Rosanna Lerner is a local teen who participates in one of Ottawa’s BBYO chapters: Yad B’Yad BBG. Having recently been elected to her chapter’s board, she shares her thoughts on what BBYO (B'nai B'rith Youth Organization) means to her, and why she is eager to take on this new position. She also hopes to inspire other teens who may feel nervous about stepping into leadership roles that anything is possible.
By Rosanna Lerner
From the moment I attended my first BBYO program, I felt a sense of belonging. I knew I wanted to be a part of something big – something that could transform BBYO Ottawa completely. Since being elected as Chapter Mazkirah, the Vice President of Communications, I’ve realized that leadership is more than a title. It’s about creating spaces where others feel accepted, connected, and inspired to grow.
Becoming a board member was my way of turning gratitude into action. BBYO has given me a sense of purpose, friendships that feel like family, and a way to explore my Jewish identity every day. I wanted to step up to the executive board to help build the magic I get to be a part of. My goal was to make sure that the same welcoming environment that embraced me when I first joined BBYO would be there for every single new member who joins after me.
Hearing my name announced after the election was an incredible feeling. It was a mix of intense relief, excitement, and a deep sense of responsibility. Knowing that my peers put their trust in me to manage our communications felt amazing. It made me realize that the goals I have for BBYO Ottawa are shared by everyone else too. Seeing everyone’s pride in our chapters gave me a surge of motivation. It made all the hard work of speech writing and late-night brainstorming completely worth it. It felt like the official start of a massive, exciting new chapter.
My drive to lead comes from the people around me. I am constantly inspired by other seasoned members and past board leaders who took the time to welcome me when I was new and unsure. Apart from running programs, they made sure every single person in the room felt noticed. They taught me that a great leader doesn’t only stand at the front of a room and give instructions but also takes the time to sit down next to a new member and ask them how their week went. Seeing how much impact a single, dedicated teen can have on someone else’s confidence made me want to be that person for the next group of members. Their mentorship showed me that leadership is a chain reaction. Since they invested their time and energy into making me feel included, I now have the drive and the confidence to pay that forward.
A lot of my perspective on what leadership looks like comes from my time at BBYO’s most recent Spring convention, a weekend retreat with over 200 teens from across Eastern Canada. If there is one major takeaway from that experience that our community needs to know, it is that a chapter is only as strong as its connections. At the convention, I witnessed hundreds of teens from different backgrounds come together and bond with one another. It was powerful to see how our shared Jewish identity could instantly break down barriers between strangers. Our chapter’s strength doesn’t come from perfect, flawless events - it comes from how well we support one another.
To any teen that is nervous about stepping into a leadership position, my best advice is to just take the leap. It is completely normal to feel intimidated or uncertain. The truth is nobody starts out knowing exactly what to do. Leadership is something you learn by practising, and nobody expects you to go about it by yourself. There is an entire board and chapter backing you up. Every great leader you look up to today had to start from scratch.
If you care about your community and want to make it better, that passion is more important than chasing unrealistic perfectionism. Don't let the fear of making a mistake hold you back from making a difference. The chapters that thrive are the ones where people are brave enough to try new things, even if they don't work out perfectly the first time. And, who knows? Maybe the exact thing that makes you nervous right now might end up being the very experience that helps you grow the most.
To learn more about BBYO Ottawa and how to get involved, you can reach out to them directly at [email protected].