This year, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of YES! In honor of this significant milestone, the American Councils office in Bosnia and Herzegovina organized a series of events. First, on May 5 at the Novotel Bristol Hotel in Sarajevo, Dr. Sam Potolicchio, the founding Executive Director of American Councils for International Education's Center for Global Leaders Forum, conducted a two-hour workshop on critical thinking and presentation skills. The event targeted local teachers, professors, and non-profit staff members, with an attendance of 30 individuals. Dr. Potolicchio also used the workshop to promote the YES Program!

Following the workshop with Dr. Potolicchio, the participants - 17 YES alumni, five YES Abroad students, and Ms. Sarah Hennessey, Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer from the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo - gathered at a YES-themed reception that hosted by the American Councils staff. Alumni received special recognition certificates to acknowledge their contributions to the YES alumni community in Bosnia and Herzegovina and had the opportunity to network.

The next day, on May 6, Dr. Potolicchio delivered a second lecture at the International Burch University in Ilidža. Among the audience were Dr. Selma Delalić, Associate Professor at the Department of International Relations and European Studies, and Mr. Adem Olovčić, a PhD candidate. Sixx YES alumni, five YES Abroad students, and 18 Burch University students also attended this interactive lecture on "Leadership in the 21st Century."

The YES Program has made a tremendous impact on every individual involved, and witnessing the alumni's remarkable success across various sectors of our society is inspiring. Undoubtedly, one of the contributing factors to their accomplishments is the invaluable knowledge gained during their year abroad. Each person's experience was distinct and personal, yet they all cherish the program as a lifelong lesson.

So, once again, we extend our heartfelt appreciation and profound gratitude to the YES Program for its invaluable contributions. Thank you for shaping lives, fostering unity, and empowering generations of changemakers. THANK YOU YES, and here's to many more years and many more anniversaries!