Serving as the 102nd Grand Aleph S’gan and 81st International S’ganit this year has been one of the greatest honors of our lives. Together, we stepped into this term with a vision not only to strengthen our network, but to strengthen people, to create a movement where every leader felt connected, empowered, and inspired to make change. Looking back now, we are incredibly proud of what this network accomplished and the impact we were able to make across BBYO. 

This year was defined by growth. Across the movement, we saw incredible increases in engagement within the International Leadership Network (ILN). More teens stepped up to lead, more regions became interconnected, and more chapter leaders felt supported by systems intentionally built to help them succeed. One of the most exciting examples of this growth was the significant increase in IC Steering applications (over 1,000!!). Teens across the globe were inspired to take ownership of International Convention and contribute to shaping one of the Movement’s most impactful experiences. Watching so many members raise their hands to lead reminded us that the future of BBYO is stronger than ever. 

One of our biggest focuses this term was building stronger relationships between regional and chapter leadership. Through intentional outreach, leadership development, and the expansion of Regional Leadership Networks, we helped create systems that encouraged collaboration rather than separation. Across regions, leaders leaned on one another, shared ideas, solved challenges together, and created spaces where everyone had the opportunity to grow. We saw regions restructure conventions, improve communication pipelines, and create more intentional leadership experiences that prioritized both impact and belonging.

This year also brought extraordinary Movement-wide initiatives to life. Founders’ Fest became one of the defining successes of the term, uniting members across BBYO in celebration of our history, values, and future. Thanks to the incredible work of our coordinators, hype squad members, and countless dedicated leaders, Founders’ Fest created meaningful opportunities for members to connect to something larger than themselves. The energy, creativity, and pride felt throughout the Movement during this initiative was truly unforgettable.

In addition to large-scale initiatives, some of the most meaningful moments came from the relationships formed throughout this network. We cherished every single 1:1 conversation with the regional S’ganim, every brainstorming session, and every late-night phone call. Through this role, we had the privilege of meeting leaders from every corner of the Movement, learning about their regions, hearing their stories, and watching friendships blossom across the network that may have never connected otherwise. This network truly is a family. 

Our network calls became spaces full of passion, honesty, creativity, and inspiration. Leaders showed up not only to learn, but to support one another. Together, we celebrated wins, tackled challenges, exchanged ideas, and continuously pushed each other to think bigger. Throughout the year, we watched the culture of this network evolve into something incredibly special, a space where leaders truly believed in one another and recognized that we are all working toward the same shared purpose.

This role taught us that leadership is not about titles or recognition, it is about people. It is about creating spaces where others feel capable of stepping into their own potential. We learned that some of the most impactful leadership happens quietly, through listening, encouraging, mentoring, and simply showing up consistently for others. We learned that when teens are trusted with responsibility and surrounded by support, they are capable of creating anything they put their minds to. 

Looking at the Movement as a whole, this year proved that BBYO continues to evolve in powerful ways. We saw innovation thrive alongside tradition. We saw leaders challenge outdated systems and reimagine what meaningful engagement could look like. Most importantly, we saw members choose connections, across regions, across networks, and across differences. That sense of unity is what made this year so impactful.

To the future generations of leaders: continue dreaming bigger than what feels comfortable. Continue asking difficult questions, challenging systems that no longer serve our members, and leading with authenticity and heart. The future of this Movement depends on leaders willing to care deeply and take bold steps forward. Never underestimate the impact one conversation, one idea, or one act of belief can have on another person.

This year was extraordinary because of the people who made it extraordinary. Together, we strengthened networks, empowered leaders, built lasting relationships, and helped move this Movement forward. Serving as your International S’ganim has been a privilege we will carry with us forever, and we cannot wait to see how the next generation continues building upon everything this year began.