As I sit down to write my final Keeping Pace, I’m overwhelmed by the memories, faces, and places that have filled this year with more meaning than I could have imagined. In these final months, I’ve had the privilege of celebrating, reflecting, and laying the foundation for what’s next, and I truly wouldn’t trade a second of it.

We marked BBYO’s 101st birthday in Mexico City with a bang—a historic Board of Directors meeting hosted outside the U.S. for the first time ever by none other than BBYO Mexico. Dan and I had the honor of presenting our reflections and recommendations from this term, and I was reminded once again how powerful this Movement is when we center mentorship, vision, and global community.

In between tacos and training sessions, we celebrated through an alumni celebration, welcomed Logan and Merce into their journey, and rewrote the International Constitution for the first time in eight years. Leaving behind that kind of legacy—one that makes space for the future—will forever stay with me.

KMR welcomed me with late-night BBG sleepovers, legacy celebrations, and, of course, froyo. Their love for community and creativity reminded me why strong chapters are the beating heart of everything we do.

Hudson Valley Region gave me a taste of spirit that only BBGs can bring. I was honored to be part of a powerful Shabbat, a brand-new chapter’s inductions, and an incredible regional election. You reminded me of the power of sisterhood and kept me laughing through 10,000 rounds of Heads Up.

Then came a whirlwind journey across Latin America. In Uruguay, I felt the joy of a growing community excited about all BBYO has to offer. Buenos Aires swept me off my feet with late-night legacy, incredible teens, and a new sense of what BBG can mean across borders. And Panama—country number 20!—left me in awe. BBYO there is brand new, but the energy and commitment from the teens were inspiring beyond words.

Each stop on this final stretch wasn’t just a visit—it was a reminder that BBYO doesn’t exist in buildings or titles. It lives in people. It lives in the way we show up for each other, the way we cheer in unfamiliar languages, and the way we dream forward together.

To the teens who welcomed me into your cities, chapters, and hearts, I can’t thank you enough. This year and experience were so special because I got to do it with you.

I may be closing this chapter, but the pace never truly slows. It just shifts forward—to new leaders, new dreams, and a new century of BBYO.

With all my love for #joellesjourney,

Joelle