What exactly is GLA? What does it mean? Beyond these three letters stands the work and effort of our BBYO staff. They represent an idea, a project, and a passion. This program is the culmination of months of effort, and because of this, I would like to begin by thanking all those who have made this experience a reality for us. I want to thank you for opening the door to the myriad of new opportunities, experiences, and challenges to come. Although this is just the beginning, the project has already raised a burning enthusiasm within me. 

So, getting back to the real deal, I would like to explain what GLA is about. The abbreviation stands for Global Leadership Academy. The goal of this program is to cultivate marketable leadership skills and experiences within our lives. Throughout the program, we will engage in cohort calls, listen to prominent speakers, and develop projects of our own. All of these opportunities will allow us to broaden our horizons and create a vast interconnected network in the BBYO global community.

I truly cannot stress enough how much I wish to learn from this program. I seek to exceed my capacities and go above and beyond the path we are creating. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”