Soraya’s legacy by deepening my own capacity to lead courageously and collaborate globally.”

Soraya’s legacy lives on in the work of today’s JA leaders, and LEAD aims to ensure that legacy continues to grow.

Please join us in congratulating the 2025–26 LEAD Cohort:

  • JA Africa: Nelo Spies (South Africa), Rachael Mwagale (Uganda)

  • JA Americas: Bernardo Brugnoli (Argentina), Cesar Asiatico (Dominican Republic)

  • JA Asia/Pacific: Dinu Raheja (India), Sunah Lee (Korea)

  • JA Europe: Andzelika Rusteikiene (Lithuania), Marta Slovakova (Slovakia)

  • INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA: Samar Dani (Lebanon), Razan Bashiti (UAE)

  • Junior Achievement USA: Christy Tribe (Utah/Idaho), Siddhartha Vivek (San Diego)

We look forward to watching this exceptional group learn, grow, and lead—not only within their local contexts, but as an integral part of JA’s global community.

2025JulyJA Worldwide