We talk to JCI London member and past council director, Immediate Past National President and International Vice President, Lesley Young.

How long have you been a member?
7 years

Why did you join?
I had moved to a Belfast for a new job and thought it would be a good way to meet like minded people and make new friends. I was aware of some local JCI projects like the Christmas Tree appeal and Friendly Business Awards and was very impressed by their work!

What is the most interesting JCI event you've been to and why?
There are so many it's hard to pick one as the most interesting! I guess one that really sticks out in my mind was the JCI/UN Global Partnership Summit in New York in June 2010. As well as a great programme focusing on how we can development partnerships to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals I was able to meet JCI members from across the world. A big surprise was when Ban-Ki Moon, UN Secretary General, came to address us personally and thanked JCI for our partnership work with the United Nations. It was a real honour to meet such a prestigious leader and it really encouraged all the delegates to be more active!

Is there anything you have done as a JCI member that you never would have thought possible before you joined?
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would one day be the JCI UK National President!

What is your role this year?
I am International Vice President and am assigned to 7 countries in Europe. This means I am a member of the JCI Board of Directors and my role is to mentor and advise the National Organisations I am assigned to as well be an active member of the JCI team in Europe. This has provided many unique opportunities such as Chairing the First Timers event and Debating competition at the European Conference in Tarragona.

What made you take on this particular role?
I have always been very active and passionate about the international opportunities within JCI. After serving as National President I knew that I was keen to take my involvement to the next level as well as try to give back to the organisation that had made the opportunities I've been given in the UK possible. I really want JCI to grow in strength both within the UK and across the world and I am delighted to be able to contribute to that in some small way.

What are you hoping to achieve this year?
To build on the great relationships I have established with my assigned countries as well as make a positive contribution to the work of JCI President Kentaro Harada's team in 2011. I hope that the work carried out in my VP visits are beneficial to the JCI organisation in that area in terms of raising awareness of what JCI means and hopefully help attract new members and partners.

What do you enjoy most about being a JCI member?
Friendship!! I've made a number of dear friends in London, the UK and across the globe that I know I will be close to for many years to come!