JCI Metro South launched a transformative initiative aimed at empowering its members and the broader community through a carefully curated training series. Dubbed “Training Omakase,” this program is designed to nurture leadership, develop much-needed skills, and foster a culture of impactful service. The series kicked off on February 4, 2025, with an inaugural session that set a high standard for the months to come, featuring distinguished speakers and timely topics.
The term “Omakase” is borrowed from Japanese, meaning “I’ll leave it up to you,” often used in culinary contexts to denote a chef’s special selection. JCI Metro South has adopted this philosophy for its training series, promising participants a thoughtfully selected array of learning experiences. The goal is to address both immediate and long-term needs of members, ensuring that each session is relevant, practical, and transformative.
JCI Metro South has long been recognized for its commitment to youth leadership and community development. In 2025, the chapter continues to improve by integrating holistic personal and professional growth into its programming. Training Omakase is a testament to this commitment, aiming to equip members with the tools and perspectives needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
A renowned leadership and life coach, mental health advocate, and business storyteller. Jackie’s session focused on “Mental Health: Awareness, Protection, and Advocacy,” providing participants with actionable insights on maintaining well-being and supporting others.
An award-winning JCI leader and certified trainer, Angela led a dynamic discussion on Project Management. Her session was designed to empower participants with the skills necessary to plan, execute, and evaluate impactful projects.
Jackie S. Cañiza’s session underscored the importance of mental health in leadership and community service. She highlighted:
– The growing prevalence of mental health challenges in today’s fast-paced environment.
– Strategies for self-care and resilience, particularly for leaders who often shoulder significant responsibilities.
– The critical role of advocacy in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, encouraging open conversations, and fostering supportive environments.
Jackie’s approach blended personal storytelling with evidence-based practices, making the topic accessible and actionable for all participants.
Angela Dominique Lazatin’s workshop on project management was both practical and inspiring. Key points included:
– The fundamentals of project planning, from setting clear objectives to resource allocation.
– Techniques for effective team coordination and stakeholder engagement.
– Tools for monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes to ensure projects deliver lasting value.
Angela’s experience as a JCI leader enriched the session, as she shared real-world examples and facilitated interactive exercises that allowed participants to apply new concepts immediately.
Training Omakase is more than a series of workshops—it’s a venue for cultivating the next generation of leaders. JCI Metro South is preparing its members to lead with empathy, resilience, and strategic acumen by addressing topics like mental health and project management.
The program’s structure encourages continuous development. Each session builds on the last, creating a cumulative effect that enhances both individual and collective capabilities. This culture of lifelong learning is central to JCI’s mission and is important for adapting to the changing needs of communities.
Training Omakase increases the impact of JCI projects by equipping members with critical skills. Well-trained leaders are better positioned to design and implement initiatives that address real-world challenges, from mental health advocacy to sustainable development.
The February 4 session marked just the beginning of the Training Omakase journey. A wide variety of subjects will be covered in upcoming parts, such as:
– Advanced leadership and communication skills
– Social innovation and entrepreneurship
– Diversity, equity, and inclusion in community service
– Digital literacy and emerging technologies
Each session will feature expert speakers, interactive formats, and opportunities for networking and collaboration.
JCI Metro South is committed to making Training Omakase accessible to a wider audience. Plans are underway to:
– Offer hybrid sessions, combining in-person and virtual participation
– Develop resource materials and toolkits for ongoing reference
– Foster partnerships with other JCI chapters and external organizations to broaden the program’s impact
“Training Omakase is a game-changer. The sessions are not only informative but also deeply inspiring. I feel more equipped to lead and make a difference.” — Participant, February 2025 Session “Mental health is often overlooked in leadership training. I appreciate JCI Metro South for bringing this conversation to the forefront.” — JCI Member
Training Omakase 2025 represents a bold step forward for JCI Metro South and its commitment to leadership development. The series is setting a new standard for training within the organization by combining expert-led sessions, a focus on holistic well-being, and practical skill-building. As the program unfolds, it promises to empower more leaders, strengthen communities, and create lasting positive change.