When we first launched the Youth Leadership Cohort, I honestly couldn't have imagined how it would grow and the impact it would make. Back then in 2021, we reviewed 97 applications, which now seems almost modest compared to the over 500 applications we received for the 2024 cohort. This surge in interest vividly highlights the urgent need for more initiatives like the YLC, designed to nurture and empower the next generation of digital social impact leaders.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Aamna, a member of our very first cohort in 2022, to discuss her experiences with the program. Our conversation revolved around how the program has influenced her journey and the broader implications of such initiatives for young people. Below is the full transcript of our conversation, lightly edited for clarity.

What was your journey before joining the YLC? 

I was on the lookout for ways to get more hands-on experience in this field. So, I started reaching out to people, trying to learn more about how design intersects with public health. That's when I stumbled upon YLabs and heard about their first Youth Leadership Cohort. I thought, why not? So, I threw my hat in the ring and applied. It turned out to be a great move. I've finished my stint with the cohort now, and it's been about a year since then.

So, I was looking around to get more experienced within the area. And I started to reach out to people, trying to learn more about how design intersects with public health. That’s how I came across YLabs and found that they were launching their first Youth Leadership Cohort, which was pretty much aligned with my interests. I then just decided to give it a shot and apply, and that actually turned out really well. It’s now been about a year since I finished.

What was the most impactful aspect of the program for you?

When I joined, my main goal was to learn how public health and design could be integrated together. I definitely learned a lot in that area, which was great. But what really made a big impact on me was working with my teammates in the Youth Leadership Cohort. It was a completely new experience for me, collaborating with people from all around the world. It was really my first time interacting with peers from different countries and cultures.

The way we managed to mesh together was amazing. Even when we encountered differences, we worked through them effectively. We learned to understand each other's viewpoints and in the end, together developed a project proposal. That process of coming together, despite our varied backgrounds, and building something meaningful was truly a highlight for me.

What exactly did you get to do in the long year program?

We had a pretty dynamic experience. In the first half, we were involved in a series of informational sessions led by various YLabs staff. These sessions were really enlightening; we learned about their areas of expertise, which ranged from design and branding to more technical aspects.

We also delved deep into topics like epidemiology, examining data and observing how the YLabs team applied their skills in real-world situations. A significant part of our learning involved getting hands-on experience in project building, design research, and understanding the processes involved.

We had the chance to do some consulting work as well. I, along with another cohort member, contributed to an ongoing mental health research project in Rwanda.

Mentorship was a key component throughout our time in the cohort. As we worked on our project, we could always turn to our mentors for feedback and guidance, not just on the project but also in shaping our career paths.

I might be leaving out a few details, but another highlight was leading presentations. For instance, we did a fun presentation together, which was a great opportunity to hone our public speaking and teamwork skills. We also engaged in writing blog posts and did some communications tasks. 

What shaped your perspective on social impact and approach to your work? 

I have family in Pakistan, and my last visit there left quite a profound impact on me. There's this vivid contrast there that strikes you. On one hand, you see parts of the city that aren't too different from where I live here, though a bit more worn. The streets are lively, with food vendors everywhere, and the food is fantastic. But then, there's this other side that's harder to face, like the refugee camps I saw while traveling. It's a stark, uncomfortable reality that I'm not used to.

In certain upscale areas of Pakistan, you don't see these harsher aspects. But within the same city, there are slums and people working for minimal wages, struggling to support their large families. It's a sobering view of life's disparities.

This experience in Pakistan really made me think about my role in social impact. It's one thing to work on small-scale projects, dealing with people one-on-one, like what I'm doing currently. But then there's the aspect of broader impact, affecting change on a larger scale. This trip helped me grapple with these two perspectives. Finding a balance between direct, personal impact and broader, systemic change is something I find intriguing. I'm not even sure if such a balance truly exists, but it's definitely something that's been on my mind since my visit. 

How did your mentor influence your journey? 

It was Mireille, and I was really lucky to have her as my mentor. She's in the design field, and like I said, it’s a field I’m very interested in. So, I was super excited to work with her. Our sessions were great – we'd talk about the projects I was working on, and she'd give her take on them. It was so helpful to get her perspective and advice on how to make things better.

We didn’t just stick to project talk, though. We also talked about my career goals and the stuff I was doing outside of YLabs, like this design internship I was doing at the time. She was genuinely interested and always surprised at how much I was learning. It felt good to get a thumbs-up from someone who's already a pro in the field.

We’ve even kept in touch after the program. I update her about what I’m up to, my new interests, and even my travels. It’s nice to have someone in the industry to talk to. Plus, she’s in the kind of role I’m aiming for, so her guidance has been a real game changer for me. She’s given me some great pointers on how to steer my career towards that direction. I'm really grateful for her mentorship – it's been a huge part of my journey.

Do donations make a difference for the YLC?

I can confidently say that donations affect real people like me and my cohort members, the second cohort and whoever comes afterwards. And we really felt the impact of the cohort in our lives. It has shaped my worldview, it has shaped my interest in the future, what i want to do as a young person. It has opened my eyes to what is out there, and how i can help young people.

That's the direction I’m heading in now. Future participants will undoubtedly benefit from this program as well. Donors should feel reassured and proud that their contributions are truly making a difference, facilitating positive change and impacting us significantly.

Will you support the YLC 2024? Your contribution, whether it's $5 or $500, plays a crucial role in helping us achieve our objective and empowers these outstanding young leaders to create a meaningful impact through digital innovation.

Interested in learning more about YLabs’ work to help youth lead the way? Check out our projects!