Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) supported the event World Leadership Congress , which was held on July 27 th to August 4 th , Washington D.C. USA . Each year, the event brings together more than 400 sophomore students with leadership potential from all over the USA and countries such as Japan , Taiwan , Zambia , Afghanistan , South Korea , Paraguay , Argentina , Bolivia , and Mexico . 

Hugh O'Brian, the founder of HOBY , organizes every year the World Leadership Congress with the objective of giving to the participants the opportunity to learn from business leaders and representatives from the public sector, and civil society.

YABT, a non profit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States ( OAS ) supported the event in different ways: first of all, the promotion and follow up with the coordination of the event, Yeruti Mendez, Program Manager of YABT was the representative to this activity.

Ms. Mendez collaborated identifying and inviting participants from South America . Also YABT was co-organizer for the presentation of July 30 th “SBA International Business and Entrepreneurship Seminar”, held in the Hall of the Americas at the OAS main building.

His Excellency, Ambassador Albert Ramdin, Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, gave the opening remarks and recognized the labor of YABT, which is developing important projects focused on young people in America . Also, highlighted the role of the OAS as an international organization that seeks to establish peace and create an environment where integrity and honesty should be the principal values for a better functionality in the countries.

In addition to his recognition, he also mentioned about the low income of the people in Latin-America, who lives with less than $1 per day. He encouraged the young participants to become the future presidents of their countries, to work hard, and to do something positive for their societies.

On Behalf of YABT, Mr. Roy Thomasson , Chief Executive Officer , participated in the panel: “Tips, Tricks and Traps for Successful Entrepreneurship”. Mr. Thomasson gave an important speech in order to recommend the participants about the steps to start their own business:

“Get a good idea, Find something you enjoy doing, Get some experience in the field, Check it out “Do research on the market”, Make a plan, Make a Prototype, Keep your costs low, Keep up with and target the right market, Find a 21 st Century business model .”

He also expressed keys to success such as: making connections, doing internships, and enjoying what you are doing, all of these characteristics are indispensable to get a good job.

At the end, he gave his important message: “Business is about people, it is not just about making money”. This means that the customers are important and we have to know what they want and what they need.

During more than 7 days, sophomore students took advantage to learn as much as they could in order to reinforce their leadership skills. Volunteerism, Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership Training were some of the topics of the seminar which is an initiative that allow the participants to reinforce the idea that is possible to reach your goals as long as you really want to do it and if you work hard.

Vanessa Cappuccio
YABT Communications