At 29, Nalisoa Andrianarivo of YMCA Madagascar has already made a strong impact within the YMCA Movement. Focusing on environmental action, youth empowerment, and leadership globally, she exemplifies what it means to be a young leader.
Nalisoa joined her local YMCA in 2016 through an environmental club, quickly assuming leadership roles and discovering her passion for community engagement. This passion led her to Zimbabwe through the Young Advocates for Change programme of the African Alliance of YMCAs, and later to the Subject to Citizen model, which helped her learn more about youth empowerment across Africa.
By 2019, she joined the fourth cohort of World YMCA Change Agents, and since 2022, she has served on the Executive Committees of both the African Alliance of YMCAs and the World YMCA.
Championing Meaningful Work
For Nalisoa, the Vision 2030 Pillar that resonates most is Meaningful Work.
“Young people are struggling in different ways in their professional journey, often without a clear support system,” she explains. “We need to create environments where young people can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and feel valued.”
Alongside her global governance responsibilities, she mentors leaders of her local YMCA environmental club and co-founded an association focused on empowering women in rural communities, offering workshops to challenge stereotypes and develop vocational skills.
Building confidence and inspiring others
Her time on the Executive Committee has sharpened her leadership, governance, and advocacy skills.
“At first, it was daunting,” she admits, “but with training and support I grew in confidence, learned to engage in high-level decision-making, and found my voice.”
Nalisoa now contributes to subcommittees, advisory groups, and strategy consultations that guide the YMCA’s direction worldwide.
Nalisoa’s greatest inspiration is in the courage of young people working for justice and change in their communities. Using this inspiration as motivation, she commits herself to ensuring the YMCA remains a place where young voices help shape decisions and create opportunities. For her, leadership means making room for others, turning commitment into action, and helping the YMCA support the next generation of changemakers.
If you feel inspired by Naliosa’s story and want to become a World YMCA Executive Committee member yourself, read more.