The YES Voices Podcasting workshop, organized in collaboration with StoryCenter, offered a unique opportunity for alumni to develop their podcasting skills through a blend of virtual sessions and an in-person workshop in Rabat, Morocco in May 2023. Following the workshop, alumni led five innovative podcasting grant projects, showcasing their creativity in using podcasting as a tool for storytelling and community impact.

Fatima Umar recognized a gap in media coverage for YES alumni activities in Nigeria and launched the YAANpact Podcast to amplify alumni voices and showcase their contributions. The project trained 16 participants, predominantly YES alumni, on podcasting skills, storytelling techniques, content creation, and publishing. The YAANpact Podcast aspires to be a platform for sharing the achievements, experiences, and ongoing impact of the YES alumni community in Nigeria. Fatima hopes the podcast will inspire and connect alumni, reinforcing the positive influence of the YES program.

Fatima Umar (YES 2017-2018, Nigeria, placed by YFU in Bay Village, OH)

Awah Kenneth Fru from Cameroon, together with co-host Amina Suleiman from Kenya, developed the Peak-Bound Podcast to illuminate the early career experiences of young professionals from diverse backgrounds. The podcast features the stories of 10 guests, including seven YES alumni from Kenya and Cameroon, sharing their professional journeys and the lasting impact of the YES program on their lives. The Peak-Bound Podcast aims to not only highlight the transformative power of the YES experience but also serve as a digital platform for connecting alumni across the globe. By delving into the personal and professional growth of their guests, the podcast offers listeners valuable insights and inspiration for their own careers.

Awah Kenneth Fru (YES 2015- 2016, Cameroon, placed by AFS in Mulino, OR)

Amina Chepkoech Suleiman (YES 2012-2013, Kenya, placed by PAX in Fort Collins, CO)

In early 2024, Kimbian Lim organized the project Podbokasiya to empower 20 participants from six youth-led organizations in General Santos City, Philippines with the skills to use podcasting as a tool for advocacy. Workshop topics included content creation, interviewing techniques, and media literacy. Participants, guided by alumni facilitators, successfully began crafting their podcasts, using this new platform to amplify their causes and reach broader audiences. Kimbian hopes to scale the initiative to reach more organizations, ensuring that the voices of young advocates in the Philippines are heard loud and clear.

Kimbian Sillo Lim (YES 2017-2018, Philippines, placed by Greenheart in Lakeview, MI)

Taha Ferfir and Abdulmalik Alshin launched Sharaka, a podcast about entrepreneurship and career development for youth. Sharaka, which means 'partnership' in Arabic, aimed to address the lack of accessible resources for young entrepreneurs by providing valuable insights through interviews with industry professionals. The alumni duo produced seven episodes, gained over 900 followers, and secured potential sponsors for a future series. Taha and Abdulmalik hope to expand Sharaka’s reach and continue supporting the entrepreneurial aspirations of young people across the region.

Taha Mohammed Ferfir (YES 2018-2019, Libya, placed by AYUSA In San Antonio, TX)

Abdulmalik Khamis Alshin (YES 2021-2022, Libya, placed by World Link in Littleton, CO)

Mehmet Berk Meral launched the Exchange Your Story Podcast, a series that interviewed YES alumni about their volunteer work and contributions to their communities. By providing a platform for alumni to share their experiences, the Exchange Your Story Podcast aimed to promote the values of community service and cultural exchange that are the foundation of the YES program.

Mehmet Berk Meral (YES 2021-2022, Türkiye, placed by AFS-USA in Glastonbury, CT)