Change is Contagious – An Annual Message of Hope and Resilience

“Change is not only possible but contagious.” These powerful words from Marwa Deeb, set the tone for an inspiring conversation that welcomed 2025 in a dynamic exchange of ideas and knowledge sharing. Janet Longmore, Founder and CEO of Digital Opportunity Trust, joined Wendy Shewiyo, JD Kouassi and Marwa Deeb, three inspiring DOT young leaders to reflect on the past year and chart a bold path forward.  

Janet opened the discussion by encouraging us all to embrace the courage to lead transformation in our communities. “Courage comes from the heart,” she reminded us. “It’s about speaking and acting from a place of purpose.” As the conversation unfolded, three powerful themes emerged: hope, action and youth-led.

“If you can believe it, you can attempt it.” – JD Kouassi

JD Kouassi, a DOT Global Youth Leadership Advisory Board (GYLAB) member representing Côte d’Ivoire, author and passionate advocate for youth empowerment and inclusion in decision-making processes, believes that in being hopeful, we believe change is possible. “Hope stands as a safeguard for youth, a safe place for youth, to give the energy to move forward through their activities.”

But, we must ensure that we are creating safe spaces for young people to express their ideas and ensuring access to information and opportunities for transformative youth-led action. “Information is key. Youth need access to the right information and opportunities that make them stand out. Information to help them to think, rethink and re-set their minds to nurture more and more good habits for their futures.” JD is already thinking about how youth voices can be elevated in global dialogues. 

“This is just the beginning.” – Wendy Shewiyo

Wendy Shewiyo’s journey is one of resilience and determination. Starting her career as a gas station pump attendant in Tanzania, she faced deep frustration as her education and knowledge were overlooked. Refusing to settle, she sought a space where she could grow and took an entry-level role as an assistant administrator. There, she found a community of like-minded individuals who empowered her in a supportive environment—an experience she describes as transformative. 

With newfound confidence and skills, Wendy transitioned into the world of youth-led organizations and now serves as a Resource Mobilization and Project Officer at Her Initiative, a Going Beyond partner. “The great hope I see is to empower young people to build the legacy of youth and to create a collective movement of youth-led organizations and youth innovators,” she shares. Today, Wendy is committed to giving back, ensuring that other young people can access the same opportunities that shaped her own path.

“Empowerment begins with belief.” – Marwa Deeb

In Lebanon, where communities grapple with scorching summers, shrinking harvests, and unpredictable weather patterns, Marwa has found her purpose as a DOT Climate Champion. The challenges are immense—farmers struggle to grow crops, impacting both the economy and food security. Yet, amidst these hardships, Marwa has been working alongside her community to find solutions. “Transformation is happening around me. Seeing people appreciate what I do, believing in the cause, feeling inspired, and taking action—it fills me with massive pride and hope.” she shares. 

For Marwa, becoming a DOT Climate Champion was a turning point. Before joining the program, she felt lost and lacked confidence, but through this journey, she reconnected with her dreams. As she looks ahead to 2025, Marwa is determined to keep building bridges and creating opportunities.

“Young people have dreams.” – Janet Longmore

It takes courage to drive change in your community – but with hope and determination, honest dialogue, access to information, and skills  – change is contagious. It’s “the ripple effect of what’s possible” Janet notes. When we invest in young people, we create opportunities for lasting community transformation, a belief Janet has witnessed as a University Graduate working in British Columbia, to founding DOT in 2001. “Young people have dreams and need to be able to achieve those dreams. We need to capture and support the development of their dreams and not decide for them.”

For Janet, inspiration comes from listening to the stories, experiences, and truths from the young people DOT partners with, to deliver its youth-led programs. “I hear determination in each of your voices, and not just for yourself but for others.” These types of deep conversations – sharing across countries and communities are important. 

The themes of hope, action, and youth-led reflect the essence of what young leaders embody: the optimism to envision change, the determination to take meaningful steps toward progress, and the leadership to drive impact in their communities! 

JD, Marwa, Wendy and Janet’s stories are testaments to the power of hope, action and a youth-led world. Watch the full conversation here to be inspired to make change in your own community.

This year is not just a marker on the calendar—it’s a call to action.