March’s edition of Joelle’s Journey was a whirlwind of visits, fun, plane rides, and repeat. Buckle up—here we go!

After a much-needed post-IC rest, I hopped back on a plane and headed straight for New York City to kick things off with an unforgettable weekend at the ADL National Leadership Summit. Not only did I reunite with Dan, but I also had the chance to catch up over dinner with past International Presidents TJ and Jared. At ADL, we dove into powerful sessions, heard from inspiring speakers, and even had the opportunity to share thoughts with the Student Leadership Track.

From Manhattan, I hopped in a cab (a true NYC move) to Manhattan Region (MHR) and Big Apple Region (BAR) for a packed and exciting few days. We kicked off with a Chapter Event Competition and later gathered for a Rising Leaders Dinner, where teens shared their aspirations, questions, and excitement for summer—and it was inspiring. Then came Purim with BAR, complete with fabulous costumes and full celebration mode.

Next stop: GJR in New Jersey! Although it wasn’t too far, it felt like a whole new world of community and spirit. We celebrated Chapter Inductions, had a BBG Painting Night, and hosted not one but two beautiful dinners with teen leaders. My highlight was the first-ever Froyo with Joyo—a major success! So many teens came together to share frozen yogurt, deep conversations, and that special kind of BBG bonding that I’ll never forget.

From Jersey, I flew across the continent to Calgary for Northwest Canada Region Convention. The weekend flew by (that’s how you know it was amazing). We welcomed Shabbat, participated in a painting competition, joined a super productive BBG Business Meeting, played games at The Rec Room, and—my favorite—closed the weekend with a BBG Cheer Circle where I got to teach the 80th cheer. That Sunday, I also joined a super successful Exec Call from Calgary!

Next on the map: Evergreen Region! I landed in Portland and spent the week with Ellie exploring everything from Chapter Events to another fantastic Froyo with Joyo. One of the highlights was meeting with past International N’siah Michelle Caplan, who shared the best memories and stories from her time in BBG.

On Thursday night, I left Portland and woke up Thursday morning in Atlanta. I was so honored to attend BBYO’s first-ever Chapter Founders Summit, bringing together teens from across small communities who are starting or growing their chapters. I shared my experience bringing BBYO to Germany, and together we explored BBYO’s structures, played pickleball, celebrated Shabbat, and turned ideas into action. From Legoland to the Coca-Cola Museum, the bonding was nonstop. That Havdalah will forever be one of the most special memories of my year—watching teens fall in love with BBYO and become a little family was everything.

But the month wasn’t done yet! I sandwiched my time in Atlanta with a visit to Red River Region in Winnipeg. BBG Week in RRR was a blast—I met so many amazing BBGs, explored the Jewish community, and hung out with past International N’siah, Emma Zentner. I ended my time by joining the AZA Week at Flying Squirrel!

Then it was back to Atlanta for Greater Atlanta Region Convention. The weekend was packed with senior appreciation, full-circle moments, and a whole lot of celebration. It was incredible to see a full class of seniors preparing to graduate while so many younger members were stepping up, ready to lead. My favorite moments? The Shabbat service and a stunning Camp Havdalah under the stars.

I wrapped up March with a super fun reunion with Riley—shoutout to BBYO Mazkirim! Together, we met with Orlando’s Chapter Board, who had just come back from IC and were buzzing with energy. So many of them had just been elected to RegBo, and I can’t wait to see the impact they’ll have on the North Florida Region next year.

If you couldn’t tell yet—March was packed. I feel so incredibly lucky to have met and reconnected with so many inspiring teens, leaders, and communities. Each region, each conversation, and each hug reminded me why I love this movement so much. Until next month—keep leading, keep dreaming, and keep pacing.