Milena Chavez - Americas Conference (AMCO) - Panama 2026

Milena Chavez
VP Marketing, AIESEC Miami
Conference Attended:  AMCO in Panama, 2026

Attending the conference was one of the most inspiring experiences I have had within AIESEC. As the Vice President of Marketing for AIESEC in Miami, this was my first Regional Conference, and it was an incredible five-day experience filled with activities and learning sessions. Seeing the impact that the Americas region is creating through young people was truly powerful. From the very beginning, the energy in the room was unmatched, with people from different cultures coming together, bringing their passion, traditions, and commitment to encouraging young leaders to go abroad and make an impact. 

One of the most impactful moments for me was a session led by Camila Padilla, the chair of the conference, where she shared a message that deeply resonated: “Don’t let your fears stop you, love is stronger than fear.” This idea stayed with me throughout the conference. It reminded me that growth comes from pushing past fear and choosing purpose, something that AIESEC continuously encourages in all of us. 

The level of dedication across entities was incredible. I want to especially recognize AIESEC in Brazil for their outstanding performance. Their achievements and multiple awards were a reflection of their hard work and excellence. Additionally, securing an approval with Brazil during the Hackathon showed me firsthand how strong they are as international partners. I was also inspired by Min Yue, our amazing Miami LCVP OGX, whose dedication and commitment made these approvals possible, her work truly stood out. 

The energy never faded, no matter how early the sessions were or how tired we felt. AIESEC in Panama in particular brought an unmatched spirit to the room. Their unity and constant support for others were inspiring, and it made me proud to see such strong collaboration within the region. 

During our tribe sessions, where we engaged in deeper and more personal conversations, one moment stood out to me. A member shared that AIESEC gave him a purpose to live again and how the people in AIESEC pulled him out of a very dark moment. Hearing this made me incredibly emotional, it showed me how powerful this organization truly is not only to encourage youth leadership, but to constantly strive for personal growth. AIESEC is not just about exchanges or leadership roles; it is about transforming lives and giving people a sense of purpose. This is something I personally relate to, and it reinforced why I am so passionate about being part of it. 

Gala night was another unforgettable highlight. The AIESEC in the United States received an AP Collaboration Award. Considering how competitive and successful the Americas region is, this recognition felt especially meaningful. It showed the impact of collaboration and global connection. 

It was also incredibly rewarding to see my own culture represented. AIESEC in Costa Rica attended the conference, and I felt immense pride. Even as a smaller country, Costa Rica demonstrated strength and impact, reminding me that size does not define influence. 

Bringing this experience back to my Local Committee in Miami, I am committed to creating an environment where members feel inspired to enjoy the journey, think creatively, and fully explore their potential. Beyond focusing solely on numbers, I want our members at FIU to truly understand the purpose of AIESEC—to trust in what we do and feel motivated to go abroad and create their own impact. As a leader, I see my responsibility as one to empower, support, and listen. I aim to bring back the energy and lessons from this conference to unite my team, encourage them to take initiative, and create a space where new ideas are welcomed and developed. By doing so, I hope to foster a culture where growth, purpose, and passion drive everything we achieve. 

Overall, this conference allowed me to see the bigger picture. I witnessed how our daily efforts contribute to something much larger, thousands of successful exchanges and life-changing experiences. The conference emphasized the “heart” of AIESEC, the pulse that keeps the organization alive. It made me realize that it is my responsibility, along with my Executive Board, to keep that heart pumping through our local efforts. Everything we do contributes to a cause far greater than ourselves, and that is what makes AIESEC truly extraordinary. To every AIESECer: don’t ever change. Keep pushing for growth, choose love over fear, and find joy in every step of the journey. Become better not just for yourself, but for every life you have the power to impact.

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.