Young Professionals Lead Projects that Meaningfully Change Communities
By Mion Tsuchiaka
Young professionals from across continents shared their local projects that have led to meaningful change in the communities during the WFWPI-sponsored webinar titled “The Role of Youth in Family and Society” on May 31, 2025.
The event was moderated by Kefilwe Lebepe, a dynamic youth leader originally from South Africa, now based in Germany, who guides the WFWPI Young Professionals team with passion and purpose.
The first speaker was a celebrated young entrepreneur, Boubou Sangho, who is the founder of Boubou Lait, a dairy company turning fresh local milk into yogurt, cheese, and other high-quality products. Named the Best Agricultural Start-Up of Africa (2017), Boubou said that his work empowers rural women and youth through agriculture, skill development, and entrepreneurship.
His NGO, Les Leaders de Demain, has trained hundreds and helped fund over 38 youth-led initiatives. “Our work is not just about business,” he said. “It’s about giving dignity and opportunity to those who never had it.”
Mallory Djendara, a community and project manager, shared a deeply personal and powerful testimony about her journey from Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to becoming a bold voice for women and displaced communities in Europe.
At Africa New Day, she led the launch of an online platform for women’s empowerment, and now speaks on international platforms, including the European Parliament, to raise awareness of ongoing conflicts in DRC. “If we have a voice, we also have a responsibility,” she urged. “We cannot remain silent.”
The third speaker was author, leadership coach, and founder of Karlene Millwood International, Karlene Millwood, who brought a strategic and heartfelt perspective on what it means to lead with integrity in today’s world. From her personal story of nearly dropping out of school to founding a scholarship fund for youth in Jamaica, Karlene emphasized that “leadership begins with posture before platform.” She encouraged young people to rise with clarity and confidence, and to embrace their role as agents of transformation, starting at home.
The webinar highlighted how youth today are uniquely positioned to bridge generations, preserve traditions while driving innovation, and strengthen families and communities through leadership rooted in empathy and service. Stories from the speakers demonstrated that leadership doesn’t require a title or wealth, just courage, commitment, and a desire to serve.
Participants were inspired by the idea that every voice matters. Even without financial resources, young leaders can empower others by providing purpose, mentorship, and community. The speakers modeled leadership that begins with action, taking initiative in their own environments to address challenges from education and employment to gender equality and peacebuilding.
Kefilwe closed the program with an invitation to participants to join the WFWPI Young Professionals Team, a creative hub for global dialogue, leadership, and cultural diplomacy.
