Xaviera Loraine Arnhem: A Journey of Growth, Opportunities, and Lasting Connections
For Xaviera Loraine Arnhem, serving as JCI Urban Local President in 2016 was an experience filled with growth, opportunities, and learning by doing. Reflecting on her journey, she shares how this role shaped her personally and professionally, elevating her career in unexpected ways.
One of the most valuable aspects of her time in JCI Urban was the people she met. “I connected with like-minded individuals who helped me grow, take risks, and seize opportunities,” Xaviera says. “Together, we built a community, formed lasting relationships, and I even got to experience diplomacy while volunteering.”
When asked about her most memorable moments, three stand out. “The early days of starting JCI Urban were incredibly special,” she recalls. “Then, my journey to becoming and serving as Local President was another defining experience. But one of my fondest memories is a night after an Urban meeting, where friends came over to my parents’ house, and we spent the whole night talking about EVERYTHING and ANYTHING until morning.”
To current and prospective JCI Urban members, Xaviera offers heartfelt advice: “Be you. Remember that everything starts within you. Take the risks and the opportunities that JCI Urban offers. And most importantly—always have fun while being yourself.”
Her journey is a testament to the power of leadership, community, and embracing opportunities. Xaviera’s experience in JCI Urban continues to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
Samuel Jabini
Local Secretary
Akshay Chigarhoe
Local Treasurer
In 2016, JCI Urban continued its focus on the Active Citizens Framework, with the year’s theme emphasizing the importance of committed involvement by all members. Under the banner "Active Participation in Nourishing the Growing Plant," the chapter highlighted the role of each Urbanite in cultivating a strong and sustainable organization. Just like a thriving plant requires care and attention, JCI Urban depended on the collective efforts of its members to grow stronger—ensuring that future generations would inherit a chapter as enduring and powerful as the majestic Kankantri tree in Suriname’s rainforest.
The Urban Open House is a strategic recruitment initiative designed to introduce potential new members to the JCI organization. Each Urbanite is encouraged to invite one guest, offering them a firsthand experience of JCI Urban’s mission, vision, and community.
Following the official program, a networking session allows guests—referred to as Urban Potentials—to be paired with mentors, typically the member who invited them. This mentorship marks the start of the Broki Program, a structured onboarding process that serves as a bridge from Observer to Active Member.
The Broki Program consists of eight development-focused activities, to be completed within three to six months, ensuring that new members are well-prepared, engaged, and aligned with the values of JCI Urban.
This initiative supports sustainable chapter growth by fostering leadership, accountability, and a strong sense of community from the start.
As part of our ongoing partnership with the Neotropical Butterfly Park, members of JCI Urban gathered for a wellness-focused morning to strengthen fellowship and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. The day began with a peaceful yoga session, led by a fellow member, setting the tone for mindfulness and connection.
After yoga, members shared a healthy breakfast prepared by a past president, creating a relaxed and nourishing environment to bond and recharge. The morning concluded with a guided tour of the Butterfly Park, where participants learned about the butterfly breeding process and the park’s contribution to biodiversity.
This activity combined wellness, education, and team building—an inspiring reminder of the importance of balance, nature, and unity in leadership.
As part of JCI Urban’s recruitment strategy and leadership development efforts, the Urban Motivation Day was launched as a pilot project led by observers and supervised by the board. The initiative aimed to build the project management and execution skills of both observers and members, while serving as a model for future recurring activities and potential adoption by other JCI chapters.
Objectives of the Project:
Inspire and empower high school graduates of the Henry Hassankhan School (HHS) with motivation, tools, and strategies to succeed in the upcoming academic year.
Strengthen visibility and outreach of JCI Urban to attract new members, especially among youth, while laying the groundwork for long-term engagement and future fundraising potential.
The event took place on Saturday, November 5 and Saturday, November 12, 2016, at the Henry Hassankhan School, and featured a structured three-hour program (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM), including:
A motivational keynote session
Two interactive group activities, held in three rotating blocks
JCI Urban members volunteered as instructors and facilitators, showcasing the chapter’s dedication to youth empowerment, education, and leadership development.
Potential Impact:
This project demonstrated JCI Urban’s commitment to community engagement and personal development, while strengthening internal leadership capacity and creating meaningful entry points for new potential members.
JCI Urban proudly participated in the JCI Syma Quiz, represented by observers Stanley Joemman and Raynesh Rewat, alongside fellow Samuel Jabini. Although they didn’t win, they played a strong and spirited game, showcasing teamwork and enthusiasm throughout the event.
During (insert event name), JCI Urban proudly installed two new members: Stanley Joemman and Stacey Derby. Their addition marks an exciting moment for the organization as it continues to grow and strengthen its community involvement.