Welcome to Chicago!

Dear Ambassador,

On behalf of the 90 volunteers who have been preparing for your arrival, I could not be more excited to welcome you to the 2025 World Leadership Congress! This week has the power to change your life forever… big words, I know. However, it can be true for you if you let it.

Twenty-two years ago, I was also a HOBY ambassador at the WLC. I was representing the great state of California and my small town of Lancaster. I had never traveled so far from home by myself and I was nervous. Somehow, despite my anxiousness, I was able to lean into the experience and let it do for me what it has done for thousands of young people since HOBY's founding in 1958.

You're here because there's a spark in you—a leadership quality that's evident to the folks who helped you get here. We volunteers recognize that same potential, and it's what drives us to dedicate our time designing, planning, and producing this week you're about to experience. It's what's kept me going for over two decades of service to this organization… it's because of YOU. All of you. And your potential to change this world for the better.

My invitation to you this week is to lean in. Fully engage in this program we've put together just for you. Connect with your peers from all around the world. This is your moment—an opportunity to broaden your perspective, understand yourself as a leader, deepen your skills, and leave with a network of fellow leaders from around the world who will support you for years to come.

The tagline for this year's WLC is "It's About Time" because it's up to us to make every moment count–including this one. Don't miss out on what this week has in store for your life. See you soon!

HOBY Hugs,
Cy Serrano
2025 WLC Chair
2003 California-Central and WLC Alumnus