The Ambassador Experience Team ensures that ambassadors have a transformative and meaningful experience at HOBY’s World Leadership Congress (WLC). Led by Vice Chair of Ambassador Experience Sarah Raymond (she/her), this team focuses on ambassador support, small group facilitation, and leadership development. The team plays a critical role in bringing the WLC experience to life by helping ambassadors integrate WLC’s program and curriculum into their personal lives.

At the WLC, all ambassadors are divided into small groups, each guided by a Facilitator. Several facilitator groups are combined to form sections, which are overseen by a Section Director. Section Directors provide guidance and support to the Facilitators in their section, ensuring a cohesive and engaging experience for ambassadors.

If you have questions about joining the Ambassador Experience Team, contact Sarah Raymond at ambassadorexperience@hobywlc.org.

Team roles

• Section Directors: Guide and support Facilitators through training and on-site implementation of facilitation strategies. They foster collaboration among their teams and ensure effective integration of the curriculum.

• Facilitators: Serve as direct mentors for small groups of ambassadors, leading discussions, implementing the leadership curriculum, and fostering meaningful connections throughout the WLC.

Key Focus Areas

• Supports ambassadors and small groups as they engage with the WLC curriculum, group discussions, and other WLC programming.

• Provides direct mentorship, facilitates dialogue, and otherwise ensures an engaging experience for ambassadors.

The Connections Team, led by Matt Plaks (he/him), helps all volunteers, ambassadors, and families feel connected, supported, and engaged throughout the WLC. This team plays a vital role in shaping a memorable and impactful event by enhancing the volunteer experience, promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) values, and documenting the week with high-quality media. 

For questions about joining the Connections Team, contact Matt at incomingchair@hobywlc.org.

Team roles

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Squad

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Squad works cross-functionally as the planning process unfolds and beyond to ensure DEIA principles are woven throughout the event from start to finish.

• DEIA Director: Leads the DEIA team and collaborates across teams to ensure DEIA principles are woven throughout.

• DEIA Manager: Supports efforts to ensure Accessibility principles are woven throughout the event.

• DEIA Committee Member: Supports efforts to ensure DEIA principles are woven throughout the event.

Key Focus Areas

• Works cross-functionally as the planning process unfolds to ensure a holistic approach to integrating DEIA principles.

• Supports on-site programming that engages with identity- and accessibility-related matters in a thoughtful way for both domestic and international audiences.

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Media Squad

The Media Squad oversees the creation and execution of all branding, graphics, social media, and visual content for the WLC, ensuring a cohesive and professional presence. This squad works collaboratively to engage everyone that couldn't join us in person by thoughtfully documenting the ambassadors, volunteers, and impact that unfolds over the week.

• Media Director: Directs the media team and ensures all media deliverables are completed in a timely manner.

• Photographer: Responsible for documenting and editing photographs and visual media for the week.

• Graphic Designer: Creates and delivers professional, cohesive designs that align with HOBY’s branding (planning-only).

• Media Coordinator: Connects with the WLC community by managing social media and visual & written content.

• HOBY Store Manager: Oversees the management and operation of the HOBY Store.

Key Focus Areas

• Oversees the creation and execution of all branding, graphics, social media, and visual content for the WLC.

• Works collaboratively to engage everyone that couldn't join us in person through visual and social media.

• Documents the impact felt by our ambassadors as they experience the curriculum and what HOBY has to offer.

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Volunteer Experience Squad

The Volunteer Experience squad will collaborate closely with the Vice Chair of Connections to promote a positive volunteer experience for all. This includes fostering social connection and community as well as ensuring that our team is trained up on everything they need to know to execute an outstanding WLC year over year.

• Volunteer Experience Director: Collaborates across team; enriches the volunteer experience with a focus on training and community-building.

Key Focus Areas

• Promotes a positive volunteer experience for all by fostering social connection before and while on site.

• Works cross-functionally to offer trainings on what our volunteers need to know in order to have a successful week.

• Manages on-site collection of feedback, institutional knowledge, and more with the aim of incrementally improving the WLC year over year.

The Operations Team is the backbone of HOBY’s World Leadership Congress (WLC), ensuring all logistical, wellness, and support needs are seamlessly managed to create a safe and successful event. Led by Vice Chair of Operations Blake Anderson (he/him), the team is organized into specialized squads—Logistics, Special Projects, Junior Staff, and Wellness—that handle key aspects of the WLC’s behind-the-scenes operations. Additionally, the Data & Technology Specialist works directly with the Vice Chair to manage essential information and systems for the event.

If you have any questions about joining the Operations Team, contact Blake Anderson at operations@hobywlc.org.

Team roles

Logistics Squad

The Logistics Squad ensures the smooth operation of housing, transportation, food, and materials. They coordinate with the host venue, vendors, and other teams to meet the logistical needs of the seminar.

• Logistics Director: Leads the squad, supervises logistics processes, and collaborates across teams to manage all logistical needs.

• Data & Technology Manager: Manages data systems and technology needs, ensuring all WLC teams have accurate and up-to-date information.

• Food & Beverage Manager: Tracks dietary needs, coordinates meals, and ensures all participants are properly nourished.

• Housing & Facilities Manager: Manages housing assignments and ensures all facilities are booked and set up properly.

• Procurement & Inventory Manager: Oversees the sourcing, organization, and distribution of supplies and materials.

Key Focus Areas

• Housing, transportation, food, data, and facilities logistics.

• Procurement and inventory management.

• Ensuring all WLC teams have what they need to be successful.

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Special Projects Squad

The Special Projects Squad coordinates and manages all project operations, including arrival day, departure day, closing celebration, service projects, and off-site activities. They ensure events are staffed appropriately and run efficiently while collaborating with other teams as needed.

• Special Projects Director: Oversees the squad, manages all special projects planning, and ensures successful execution.

• Special Projects Manager: Supports the director by coordinating logistics, liaising with vendors, and assisting with event setup and tear down.

Key Focus Areas

• Planning and executing key events such as arrival day, departure day, off-site activities, and service projects.

• Liaising with vendors, university contacts, and other teams to ensure smooth event operations.

• Managing transportation for off-site special events.

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Junior Staff 

The Junior Staff is responsible for key operational support tasks and ambassador engagement. This team primarily works to fulfill the operational needs of the program while promoting a strong sense of enthusiasm and belonging at WLC for ambassadors.

• Junior Staff Director: Leads the team, oversees Junior Staff recruitment and training, and serves as the primary liaison between Junior Staff and other WLC teams.

• Junior Staff Manager: Assists the director, provides additional support, and serves as interim director as needed.

• Junior Staff: Execute operational tasks, lead ambassador energizers, and support event setup, tear-down, and transitions.

Key Focus Areas

• Recruiting, training, and mentoring Junior Staff.

• Managing Junior Staff schedules and responsibilities.

• Supporting operational tasks and ambassador engagement.

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Wellness Squad

The Wellness Squad ensures the health and well-being of WLC participants through medical and mental wellness support. This team manages wellness spaces, tracks participant health needs, and provides care and training to volunteers.

• Wellness Director: Leads the squad, supervises wellness efforts, and oversees medical and mental wellness areas.

• Mental Wellness Specialist: Focuses on mental wellness needs, manages quiet and sensory rooms, and trains volunteers in mental crisis protocols.

• Medic: Provides medical care, supervises medication administration, and trains volunteers in emergency response protocols.

Key Focus Areas

• Managing physical and mental wellness needs for all participants.

• Providing medical care and wellness accommodations.

• Training volunteers in wellness and emergency response protocols.

The Program Team is responsible for designing and delivering the core programming of HOBY’s World Leadership Congress (WLC), creating an inspiring, impactful experience for ambassadors and volunteers alike. Led by Vice Chair of Program Leah Barteldes (she/they), the team oversees workshops, mainstage programming, and extracurricular activities. The team’s efforts are divided into three specialized squads—Curriculum, Production, and Activities—each focused on key aspects of the WLC experience.

If interested applicants have questions, they can contact Leah at program@hobywlc.org.

Team roles

Curriculum Squad

The Curriculum Squad ensures that WLC workshops and learning elements meet HOBY’s leadership objectives. This team designs and facilitates interactive, impactful programming that equip ambassadors with the skills and knowledge to lead in their communities.

• Curriculum Director: Leads the team in designing and programming workshops, training volunteers, and aligning curriculum with learning goals.

• Workshop Managers: Facilitate workshops, refine content through pre-seminar practice, and ensure all materials and spaces are prepared.

Key Focus Areas

• Developing and delivering impactful workshops aligned with curriculum goals.

• Training and supporting facilitators in delivering curriculum content.

• Preparing materials and spaces for seamless workshop execution.

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Production Squad

The Production Squad ensures that all mainstage program elements run smoothly, professionally, and cohesively. From technical execution to guest speaker coordination, this team is the engine behind the WLC’s dynamic programming.

• Production Director: Oversees all mainstage programming, manages the Run of Show for Mainstage Moments and WLC Celebration and works with HQ and Speaker Manager to coordinate guest speakers, and coordinates with speakers.

• Speaker Manager: Recruits guest speakers and manages on-site speaker logistics.

• Production Manager: Supports the execution of mainstage events, manages guest speaker logistics, and ensures branding consistency.

• A/V Coordinator: Handles audio, video, and lighting for mainstage events, manages presentation media, and supports technical setup.

• HOBY Hosts: Serve as emcees, narrating the program, managing transitions, and energizing ambassadors.

Key Focus Areas

• Managing technical and logistical execution of mainstage programming.

• Coordinating guest speaker logistics and communications.

• Ensuring cohesive and engaging program delivery.

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Activities Squad

The Activities Squad designs and executes the extracurricular programming that makes the WLC unique and unforgettable. This team is responsible for creating fun and meaningful activities, such as arrival day programming, service projects, and the closing celebration.

• Activities Director: Leads the team in designing and executing extracurricular activities, including securing meaningful service engagements, while working with Operations to deliver a seamless experience.

• Activities Manager: Supports activity planning and implementation, ensuring spaces and materials are ready.

Key Focus Areas

• Designing and executing impactful extracurricular activities, including securing service project opportunities.

• Collaborating with Operations to plan and execute logistics.

• Creating memorable and engaging moments for ambassadors and volunteers.