JCI Intan President-Elect Reflects on Legacy, Growth, and the Power of Women’s Leadership

12 July 2025

PENAMPANG: In a heartfelt address at JCI Intan’s 50th Anniversary celebration, President-Elect of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Intan Mariel Gabriel Moinjil delivered a moving reflection on leadership, growth, and sisterhood within one of Sabah’s most enduring women-led chapters.

Addressing a distinguished audience that included JCI Senator Datuk Masidi Manjun, JCI Senator Dr Jeremy Tong (Area Chair 2025), fellow chapter presidents, senators, and Jaycees, the President-Elect expressed deep gratitude for the honour of serving during such a landmark year.

“I stand before you deeply honoured and profoundly humbled as your President-Elect in this landmark 50th year of JCI Intan’s legacy,” she began, drawing a warm response from attendees.

In a candid and resonant speech, she admitted she did not initially feel ready for leadership.

“I wasn’t ready when I ran for President last September. Nor in January, when I began my term. And even now, seven months in, I still carry the weight of uncertainty,” she shared. “But I am not the same person I was. I’ve learned, not just about JCI, but about myself.”

She spoke openly about the challenges that come with leadership: balancing time, navigating communication, and learning to lead with both intention and empathy.

“The struggles I face are often unglamorous: time management, balancing work and JCI, and learning how to communicate better with my board, my fellow presidents, and the mentors around me,” she said. “But still, JCI Intan endures.”

Celebrating the chapter’s five-decade history, she paid tribute to the women who came before her, “Fifty years of women daring to lead, not because they were perfect, but because they were willing. This chapter continues to shape young women, showing us that leadership is not about having all the answers, it’s about the willingness to grow through the questions.”

Her personal journey, she said, began with her mother, who once served in JCI and credited her time in the organisation as transformative for both career and life. “At the very least Mum,it’s gotten me out of the house on weekends,” she quipped.

She also paid tribute to JCI Senator PNP Teresa Margareta Alberto, who introduced her to the chapter.

“First my mother’s friend, now a personal role model. Her unwavering love for this chapter pushed me to take on this challenge.”

As she acknowledged the past presidents of JCI Intan, many of whom were in attendance, her tone shifted to one of reverence. “I carry with this chain the passion, the love, the regrets and the hope of every woman who came before me.”

She credited JCI Senator PNP Jovinia Solibun for instilling the value of self-leadership, PNP Datuk Adeline for boldness, PNP Arlena for the personal touch in leadership, PP Zyee Duli for quiet but critical support, and Past President Nora for “the kind of unwavering support that moves mountains, even when offered from behind the scenes.”

To her current Board of Directors, she offered heartfelt thanks: “Your trust and commitment fuel me.”

Looking ahead, she highlighted upcoming initiatives including an Autism Awareness Run, debate workshops, and the grand 50th anniversary celebration to close the year.

“This year is not just a milestone, it is a torch,” she said in closing. “One I carry with heart, humility, and hope for all who come next.”

The evening was not only a celebration of legacy, but also a powerful reminder of what women can achieve when they dare to lead, support one another, and grow, together.