Ivory Manio, 28, arrived at World YMCA headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on 28 September for a two-week experience shadowing World YMCA Secretary General Carlos Sanvee.
As a Youth Champion for the global Youth Meaningful Work surveys, Ivory earned the ‘junior’ Secretary General honours for her achievements in engaging young people to share their insights on employment, education and life.
During her stay, she participated in many meetings (most virtually!) with colleagues worldwide, gaining a deeper understanding of the global YMCA Movement. Ivory has been with YMCA of Manila in the Philippines for 10 years, seven of those as a staff member. She serves as the Director for College Work, mainly focusing on university students. However, like many in the YMCA, Ivory wears multiple hats. She is also the secretary for the scholarship programmes, community development, and special projects. Ivory is deeply committed to the YMCA, saying it’s a “place where young people can express their emotions and ideas freely”.
We spoke with her during her stay to learn more about her time in Geneva – her first trip to the city.
Q: How has your overall experience been?
Ivory: I had the opportunity to observe leadership meetings, and what really inspired me was how the World YMCA connects with the various Regional Alliances. I learned that the World YMCA is truly committed to strengthening its relationships with the Areas, which in turn, helps connect with the National Movements and local YMCAs. The meetings provided a safe and structured space for open discussion.
I was able to observe a lot, and Carlos has encouraged my participation throughout. Even though my background is with a local YMCA, he has given me the space to share my thoughts and contribute.
Q: What expectations did you have coming here, and how has that compared to actual experience?
Ivory: I asked our National General Secretary and National Program Secretary what would be the most valuable learning I could bring back, and they emphasised the importance of understanding the World YMCA’s approach to governance. And we wanted to learn how the World YMCA manages issues effectively such as remote staffing.
Personally, I came with no specific expectations. Everything I’ve experienced so far has been new to me, and I’m eager to learn as much as I can. From day one, everyone has made me feel that all YMCAs are equal. We are all connected, and I can reach out anytime. I really felt the passion that the World YMCA is doing in that perspective.
Q: You are learning from Carlos and the World YMCA; what would you like them to learn from you?
Ivory: I feel Carlos and the World YMCA really understand the incredible potential young people have. There’s so much they can do. I would love to see the World YMCA achieve its goal of being truly connected with the National Movements and local YMCAs. If they can see what’s really happening on the ground, it will make a big difference. Sometimes, we need to step out of our comfort zones. Carlos is doing a great job trying to make those connections, and I hope one day they’ll fully achieve that goal of linking local, national, and regional alliances.
Q: How did you get involved as a Meaningful Work Youth Champion and what did that experience mean to you?
Ivory: My General Secretary asked if I could be a Youth Champion, and along with one other person, I attended the orientation. We reviewed the questions and discussed how to make the survey accessible to the least privileged communities, especially those without access to cell phones or Wi-Fi, as the survey was primarily online. We were fortunate in that one of the YMCA of Manila’s strengths is student membership, thanks to our partnership with the Department of Education.
It happened that during the survey period, we were holding a five-day intensive training for 358 college students. I presented the survey to them and encouraged them to participate, highlighting how rare it is for young people to have their voices heard. In order to make sure that the survey will also reach the young people in marginalised sectors, we utilised the connections and efforts of our 100 scholars. We asked 10 others from their community who were also facing financial challenges to complete the survey.
Q: Is there anything you heard from the young people on how they view the future of work?
Ivory: In the Philippines, as in many parts of the world, the issue isn’t just unemployment but also underemployment. The challenge we face is that young people dream of opportunities where they can learn and grow within specific industries. If employers were more open to giving young people a chance, they would see the value of what they can contribute.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to tell the young people in the YMCA?
Ivory: The first thing that comes to mind is the phrase “pure intention.” I honestly never imagined this opportunity would come my way. Throughout my YMCA journey, my true intention has always been to work and serve. I’ve learned that being YMCA staff is more than just a job—it’s about giving your time without expecting anything in return.
My message to young people today is simple: serve your community with pure intentions. As young people, we have an incredible energy, creativity, and innovative spirit. We just need to address the needs in our communities and put that energy to good use.
Also, in my experience, the World YMCA is a great model in the digital age. I’ve seen how they’ve embraced technology in many of their projects, showing young people that technology can be used wisely and positively.
Q: What can you share with us about yourself or your background?
Ivory: I volunteered at the YMCA in High School, but I didn’t expect to find myself back at the YMCA after college. It was my grandmother, the one who raised me, who made that connection. I didn’t know she had been an active volunteer with the YMCA. She’s the one who helped me understand what the YMCA is all about.
I come from a poor family, the youngest of six children, and was raised by my grandparents because of financial difficulties. Growing up was tough, and I was quite introverted—until the YMCA came into my life. Now, I’m passionate about giving back and growing old with my grandparents, returning the kindness they showed me.
Oh, and I have six dogs!
Q: What are your goals for the future? Where would you like to be in five or 10 years?
Ivory: I see myself continuing to serve as a staff member in the YMCA. I don’t aspire to a higher position, because my current role is incredibly fulfilling. I see how much young people need support and a safe space. So, five or 10 years from now, I hope to still be in this position, finding different ways to serve and inspire young people.