We share academic concepts and learning experiences, providing students with a unique opportunity to put what they have learned into practice. The Leadership Summit will feature workshops on effective communication, teamwork, project management, and public speaking. Students will have the opportunity to work in small groups to develop their volunteer projects with the guidance and support of experienced mentors. They can design, plan and implement volunteer projects that clean up parks and beaches, help animal shelters and orphanages. This practical experience not only appears to be an advantage in their university applications, but more importantly gives them the confidence to tackle various challenges in their future careers.

Each summit invites experts from different fields. The following persons participated in the Youth Leadership Summit held in February 2024:

Ian Smith – A graduate of Virginia Tech, Ian has spent more than 30 years working on complex IT projects at Fortune 100 companies. Earning his Project Management Professional (P.M.P) designation in 2014, Ian has further developed his management experience by participating in projects valued at over $1 million thanks to industry-leading certification in this field. In addition, he has successfully run several small businesses and mentored dozens of youth by teaching computer classes. Additionally, Ian holds the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout from the BSA, the first service organization in the United States, earned by only 6% of Scouts, and designed to encourage youth community service.

Ayan Əliyeva – Ayan, the CEO of A-Level Global Education, one of the first and largest educational centers in Azerbaijan, which offers high-level education abroad services and is headquartered in the United States, has a high level of leadership experience. She holds more than 7 degrees in various fields and is always ready to share her vast experience and help young people realize their educational dreams. It is the project organized by Ayan that will open many doors for the youth.

Julie Buckingham – Julie has experience in the volunteer sector and a project management background. Recently, she has been working online with intermediate English students, helping them pass exams and improve their knowledge and skills. At the same time, it supports students in gaining competencies in the business environment, in other words, in important matters such as interviews, presentations and communicating with international companies. Julie started her own coaching business on the basis of her ILM Level 7 Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring Leaders and Managers. She mainly works with female clients.

Tatyana Voss – She previously taught Public Speaking courses at George Mason University and Wake Forest University, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Communication. She received another master’s degree in Public Policy from ADA University in Baku and worked as the country director for Azerbaijan of AIESEC, a non-profit organization. Tatiana studied and worked in countries such as USA, Great Britain, Moldova, Hungary, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Her interest in communication, media and diplomacy was developed while working in the Office of Public Affairs at the US Embassy in Moldova. She was engaged in preparing reports on socio-political events, writing speeches, preparing media speeches of the Embassy’s press secretary, as well as social media management and analytics. She also served as an associate editor for the Journal of Media Psychology. In her spare time, she likes to exercise, paint with watercolors, travel and explore new places.

This summit is a great opportunity for students to improve their leadership skills, gain extracurricular experience, and grow as exemplary citizens. It is also an opportunity for students to connect with peers and mentors who can provide support and guidance in achieving their goals. To receive a certificate and letter of recommendation from the US, students must create and implement a volunteer project within the next 10 days.