Sugandha Munshi

Nationality: Indian
Living in: Bihar, India
Programmes: ILP 2013

"Be the change you wish to see in the world"

Agriculture & Gender Specialist Sugandha Munshi

Following the ILP in 2013 Sugandha started working with women farmers as a ‘Gender Specialist” at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations.

Sugandha has created a programme called the ‘women’s leadership through agriculture reform’ where women farmers can explore their social, economic and individual leadership. She strongly believes that in India youth has an important role to play to reduce and finally end gender inequality and solve women issues. This belief led her to create an initiative called Priyadarshini which acts as a neutral platform to work with youths in Bihar, India, on gender issues where the core message is “lead yourself and influence others for making the world a humane place”, a concept she learned at her WYSE ILP.

Her projects have worked directly with over 5,000 women farmers and the wider impact on the system has reached over 50,000 people. In 2016, Sugandha was named as a Global Shaper, an initiative from the World Economic Forum that recognises young people from across the world who are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their communities. 

As a traveller born in this world, I have been moving ahead with a never dying spirit where I keep my key to motivation in my pocket. It might sound difficult but definitely not impossible same like our life isn’t it?

I pursued my master’s degree in Political science form University of Delhi India, holding degrees in Journalism and Gender studies, I moved on, making my passion my career, working for women’s development and gender equality. I believe it is always important to take one step ahead, seeking solutions, rather moving the problems and systems around. I have been working in India for development issues for the last eight years, involved in the gender rights movement in my country and have been contributing my bit to bring my society closer to sustainable change.

I started my career as a journalist and moved on to bring out more out of me and immersed myself, joining the development sector and learning out of crisis situation. As I became involved in a campaign against female foeticide in Delhi my life took me to the grass root of India In Rajasthan where I spent 2 years and 8 months working and implementing the Education Leadership .While spending my days in villages of India, one thing which I have learnt was how education play a significant role in turning around the gender discrimination. 

My realization gave me an insight to explore another path, where I could work merging gender and education. I came back to my state Bihar in India where I believed that in order to contribute to the development of my state, I need to work being stationed here to understand real picture. I joined as State Co-ordinator Gender Cell for the department of education for four years, where I was involved in intensive advocacy for policy making on gender sensitization through education as an important tool with state government and UNICEF. During this intensive field work, all my lows became my learning and all my highs my understanding. 

While I was moving on in my journey something indispensable happened in my life; which has really acted as a catalyst, sharpening my thought and perspective. It was “WYSE Leadership “. Those 12 days gave me the energy, refuelled my thoughts and determination to maintain my spirit for changes around me. Meeting with so much positive energy in one place, with one goal of “making the world a humane place” gave me an opportunity to have a wider world view. The reflection sessions and most important the session of sub personalities hit me the most, which still support me, keeping me aware of being non- judgemental toward self and others both at my workplace and at home. The coaching sessions provided during and after the course is adding value in keeping the learnings afresh, and keeps me close to my centre.

 I took a crucial decision of moving on from education department and started working with and for women farmers as a ‘Gender Specialist” in International Rice Research institute where I am closer to the cause I want to work with and bring impact. I am working for women farmers and their development through new innovations in agriculture. I name it the ‘women’s leadership through agriculture reform’ where they can explore their social, economic and individual leadership.

I strongly believe that in India youth has an important role to play to reduce and finally end gender inequality and solve women issues. This belief led me to have a small initiative, called Priyadarshini which acts as a neutral platform to work with youths in Bihar, India on gender issues where the core message is “lead yourself and influence other for making the world a humane place”

Sugandha Munshi

Sugandha recently received an Aadhi Aabadi Women Achievers Awards in India.

Voted for by a national committee, Sugandha Munshi was given the award for her work with women and girls to empower them through education. The aim of the award is to celebrate women in India doing fantastic things, and who stand as role models for the next generation. 

Sugandha says that WYSE helped her evolve as a person and become a more reflective practitioner. She believes she can do the work she does because she knows she has the support of her WYSE family behind her always.

Luke Rogers

Luke Rogers

“WYSE showed me the power of working with intention and purpose.”

Luke Rodgers was brought up in the UK care system and was homeless at the age of 15. He is now leading a cultural revolution in local authorities across the UK, ensuring that young people are engaged in the design of the services they use. He was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2018 for his contribution to youth services.

As Director of Strategy at The Care Leaders, Luke set up a leadership fellowship programme. This year, 20 care experienced young people will explore their own leadership by developing a social enterprises to benefit other young people in care. Luke developed a communication campaign for a failing local authority, which engaged over 300 members of staff, over 50 young people and prevented the local authority from being placed into ‘special measures.’

The project has supported 260 young people to move from social care to independent living. The rate of sustainable tenancies increased from 33% to 100%.

Victor Odhiambo

Victor Odhiambo

"I am motivated by the positive change I see our work creating in the community.”

Victor Odhiambo is the 30 year old co-founder and executive director of Garden of Hope Foundation. He was born and raised in Kibera slum himself (East Africa’s largest slum), and he believes this deep rooted connection is vital to the impact of their work so far. Victor attended the WYSE International Leadership Programme in 2017 which he described as “transformational“.

“My proudest moment was finding out that 3 young people who completed the Leadership Development and Entrepreneurship programme won a grant for their project last year. They now employ a combined 50 people.”

Garden of Hope Foundation creates sustainable social and economic opportunities for youth, women and children in urban slums and rural communities in Kenya. 

Garden of Hope currently runs three projects for young people, women and children:

1. Leadership Development and Entrepreneurship. 50-70 young people complete the 3 month programme each year.

2. Mentorship. 20,000 youths have been reached through interactive workshops and peer-mentoring in schools over the past 6 years.

3. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. 15,000 women and girls have been supported with menstural products and hygiene awareness training over the past 5 years.

The project has been running for 6 years and has worked with 20,000 youths in 40 schools.

Angga Kara

Angga Kara

“WYSE has changed my life, without it, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now” way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Angga is the 34 year old founder of Men up North. He was born in Indonesia and then moved to the UK. Angga attended the WYSE International Leadership Programme in 2016 when he was 30. At the time I was unsure where I was going in life and had lost sense of hope, “WYSE has changed my life, without it, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now.”

The mission of Men Up North is to reduce suicide rates and loneliness for men in the North of England.

1. Good Health & Wellbeing: People look forward to the meetings and the opportunity to meet up with others. 1 in 5 men are affected by loneliness in the UK.

2. Quality Education: through 2 hour meetings 120 men aged between 18-72 regularly meet Angga provides a framework & structure for men so that strangers can talk freely.

3. Gender Equality: M.U.N. provides a platform for honest conversations around masculinity around mental health, self-awareness and the evolution of the modern man

In 2020 Men Up North had 1200 men through its men’s group doors and in total engaged 3000 men via talks from 14 different heritage backgrounds.

George O’Shaughnessy

George O’Shaughnessy

““WYSE taught me to look after myself first. It taught me to delegate and be honest with myself”

George is the 35 year old founder & director of Populate Co-operative & The Oxfordshier Kindness Wave. He attended the WYSE International Leadership Programme in 2011 when he was 25 and the ALP at 30.

Populate Co-operative is a UK based organisation creating and facilitating events and projects in UK cities. The Oxfordshire Kindness Wave’s mission is to facilitate opportunities that can enrich and empower our children whilst supporting the arts & cultural projects.

The project is a collective movement that produces parcels filled with goods sourced from local businesses,

The parcels contain soap, chocolate, sketch book, fluffy blanket, teddy bear, bed socks etc providing love, hope, comfort and kindness to the recipient (someone who is experiencing loneliness during isolation or experiencing anxiety).

More recently the parcels have been used as a Covid Level Rapid Response aimed at 16-18 year olds who may be isolating from Cornavirus.

4000 parcels have been sent throughout Bristol & Scotland in 8 months.

Nina Cassells

Nationality: British
Living in: London, UK

Nina Cassells was just 17 when she set up Project Period with a group of friends in 2017. Born and raised in London, UK, Nina was motivated to find a sustainable solution for girls in Kibera who missed school because they didn’t have access to sanitary products. She attended the WYSE International Leadership Programme in 2017.

Project Period distributes menstrual cups and runs mensturation awareness workshops to teenage girls in Kibera (Kenya) who miss school because they can't afford sanitary products. Its goals are to ensure that girls can stay in school and to build body confidence and self-esteem. The projected has worked with 430 girls in 16 workshops with 400 cups distributed.

“When we returned to one of the schools in 2019, a year after our first trip, we realised that 60% of the girls were still using the cups every month. We are working with two local partners and building a local ambassador team to ensure there is a support system for the girls who are using the cups.”

A couple months before I joined WYSE I visited a school in Kibera, Kenya and after talking to the teachers, saw how girls were missing school because of their periods. Menstrual cups are rarely spoken about even though their financial and environmental benefits are huge, I saw an opportunity where I could bring these products to the schools in Kenya and provide them with a solution to this issue. It was WYSE that gave me the confidence to actually pursue this idea. I was lucky enough to meet Victor on the course, the founder of a youth charity in Kenya called Garden of Hope. Even though I was just 17 at the time, he believed that I could carry out this project successfully and provided me with links in Kenya to help Project Period become a reality. 

On average, girls who can't afford sanitary products will miss two months of school, and those who can have to constantly rely on external organisations which hinder their independence as young women. Our aim was to give these girls a sustainable solution to help them take control over their bodies and their futures. Education is key for young adults living in slums, such as Kibera, to improve and grow their lives. For girls, attending school is made harder by the fact they don't have the tools to handle their menstruation so are forced to stay at home. Over this time they are missing crucial hours of school which could impact their future. The menstrual cup is a reusable product that lasts up to 10 years, providing it is cared for correctly. Not only does this lead to a reduction of waste caused by disposable sanitary products, but also lifts the financial burden of having to buy products every month. A menstrual cup gives girls the responsibility every woman should have over their own body.

Project Period is made up of a team of five 18 years olds. We spent 10 months fundraising, discussing and coordinating a trip to Kenya in which we give 200 menstrual cups to 7 different schools and deliver workshops for the girls to feel more comfortable talking about periods. In Kenya especially, periods are a taboo subject and aren't generally talked about amongst peers. During the workshops we got the girls to discuss when they started their periods and their feelings towards menstruation in small groups with one Project Period team member per group. We saw it was important for them to hear each others experiences in order to create a space in which their menstruation is welcomed and celebrated. We felt if we could give them a tool that made them feel liberated from charity donations, this would give them the confidence to be independent and succeed.

Lisa Alshibaya

Nationality: German
Living in: Miami, USA
Programmes: ILP 2013, ALP 2014

What country are you from and where do you live?
I'm from Germany. Until recently I lived in London, England, but I have now moved to Miami to expand my business.

How did you hear about WYSE?
I heard about WYSE from my former employers.

How has attending the WYSE ILP and/or ALP affected your life?
Attending both of the WYSE programmes was a profound experience, which had a huge impact on me. It made me better able to reflect on myself, be aware of who I am, what my fears and needs are, and most importantly where I want to go and what I want from my life.I understood the mind-set I needed in order to get to where I want to be, and how to create an environment for myself where using this mind-set was possible. Although, it's an on-going process which takes months, or even years, I feel that I constantly come closer to being the person I want to be and living the life I aspire to.

What did you enjoy most about your programme?
I enjoyed the combination of everything. The structure of the programme, the amazing coaches, the quality and depth of the programme content, the other participants from around the world plus the setting of the amazing Villa Boccella.

Do you remain in contact with other participants?
Yes, via our Whatsapp group, email and in real life. Recently one Whatsapp group reminded me that although we are all far apart, we are always in eachother's hearts.

Do you use some of the WYSE learnings in your everyday life?
Yes. I believe that this experience is reflected in everything I do and think.

Anything else you would like to share with the WYSE community?
I'm very grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in those programmes, probably the best investment I ever made.

Dina Ariss

Nationality: Syrian
Living in: London, UK
Programmes: ILP 2015

This year has been great and rewarding for me for different reasons but the main reason is because I found a way to support refugees in UK and around the world through an amazing feminist group called “Chayn”.

Right after I came back from Brazil, my friend Ahmed (who also introduced me to WYSE) introduced me to the founder Hera. she was looking for people to translate Chayn’s first toolkit “ How to build your own domestic violence case without a lawyer” into Arabic.  A few weeks in and already through Chayn I  became part of the core team that was organising #PeaceHackBey in Beirut and #EmpowerHack in London to support refugees. Both hackathons focused on creating tech solutions to empower refugees, especially designing solutions that addressed specific issues faced by women. 

For those new to the concept of hackathons, here’s a one line explanation: Hackathons are 24-48 hours events where people from different backgrounds and skillsets come together to solve a problem through technology. From PeaceHackBey and EmpowerHack, our objective was to use design methodology to create sustainable tech solutions that enabled refugees and NGOs to combat disenfranchisement. For instance, one of my favourite solutions from the last hackathon is a website for women refugees to learn coding  in Arabic), so they have a way to earn money, and do something useful.

When I chose to be an organiser for #PeaceHackBey, I swear I didn’t know what this word meant! I felt completely lost. Luckily, the team that I was working with, was super supportive, organised, and very passionate and determined to make the difference and understood why this cause was important to me. Honestly, you don’t need more than that to create an impactful Hackathon or any other project for that matter. We had to do everything remotely from London: research barriers faced by the refugee community & existing solutions, calling and vetting attendees, recruitmenting mentors & judges, and building in field partnerships. WYSE network helped me reach WYSE Alumni in Lebanon to ask for help which was quite a fruitful connection! 

Importantly - the hackathon never ends with the end of the event itself. It is just the beginning. We are following up with the teams to make sure they have the support they need to make their solution sustainable. Incubating these ideas requires dedication but also strategic linking with organisations and external bodies to make sure these projects reach the market while remaining sustainable and open source. We want to create a community of enablers and changemakers that are using technology for the humanitarian context.

Almost immediately after the hackathon in Beirut, we started preparing for #EmpowerHack where we wanted to focus only on women refugees and do hackathon focused on Health, Education and Employment, and Gender-based Violence. Women are often the most vulnerable social group during crisis - and the conflict spreading across Middle East is no exception. Culturally, women in the Middle East are expected to be responsible for everything in the domestic life, irrespective of whether they are working or not. This places an enormous burden on women in conflict because not only are they key targets of violence, they have a lot to lose and the whole family unit counts on them to be strong despite trauma.

I believe when you prepare women to be an efficient citizens, you build a healthier society. With each hackathon, I’m contributing to a thought leadership within Chayn that figures out how we can make these events a catalyst for sustainable change. #EmpowerHack was a game changer. A collaboration between Chayn and the amazing Han Pham, an experienced service & systems designer and Kimi, a committed developer and Chayn volunteer, who were super determined to make the hackathon an international movement. We held in depth interviews with NGOs who deal with refugees in the above three areas. so the solution created were a real response to the crisis. 

Hackathons are a great way to respond to humanitarian crisis and support the traditional work of NGOs. It’s not competing with their existing work model but instead fits in as a part of it to allow them to be more agile, responsive and efficient. 

By being a part of the refugee hackathons, I had the chance to feel that I can do something useful and contribute to the community during any crisis and especially the crisis which is happening now back in my country. By enabling women through new skills and opportunities, we ensure they can use it to earn money and avoid harassment, educate themselves and be able to use these skills when they go back home.

Recently,I represented Chayn along with Wisam,to speak on “How the technology can empower Syrian women refugees” at The University of Westminster for Media students. The workshop was organised by  Mujde, the founder of Kizcode who wanted to shed the light on the challenges faced by women refugees. The workshop focused on the existing technology to empower women refugees and aim to create better understanding on the role of technology to create solutions. In the second part of the workshop, we asked students to be in groups and trying to generate ideas using tech to help and support women refugees. This work has given me an invaluable opportunity to practice the leadership skills that I discovered in WYSE. 

When I went to the WYSE ILP, I had no expectations about how the programme works. I only trusted my friend Ahmed  who highly recommended the programme. It gave me a new life. I found my heart again there. Being just short of magic, WYSE is a programme that helps you to find the magic inside of you. It is designed to help you understand how to drive yourself. After the programme I kept getting support from my mentor and the amazing WYSE community. It provides you with the right ecosystem to grow and see others grow, inspired by the difference between you and them. You can truly understand how the community can support the individual to develop while at the same time the community is growing through the individuals. The more you give the community and support members, the more community gives back. It’s great to know that you have a community of people who believe in you, share the same dreams as you to build a better world for everyone. This excitement and enthusiasm will enable you to shine in your world.  

During 2015 I learnt how I can bring about a little change around me by volunteering and this has given me faith in the merit of volunteering more than ever. Volunteering can make the biggest impact on our life and people around us. Volunteers have been called the heros of the refugee crisis engulfing our world at the moment. People selflessly coming together for a worthy cause are making the crisis response stronger, bolder and more efficient. Wouldn’t this make you believe that there is yet hope for a better world?

Reza Kavosh

Nationality: Iranian
Living in: Shiraz, Iran
Programmes: ILP Italy 2010

“When you become a leader, success is about growing others.”

I was doing my M.A in Peace, Conflict, and development studies in UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for peace in Universidad Jaume in Spain when I came to know about the WYSE leadership program in Italy. As I was very passionate to participate in a course on leadership, I applied and was lucky to be selected as one of the participants of WYSE ILP in 2010.

When I started the program, I realized that it was very different from other education I had experienced in my life. It is not merely an academic or practical course to help you to develop your leadership skills. It is a program, which helps you to know about yourself, your capacities, and your place in the diverse world. It helps you to choose your direction in life and the way you would like to establish your relationship with yourself, with others, with the world, and with the nature.

After my master degree and with the vision that I gained from WYSE, I went back to Iran and started to work in the Islamic World Peace Forum as director of the youth department - where I worked with youth to address the problems of our society. As WYSE enlightened me about doing volunteering for the good of the world, I have been dedicating my time and happy participating in volunteer activities.   

One of the important lessons I learnt about myself is how capable we are after WYSE, I started to use and appreciate my new abilities. Since WYSE I have participated in more than 15 international conferences and workshops around the world and talked about youth, conflict resolution through religious diplomacy, etc. 

In line with WYSE principles, I believe we have a mission to empower others. Since January 2013 I have been working with United Nations High Commissioner for the Refugees in Iran. I worked in their Shiraz office as a Field Assistant and am responsible for the livelihood of Afghan and Iraqi refugees in five provinces in Iran. Besides that, I am special advisor to Dr. Bawa Jain - the Secretary General of the World Council of Religious Leaders of Millennium World Peace Summit. 

The other participants of 2010 WYSE program, are so fantastic and we have been in regular contact with each other. I would love to have more wise friends, so do not hesitate to drop me a message if you believe that we all as youth should help each other and make the world better place to live. My email address is rezakavosh@gmail.com.

Stella Alexanyan

Nationality: Armenian
Living in: Abovyan, Armenia
Programmes: ILP 2011, ALP 2012, Kitchen ILP 2013

"An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward."

After leaving all the success I had in my country I moved to a foreign country where sometimes the feeling of being nobody provokes even the strongest soul. In a new place everything is so different: new education experience, strangers in the street, new friends, different lifestyle. This always sounds exciting and in the beginning it is really so, then gradually I become a part of that “new”, finding surprisingly that I belonged amidst the inescapable nostalgia for my country and my past. 

Now, standing on the verge of new changes- finishing education and trying to find the right place for me to show my potential, I am scared. I guess the feeling of fear always accompanies changes. And right there, where everything seems not in the right places, I can access something that I call Joker- it is my experience with WYSE. It is so surprising how the positive emotions and thoughts I gained from an amazing community can really lead me even long after the programs. Being involved in many international programs and getting to know different people from all over the world WYSE always has special place in my life. 

All the practical skills I have learnt during WYSE programs, even cooking for 50 people have been so helpful. I use them in my daily life and I am so proud that many things I am able to do are because during the programs my WYSE family helped me to reveal my potential. Even now, with this fear in my heart and mind for the coming changes, I feel confidence that everything will be all right. It takes a moment to close my eyes to remember all the wonderful people I met during the program and everything I learnt from them, and then I am sure that my present situation is not my final destination.

Eisha Roy

Nationality: Indian
Living in: New Delhi, India
Programmes: ILP 2014

I'm 19 years old and I started working in the development sector at the age of 15. It was my passion to make a difference knowing that my spiritual self is limitless. I came to WYSE at a point in my life when I was in the middle of helping to build a free hospital for 35,000 inhabitants of an Island who have no access to healthcare, electricity and safe drinking water. I had become so action-driven after being affected by the state of the people in the rural areas of India, that amidst building the hospital, teaching in a slum dwelling, going to an orphanage and attending college- I had forgotten who I really was and why I was doing this.

WYSE gave me a much clearer perspective towards my goals and life, as well as helped me understand the importance of striking a balance between doing and being. The first day it was an unknown continent, unknown country, unknown city with unknown people at an unknown home. Within a couple of days, I struck a chord with everyone and I knew I'd found a home away from home. It took just 12 days to form bonds larger than life itself. When I look back, I think about how these 12 days have etched my heart and how I will carry this life changing experience with me for the rest of my life.

My journey at WYSE was nothing short of brilliant. It helped me sharpen my focus towards my goals and restored my faith in humanity. I've been working for gender rights since I was 15 and this journey showed me how there are people across continents who are working for different causes with greater passion. The common theme amongst us was that everyone had steel in their eyes and all of us are determined to make a change. I am inspired by the passion exhibited by the coaches and the participants. It was a journey where I learnt a lot about myself and how I can use my skills to make a positive difference in the world. To unfold oneself and then to create a positive impact!

I am a global citizen, as are the other participants and we are globally connected regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or any such trivial inhibitions. Ideas, thoughts and actions have a new profound meaning for all of us.

I've written a small poem to summarise my journey from India to WYSE.


From a caterpillar to a butterfly

A weave of the rainy patch
With no rainbow on my head

I tread the path of bold
In the lilt of a grapple

So sweet and enamouring
I quite not know how to describe

Streaks of passion and inspiration which play
Had left me speechless

When the swivel intensified
Something was touching my heart
Did you pinch the veins
You once had strummed with your hands?

I crooned in a voice unknown-
of a strong and independent woman
Did you hear its lore of yearning
Filling the shadow with the light it never had!

Eisha Roy

Zainab Kakal

Nationality: Indian
Living in: Mumbai, India
Programmes: ILP 2013

One of the things I did post-ILP was to take an oath of honesty and I am going to write this piece in the very same spirit.

If someone would tell me that an 'International Leadership Programme' has been life changing for them, I would appreciate their input, respect their context and move on. Would a programme as such have an impact on me? I would have thought - no. No programme can teach you how to be a leader. No person or groups of people can hand you guidebooks, lessons or speeches of what makes a good leader.

I grew up with self-development literature around me and have grown sceptical of conversations that use the words leadership and improvement loosely. So obviously, I did not immediately take to this programme which claimed to train emerging leaders and make the world a better place. I did not need yet another self-help, Dale-Carnegie kind of talk which reeked of morality and offered life-changing silver bullets.

However, this programme came recommended by friends (and my instinct) and I agreed to keep my doubting mind aside and go through it as a social experiment. I vowed to be humble and persistent and sincere. And writing this now, I am thankful that good sense prevailed. I would in fact, recommend ILP, for the two following reasons: 

Space: I have always found mainstream discourse around lifestyle management, leadership, life choices and values a bit too restrictive and pedantic for my liking. I was happy that the ILP had a space for someone like me where I could reconsider these old-school thoughts and create a new school of philosophy which was ‘good’ and ‘right’ for me. For instance, most leadership books or trainings have told me that I need to be a good listener to be a good leader, and in spite of knowing or hearing it or reading it, I was yet to put it into practice. At ILP, I got the space to truly engage with that thought, to completely understand it and then, imbibe it. ILP does a great job at creating safe and nurturing environments which allow for disagreements and challenge obvious knowledge and experience.

Time: I have often found myself confused at crossroads, revaluating misplaced priorities, surrounded by pop philosophy, and living from one epiphany to another. For someone like me who enjoys deep learning and clarity of thought, that was a nightmare. ILP forced me to reconsider, spend time with myself, look into myself for direction first and then seek advice elsewhere. This has brought me closer to myself in many ways and I am slowly learning that it is indeed a privilege to know myself and spend time with myself.

Needless to say, these two reasons are also my biggest takeaways – giving myself space and time. And I am deeply grateful.

Pallavi Gandhalikar

Nationality: Indian
Living in: All over India!
Programmes: Italy 2013

“Life is beautiful if you really take ownership of it.”

Born in the city of Nasik and brought up in a small town that is now a district called Rajsamand, I had always been very adventurous and curious. A true nature lover. The explorer’s spirit has been alive in me since childhood and my parents have always supported me (though not willingly at times).
 
I did Chemistry honours at Pune University and then a Masters in Communication Media at Mumbai University. Being a topper and gold medallist my parents expected me to work in a white collar job, but my life took a U-turn when I was involved in making a film as part of my own thesis on Child Sexual Abuse. I worked with several NGOs and met grassroots workers who were doing impactful work to bring a change in India. Concurrently, I was travelling across India with organizations working with youth, children and adolescence on issues related to education, child rights, youth empowerment and trafficking.

 
My movie was a synthesis of what I saw in the society and my own life experiences. At this time, I underwent a transformation, realising I wanted to spend my lifetime bringing about a positive change in the society. Thus, I started reading and travelling and meeting people across the globe to understand both key issues and innovative solutions.
 
In the past six years, as a Certified Trainer, I have been working across India on key aspects related to experiential education, Youth empowerment, Transformational Leadership, NVC practises (living with Non-violent Communication).  
 
I worked with Play for Peace, an organization that works with children, adolescents and adults across the globe through the medium of games, to build confidence and safe learning space amongst communities. I also worked as a fellow in Kaivalya Education Foundation for two years, where my role was to transform failing government schools by working closely with the Principals. This enhanced my understanding about the government education system and further strengthened my resolve to work with youth at a global scale.
 
My urge to work with adolescents made me join Masoom Education Foundation as the Program Director, where I worked with night schools that gave unique, education opportunities to a population of people who work in the day and study by the night. At Masoom I learnt the skills of program management, managing big teams, training multiple stakeholders, meeting and learning from top government officials.
 
“From being somebody to being nobody;
and from being nobody to being everybody.
This knowledge can bring
sharing and caring throughout the world.”
 
My life took another beautiful turn while working at Masoom - I got selected for the WYSE. leadership program. WYSE. gave me an excellent opportunity to connect with and learn from commendable work carried out by youth across the planet. WYSE. appeals to me because it focuses not only on the content but also the how. It creates a safe atmosphere for every learner to grow, nurture his or her ideas in the most beautiful way. It helped me understand my own facilitation skills by working closely with my coach. The sub-personalities sessions, made me more conscious about myself as a human being and also made me connect to lots of things, which I never believed were true. Connection with one’s ‘Self’ can be achieved in many different ways and I think WYSE. facilitated this beautifully. It was very experiential and touching for me - whether it was a one-on-one discussion with a buddy or a facilitator or offline group discussions orlate night chats or skits, role plays or videos - everything had a flavour of love and care and a very noble intent. The energy of the place and the people helped me connect with my inner self much better.
 
I made life time friends and learnt about real-life issues from their experiences. Staying with a Japanese roommate, having breakfast with a Spanish friend, swimming with an Italian, doing activities with a Lebanese, having dinner with an American - made me feel connected with people across the world. All the time, the discourse on leadership, culture and global identity was playing a big role in shaping my thought process towards the world outside of me.
 
I have recently joined Wildlife Conservation Trust, a not-for-profit that works closely with 90 national parks and sanctuaries spread across 17 Indian states and strongly believes that wildlife and forest conservation are intricately linked to the well-being of communities that reside in and around forests and that an educated, self-sufficient and healthy community is as important to the conservation of natural resources as forest protection and governance is. It has adopted a 360 degree approach to forest and wildlife conservation and its interventions are based on sound science, immaculate ground truthing and gap-filling exercises, in-depth interactions and coordination with State and Union Governments and deep rooted association with local communities to improve the quality of primary education, to provide better livelihood options and to provide quality health care to people living in and around remote forests
 
My personal dream too has started taking shape - I have come up with my own baby, a small community ‘EEE FULLS. A small community which serves as a platform for the young like-minded people to come and discuss, share and work on education, environment and experience as a way of learning. "E.E.E." stands for Experience, Enjoy and Educate and "FULLS" refers to Feel, Unlearn, Learn, Love and Share. 
 
This is just a small beginning. There is a long way to go. I truly believe that youth has the power to influence, take-up challenges, think innovatively and possess the guts to stand for what they truly believe in.

Lerato Kossie

Nationality: South African
Living in: Johannesburg, South Africa
Programmes: ILP 2005

Since the ILP in 2005 a lot has changed and shifted for me. I left Educo 2010 and went to work for National Peace Accord in Johannesburg. I must say working with ex-combat was a life changing experience for me as I got to understand the staff. These young man and women have gone through much in life. I facilitated a wilderness eco-therapy for the ex-combat. In 2011 I moved back to Cape Town. 

Currently I am organising to have my own NGO working with people from underprivileged communities, working with youth in violence in my country. I just want to say being part of the bigger circle and partaking in the WYSE programme, has made me to never look back in my life. Always trying to revive opportunities. WYSE programme had awakened something in me that I never thought I had.

I enjoy staying in contact with you guys, hoping and wishing that we can see each other in my country.

Lerato Kossie

Amie-Jade Cramp

Nationality: Australian
Living in: Adelaide, Australia
Programmes: ILP 2006

Since my time in Lucca Italy I have continued to work in project and event management, community and youth development in various capacities as well as completing my studies in Social Science majoring.

For the past 3 years I have been working as a Community Development Officer –Youth with local government where I have a focus on using art, recreation, music and leadership in a strengths based approach to work towards developing cohesive and connected communities. 

I am passionate about strengthening local youth voice, communities support for young people, encouraging people to actively participate in their local community and to influence decisions that affect their lives. I have also spent time volunteering and working on various local, state and national leadership initiatives since WYSE. 

I have been fortunate to travel and explore some of our amazing world including Europe, UK, and a couple of years ago spent significant time in South America volunteering with a charity in Bolivia and a social enterprise project in Ecuador. I am about to embark on a 3 month adventure with my husband throughout Europe/UK and also Africa and I couldn’t be more excited!!

Another significant moment was marrying the most incredible man Joshua, we recently celebrated 2 years of marriage and it’s an absolute joy doing life together. When I think back to my time in Lucca, Italy I smile. I can hear the voice of Vincenzo calling out saying the iced tea and cheese or the wood fired pizzas are ready… Delizioso!! 

I was young, bright eyed, had never left Australia and was somewhat naïve to the world, its people, challenges and strengths. WYSE showed me a richness, strength, diversity and importance of the impact that one person, one community, one common goal can have. 

It was a time to reflect, learn, share and grow individually and together with others that once were strangers, quickly became friends and now hold a very special place in my heart. 

Wyse activated a love of travelling, an appreciation for cultures, deeper love for my country and also a deeper desire for community development, connection and servant leadership. I attended WYSE at the age of 20 and had never left Australia. 

It was a big step to head OS, not knowing anyone and not really knowing what to expect. The quickly formed community made up of diverse representation of participants including nationality, socio-economic, faith/religious belief, career and language quickly became my world where I was challenged, inspired, pushed out of my comfort zone and encouraged. 

To this day I still am blown away at the opportunity WYSE provided me to think deeper, bigger and better. It gave me tools to reflect on myself, my community, the world and to turn dreams about the impact we can all have no matter how big or small into realities. 

I am SO thankful for how this experience still impacts the way I think and live to this day. 

Thank you to you wonderful people who contributed to this!! 

Rick Rovers

Nationality: Dutch
Living in: Amsterdam, Holland
Programmes: ELP 2011, ALP 2012

Last October I participated in the ALP in Italy. For three reasons. 
Firstly because I held and still hold warm and good memories to the ILP. Beautiful people, wonderful insights and completely refueled and energized were the main gifts of ten days in St. Braivels Castle. And, not to forget, a head full of songs which are unexplainable to anyone who didn’t attend. Secondly, because I just started a new job and wanted to make sure that I wasn’t slowing down in my ambitions now I reached this point. And thirdly, because I wanted to know what more there was to learn.

Again, the whole experience was great. Great to see old friends, and to meet new ... and then there was the food! Delizioso! When I returned from the ALP, two insights or reconfirmations stood out in particular. One is that self-awareness is a great guide in achieving what you want in life. The second tool that WYSE brought me is the set of different methods to see the bright side of things, for example to count the days that you do work up to your ambitions instead of focusing on a day that you might not. This really helps me to enjoy the things I do more and to keep myself inspired and positive.

After Italy I increased my voluntary work, mainly by becoming a local board member of my political party, Democrats ‘66. D66 is a party which is inspired by both liberalism and socialism. I am mainly occupied with the preparations of the coming elections in 2014 on municipality level. Next to that our board tries hard to get as many people as possible to become politically active and to support the ideas we have for our city. For me, this work is a way to contribute to the city and my local community and to learn more about politics and the city. And a great way to meet new people that are active in the voluntary field too. I really enjoy it. I hope you are all doing well. All the best!

Elva (Jing) Zhang

Nationality: Chinese
Living in: Geneva, Switzerland
Programmes: ILP 2013

Hello everyone, my name is Elva, and I am originally from the PR China.  However, I have been studying, living and working in Australia (mainly in Melbourne) for over 10 years now.  In July 2013, I moved to Geneva, Switzerland to undertake a one-year LL.M in International Law with a specialty in International Economic Law at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID).  Prior to this, I was working as a lawyer in the private sector for about 5 years.  

I have an ‘incurable addiction’ to traveling and am passionate about connecting with people from different parts of the world, for I see myself as a global citizen with a firm belief in unity and oneness.

When being asked to share my WYSE story with others, I thought it would be an easy task to simply summarize my WYSE experience.  Yet, three weeks on, I still found it difficult to put it onto paper, for words seem incapable of accurately conveying the profundity of this experience.

Before undertaking the 2013 International Leadership Program (“ILP”) with WYSE, I was never interested in any leadership programs.  Most of such programs appear to be solely premised upon personal pursuits of external success in a fiercely competitive society. I know intuitively that an outwardly focused approach to leadership does not resonate well with my own values and beliefs on this subject.  Ironically, I was working in a profession that in today’s world thrives upon human adversities and conflicts, and provides a fertile breeding ground for competitive leaders.  As a result, my adult life has somehow become a chronicle of my ongoing personal struggle for reconciling the powerful urge to follow my own inner guidance with the strong push to accept the consensus reality.  

In February 2013, I came across WYSE and the information on 2013 ILP.  I was overwhelmed by a sense of exhilaration, as the ILP entails a holistic approach to leadership with a particular focus on self-development.  Whilst I was certain that I wanted to be part of the ILP, I found difficult to fathom how such a program, which centers on inner-development and conceptual ideals with a strong undertone of spirituality, can possibly be taught.

Then, five months later, I was taken onto this amazing experiential journey under the gentle yet powerful guidance of the experienced WYSE mentors.  The 12-day program was packed with all kinds of surprises.  Each day we were led a little bit closer to knowing ‘ourselves’, and to understanding more clearly that how by changing the microcosm of our ‘small’ worlds, we essentially reshape the macrocosm of our ‘big’ world.  This conceptual re-orientation toward the inner-self is a catalyst to awaken the ‘Dreamer’ within each one of us.  Yet, this is merely the beginning.  With its thought-provoking discussions and exercises, the ILP is equally committed to equipping participants with practical skills in order to transform ‘Dreamers’ to true ‘Artists’, who are able to manifest their inner dreams in the outer world. 

The ILP of WYSE reminds me of what Gandhi once famously said, ‘Be the Change you wish to see in the world’.  This is a much-needed paradigm shift in human consciousness, especially in the world today that is filled with conflicts, misunderstandings and wars.  The hatred of war and violence does not bring about peace, only love of peace does.  Therefore, to create a balanced, peaceful and loving world, we must become a balanced, peaceful and loving individual first and foremost.  Often we consider ourselves as insignificant, and see our efforts as mostly unrecognisable.  Nevertheless, coming to WYSE, I was empowered to feel that we do have the ability to make positive contributions to the world, regardless how small or big they appear to be. 
Also, I came alone to participate in 2013 ILP, but I left with a big WYSE family spread across the globe.  It is a real pleasure to partake in this WYSE journey with participants of all colours, races and nationalities.  This is true testimony to the unity of humanity, as we are able to transcend our differences by embracing diversity. 

Of course, if you have ever met any member of the high-calibre WYSE mentors, it would be easy to understand why WYSE is such a unique and positive experience.  The mentors have spent considerable time developing the program, ensuring that it is intellectually stimulating, mentally challenging and emotionally inspiring for participants.  Their intelligence, professionalism and integrity are of the highest standard, and their friendliness, helpfulness and commitment are of the purest intention.  

Indeed, each one of us is on a tailored journey of self-discovery, so my WYSE experience merely represents one version that is closest to my heart.  I sincerely invite you, those who are drawn to read these words, to gift yourself a privileged opportunity of experiencing WYSE should you desire to find your own inner-leader that has always been a deep-seated aspect of your being.  This is truly the best present I have ever given to myself. 

Lastly, I will conclude with a quote from the great Sufi poet Rumi, which captures the essence of the process of metamorphosis that I have now embarked on:

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am Wise, so I am changing myself.”

Elva (Jing) Zhang

Eva Wartner

Nationality: German
Living in: Germany
Programmes: ILP 2012

My name is Eva and I'm a doctor from Germany. I volunteer in an initiative called "Medizin und Menschlichkeit" which roughly translates to "Medicine and Humanness". At the core of our vision is the focus on the human being – cultivating compassionate, authentic and empowering relationships with our patients, each other and with ourselves – and through that, to inspire students and young doctors to become change agents for a better and more humane medicine of tomorrow. 

My personal vision is very much aligned to this – I doubt that I'm always and exclusively going to be a medical doctor – my feeling is that my mission in this world transcends that. My intuition is that it rather has a lot to do with integrating different elements of healing and personal development in order to create something new..

I took part in WYSE 3 months ago with three colleagues. It was an awesome and profound experience! Not only meet the most wonderful, inspiring people from all over the world, but also discovered myself in ways that I have never before. Such a booster! 

After a few extra days in Italy after the programme with some lovely WYSE buddies, I came back home to Munich. What has happened since then and what I noticed about myself... My initiative held two workshops on Visions in Medicine within five weeks, one in Germany, the other in Florence. Great stuff! 

Having learnt that I'm a leader and about my personal leadership style, I felt much more comfortable with taking responsibilities in organizing and holding these workshops. I felt an openness, curiosity and confidence in this process, unfolding through group intelligence and the power of collaboration. I felt a stronger sense of connectedness and group passion about a common cause. Wow!!! 

These phenomena are continuing to evolve, and I am learning so much. An unexpected learning is about respecting my own limitations and those of others - and of finding balance in the way I live my life. Carving out my core values at WYSE is obviously having its effects.

Meeting so many different people from different cultures on so many different levels has definitely turned me into a more extrovert person, allowing my relationships with people to become more fulfilling.

WYSE has helped me further discover and appreciate my strengths and talents, which I am beginning to realize how to express in the world.

"Medizin und Menschlichkeit" seems like the perfect place for me to be and give my gifts. I am excited about where this ship is steering, excited about inspiring more and more people, excited about unlocking my full potential. I have a strange sense of trust and positive confidence in an uncertain future.

Thank you so much for happening at the right time in my life, WYSE =)

Medizin und Menschlichkeit is a partner of WYSE.

Inas Zeineddine

Nationality: Lebanese
Living in: Beirut, Lebanon
Programmes: ILP 2009

WYSE? It is When Your Self Expands. Arriving at the ILP in Lucca that day, I expected everything except what happened. Some may call it a workshop or a learning experience, but it can only be called WYSE. A unique setting offering a combination of beyond-expectation experiences conducted by professional and passionate mentors, who always succeeded in engaging us until we were the experience ourselves. 

The twelve-day programme created a major turning point in my life and triggered a butterfly effect. After over three years now, the WYSE self of mine has not ceased to be and it is even expanding. Each year, my understanding grows bigger and I still fetch my WYSE purse when making professional and life decisions.

My story started in the summer of 2009, when WYSE transformed my dreams to goals and got me started with step one. Eight months later, I was preparing for a scholarship programme in three European countries. After a year, I was already in Europe when I received the letter that I wrote to myself in WYSE and it was a concrete translation of the impact of WYSE on my life.

What WYSE programmes offer is timeless and will not expire. It is a package of light designed and conveyed to fit in any situation and it is carried in the back of the mind acting like a torch that guides through all the way. It is a universal key to a deeper understanding of the decision-making process that opens all doors for clearer planning and stronger actions, thus a key for change. 
A change that starts from within us and stretches beyond. A change that was once thought to be a wishful idea to a change that is tangible and within reach. A change that is created, executed and realized by us.

Cultural, national or traditional differences melt down in this programme. It felt like we all connected to a WYSE self which allowed us to identify and relate to each other. This self is so precious you do not want to shed it off afterwards. I admire that WYSE spreads the WYSE selves around the globe each year and I am fortunate to be one of them.

Susan Salem

Nationality: Egyptian
Living in: Alexandria, Egypt - currently studying in London
Programmes: ELP 2011

An Arabisque Story

Over a year after the life-changing international leadership program, how did your life change? Mine did tremendously! In the International Leadership Program, I was taught to use what I know to try and serve the world, what I know is business and my community really needs all the helping hands they can get right now. So as a mean of active citizenship towards where I come from, here's another chapter in my story, www.Arabisque.org

We were asked in the ILP to think of what we are passionate about and what we can do about it. My passions towards Business, Making a Difference & the Arab World are what brought me to think of a way to where social progress can leverage on business models for a stronger impact. There are such beautiful initiatives started by nonprofit organizations all over the world that are unfortunately dependent on the luck of getting a grant in order to make a difference, thinking about why should money stop these initiates from helping make the world a better place, got me to think ''Let's make the money to make a difference!''

And that's how I came across social entrepreneurship, a field where businesses can help the community and then my life started to change with a career change by starting a social enterprise With a vision of contributing to the Socio-Economic progress of the Arab world starting with one business at a time, to market the trend of including charity in business models and promoting creative mindsets including Aspiring entrepreneurs, Small-to-medium enterprises and Nonprofit organizations to the international marketplace through e-commerce, donating a percentage of profits from each sale to create a sustainable fund to a community development project that addresses the two main blocks to development: Poverty & Ignorance.

For individuals, businesses provide a platform to actualize their full potential and provide training to sharpen personal and professional skills. On a community level, every business creates employment opportunities. As companies grows so too does the number of jobs. The dual power of business to develop individuals and communities has yet to be sufficiently tapped in the region.

The ILP lead me to discover my passion and I'm on an exciting road that started with winning 1st Prize in Regent's College best business idea contest so now I can't wait to know what'll happen next!