“Being part of these processes confirms that community work transforms both those who participate and those of us who accompany them.” — Volunteer Coordinator, YMCA Marcala

Being part of the YMCA has been a deeply transformative experience for her. Her journey began as a volunteer, working with children, young people, and adults in different community spaces. From the very beginning, she understood that every encounter was an opportunity for shared learning.

“Every space has been a mutual learning experience,” she shares. Over the years, her involvement grew alongside her commitment. In 2023, she became part of the Peer Youth group in the Eleva Regional Mental Health Program, an experience that marked a turning point in her personal and community development.

That process led her to become involved in new initiatives. In 2024, she participated in the Tejiendo Paz project, and in 2025 she continued as a volunteer in Eleva Phase 3, reaffirming her commitment to working with young people and supporting communities.

It was through this experience that Vive y Conecta was born, a youth-led project created by young people who identified the urgent need to address mental health among children and youth. “We understood the need to create safe spaces where they could express themselves and learn how to manage their emotions,” she explains.

In 2025, she took on the role of project coordinator at YMCA Marcala for the first time. Although it represented a major challenge, it was also an opportunity to strengthen her leadership, organization, and decision-making skills.

Throughout the implementation process, she experienced firsthand the challenges and lessons of community work. Yet there were moments that reaffirmed the value of every effort. “Seeing the children smile, their enthusiasm, and hearing them ask when we would come back confirmed that we were making an impact,” she recalls.

The results were clear: participants not only understood the topics but also began applying them in their daily lives. This tangible change became one of the greatest satisfactions of the process.

Teamwork was also essential. The commitment and dedication of the group supporting her made it possible for every activity to be carried out with purpose and quality. “Their support was fundamental,” she highlights.

Today, she looks back with gratitude. This experience not only strengthened her professional profile but also reaffirmed her purpose of continuing to work for the well-being of communities. Her story reflects the power of youth leadership when combined with commitment, empathy, and collective action.