Pedro J. Callender Ortiz - Regional Presidents Meeting - Colombia 2025
Pedro J. Callender Ortiz (pictured above, back row, third from the right)
Local Committee President AIESEC New York City
Conference Attended: Regional Presidents Meeting, Colombia 2025
Traveling to Colombia with AIESEC was an experience that expanded my mind in ways I didn’t fully expect. Arriving for the Regional Presidents Meeting, I felt a mixture of excitement and curiosity. I had traveled before, but this trip was different-this time I wasn’t just visiting a country; I was stepping into a space filled with young leaders from across the Americas, each carrying their own stories, cultures, and perspectives.
From the moment I walked into the conference room, I could feel the energy. Conversations flowed in different accents and languages, yet there was an immediate sense of connection. Every interaction reminded me just how vast and diverse our region truly is. I met people who grew up in environments completely different from my own, yet we shared the same drive to create meaningful impact. Listening to their experiences pushed me to rethink the way I approach collaboration, leadership, and even problem-solving.
What struck me most was how naturally we learned from each other. Over shared meals, late-night discussions, collaborative workshops, and yes, especially during after conferences parties, I realized that growth doesn’t always come from structured learning-it often comes from being surrounded by people who challenge you simply by being themselves. Being immersed in Colombia’s vibrant culture also added to this growth. The warmth of the people, the richness of the traditions, and the beauty of the country made me reflect on how important it is to remain open-minded and curious wherever I go.
This conference reshaped my leadership style by teaching me to lead with greater openness, humility, and cultural awareness. Being surrounded by people whose backgrounds, perspectives, and approaches differed from mine pushed me to listen more intentionally and make space for ideas that challenged my own. I realized that effective leadership isn’t about having all the answers-it’s about creating an environment where diverse voices feel valued and empowered to contribute. The collaborative spirit of the meeting, paired with the authentic connections I formed, helped me understand the importance of adaptability and empathy in guiding a team. Now, I approach leadership with a deeper appreciation for dialogue, shared learning, and the strength that comes from embracing a wide range of experiences and viewpoints. I am planning on bringing all of these new perspectives together and building a stronger LC in New York City. The biggest take-away from this conference that I will be applying into my new found leadership style is that a diverse team is much more valuable than anything else. Being able to witness different nationalities come together during the conference and brainstorm so many possible solutions for problems that many LCs are facing taught me that diversity is a key factor towards creating a strong community and laying down the key elements for a better future. Overall, this is a lesson that will continue to impact my decisions when it comes to the future roles I apply for, within and outside the AIESEC organization.
This trip made me more aware of the world beyond my own daily routines and reminded me that leadership is not just about guiding others but about letting yourself be shaped by the communities you encounter. I left Colombia with new friendships, broader perspectives, and a renewed motivation to keep expanding my horizons. I am deeply grateful for the JoAnn Boland Scholarship, which made this opportunity possible. Without that support, I would not have had this transformative experience.
This experience was made possible by alumni generosity. Contribute to the JoAnn Boland International Scholarship Fund and help future AIESEC leaders access the conferences and development that define their journey.