HOBY DC Program
What is HOBY DC?
We are the DC chapter of Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership, a global organization dedicated to providing leadership skills to students.
Our annual seminars consist of three days and two nights of leadership activities, games, and speakers. We invite world-renowned professors, leaders, and philosophers to speak on topics such as civic engagement, community leadership, and personal growth.
Although only three days long, the connections made at HOBY DC last a lifetime. These three days are filled with growth experienced alongside students with the same passion for change as you.
The seminars are held at the Catholic University of America. Food will be provided in the cafeteria, and nights are spent in the dorms. All DC based high school sophomores are eligible to attend - just contact your school to learn about enrolling! If your school is not affiliated with HOBY, you can talk to your guidance counselor about signing up.
Upcoming Seminar Details
Our next HOBY DC seminar will be held at the Catholic University of America, from June 3rd - 5th, 2022. Staff are expected to arrive on June 2nd, and mandatory staff training takes place on May 21st, 2022.
Previous Seminar Speakers
Our speakers are experts in their fields, and continue to inspire us each year. Here are some speakers we have worked with in the past:
Caitlin Crommet
Caitlin is a HOBY alum and the founder of DreamCatchers, a network of high school and college student clubs dedicated to fulfilling the end-of-life dreams of hospice patients in their communities. In past years, we have volunteered with Caitlin to visit hospices and craft dreamcatchers to gift the patients, along with writing letters for patients during COVID-19 quarantine.
Donnell Jones
Donnell Jones is the Pastor of Grace Covenant Church and Character Coach for University of Maryland. He has attended multiple HOBY seminars, where he has spoken about leading in a crisis, self-development, and serving others.
Byron L. Williams
THE Byron L. Williams, son of Shirley J. Williams, hails from the famous city of Las Vegas, NV (The Historic Westside) and now calls DC home with his family. His strength in this world comes from: 1) his luscious locs, 2) his deep passion of illuminating a path of international service lesser known by people of color, and 3) optimism that someday we will see diplomacy, defense, and national security as equals and true collaborative partners.
His professional background stems from his passion for servant leadership that has included creating and implementing public speaking programs, tutoring English language learners, training and developing staff and colleagues with a focus on customer service, various forms of professional communication, leadership skills, and conflict resolution. He has tapped into personal and professional opportunities that have spanned The Southwest to the Mid-Atlantic, across three continents, and all have taught him he knows a lot about a little yet can always learn and share more.
He earned his Master’s degree in International Service with a focus on U.S. Foreign Policy & National Security through American University’s School of International Service, Washington, DC and his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with a minor in Spanish from Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, CO.
In his limited free time, he enjoys riding his bicycle, raising his pun acumen, advocating for better access and resources for communities of color, and building a better world for his family to freely enjoy.
| Do you know someone who leads an interesting, inspiring, outstanding life? (that can be you too!) We are always looking for new speakers for our seminars to inspire young ambassadors to lead and volunteer in new ways! |
| HOBY DC Speaker Nomination/Application! |
