Meet our World Council hosts!
Tuesday 16 June 2026
JERAHL HALL, YMCA England & Wales
Who are you and what’s your story – the YMCA story and as much/little of your personal story as you like?
I’m Jerahl. Named after Superman’s father, although to this day even my mum can’t fully explain why! I’ve been involved with YMCA for around 15 years, both locally and nationally, and it’s been a huge part of my life and personal development. One of the highlights of my YMCA journey was graduating as a World YMCA Change Agent in 2018, Cohort 3, which is, of course, the best cohort... although I may be slightly biased!
What’s your main role with your local YMCA?
I’m the Senior Communications Manager at YMCA England & Wales. I lead on internal, external and digital communications across National Council, helping to tell the stories of YMCA, amplify the voices of young people and communities, and support our network of YMCAs across England and Wales.
You’re going to be a co-host of World Council in Toronto – how do you feel about that? What are you looking forward to? What are you worried about?!
I’m genuinely excited and honoured to be co-hosting World Council in Toronto.
What I’m most looking forward to is you. All the people from every corner of our global movement. There’s something incredibly special about seeing the diversity, passion and energy of YMCA represented in one place. As for worries… can you really have worries when you’re surrounded by YMCA people?
In general, why is World Council important for the whole YMCA Movement? How do you see it from the perspective of your YMCA?
World Council is a pivotal moment in YMCA’s long history and continued journey.
Every four years, it brings together YMCAs from around the world to celebrate our achievements, reflect on our challenges and shape our future together. It reminds us that while every YMCA serves its community in a unique way, we are united by a shared mission, vision and set of values.
From my perspective, World Council showcases the very best of YMCA. It demonstrates that YMCA is not just an organisation – it is people, communities and a global movement. It is a powerful reminder that we are stronger together than we are apart.
What are your best memories of previous World Councils you have attended?
I’ve been fortunate enough to attend two previous World Councils: Thailand in 2018 and Denmark in 2022. Both offered unique experiences and incredible insights into YMCA’s work in different countries and cultures. While the sessions, workshops and celebrations are always memorable, my favourite memories are usually the people you meet and friends you make.
MARIA FERNANDA (MAFE) GIRALDO, YMCA Latin America & Caribbean
Who are you and what's your story?
My name is Maria Fernanda, and I go by Mafe. I am originally from Bogotá, Colombia. I'm happily married, and I love running, reading, and meaningful conversations over coffee.
My story began back in 2016, surrounded by 200 teenagers at an English Immersion Camp where I was volunteering as a camp counselor at YMCA Colombia. I saw my younger self in those teenagers, who had gone through rough experiences of their own. There, I understood that I could contribute to a bigger purpose: helping young people discover their value, not for what they achieve or how they look, but for who they are.
I have witnessed that when we contribute to a young person's life holistically, families and communities are restored.
The YMCA gave me back my own voice and showed me that I am part of the Creator's design, not perfect, but perfectly right for the life I've been given. That's who I am today, someone living out the calling I found through the YMCA. And the journey isn't over.
What's your main role with your local YMCA?
I'm currently the Facilitator of Sustainable Dreams at the Regional Node team (the YMCA Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office). There, I'm developing marketing, communications, and fundraising strategies to connect, facilitate, inspire, and transform regional and international synergies so that we can grow our relevance, social impact, and sustainability.
You're going to be co-host of World Council in Toronto — how do you feel about that? What are you looking forward to? What are you worried about?
It's an honor, and I hope to rise to the occasion. I want to contribute to an experience where our beautifully diverse movement can come together. What I look forward to as a co-host is playing a small part in making people from every corner of the world feel they belong, and that this is an opportunity to connect, have fun, and learn.
In general, why is World Council important for the whole YMCA Movement? How do you see it from the perspective of your YMCA?
We are not living through easy times, and that is precisely when our movement is called to respond, to contribute to those most in need, and to continue a legacy that has endured for more than 180 years. World Council is where we renew that commitment: it's where we select our leaders, learn from each other, and shape the present and future of the YMCA together.
What are your best memories of previous World Councils you have attended?
My strongest memory is the relationships I built with people I learned alongside, and with whom I could dream up the YMCA that communities and young people need to create a more just, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world. So much of that transformation begins simply in conversation, and that's what stays with me.
