CDF Leaders Club: where ideas are born, voices grow stronger, and big dreams come true.
Can you imagine a space where young people not only learn about leadership, but also discover what they can achieve when they believe in themselves?
That’s the FCD Leaders Club of the Charles Darwin Foundation: a program designed for boys and girls who want to change the world, starting by getting to know themselves, learning to work as a team, and acting with environmental awareness.
This incredible journey began in 2022 with the very first “Shark-Leaders,” and since then, we haven’t stopped! Today we’re on our fourth generation, made up of inspiring young people: Ariana Salazar, Luna Coello, Skolyn Merchan, Alexandra Quisnancela, Anthony Martínez, Mia Iza, and Diego Sánchez, who was part of the club in 2023 and has now returned as a volunteer to keep making an impact.
Sara Apolo / CDF
Everyone who has joined the Leaders Club has a different story to tell, but we all agree on one thing: it transformed us. We believe the best way to explain it is to let our own voices speak:
- “The Club was born as a dream without direction and turned into a home filled with respect, empathy, and friendship. There I found connection, growth, and a place in the world.” – Ari, 17 years old
- “The Club was a challenge because of the social interaction, but it helped me get to know myself, improve, and value the unique diversity of every person I met.” – Luna, 18 years old
- “More than learning, the Club was a transformative experience. I overcame my initial fear and found in the group an unforgettable experience full of emotions.” – Alexandra, 18 years old
- “The Club left a deep mark on me. I learned to lead with my heart and value every memory and bond I built, even through the challenges we faced as a group.” – Skolyn, 18 years old
- “For me, the Club is a feeling, not just an activity. Every moment I lived with unique people stayed with me, and I would repeat the experience in every lifetime.” – Anthony, 17 years old
- “Even though I already had experience in the Club, this time I felt a special connection. What stood out the most for me was the positive energy, the desire to grow together, and that emotional comfort that made me feel truly happy with the group.” – Diego 21 years old
David Guijarro / CDF
A Chronicle of Our Leaders Club Journey
A Chronicle of Our Leaders Club Journey
Being part of the Charles Darwin Foundation Leaders Club has been a journey of transformation, learning, laughter, discoveries, and many stories that now shape who we are. Here’s how we experienced it from the inside.
Our first workshop: learning to lead from the heart
Our first experience as FCD Leaders was a community leadership training workshop. During this week, we learned interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, emotional intelligence, active listening, and we debated different challenges in our community.
The most impactful activity of the workshop was interviewing community members. What we didn’t expect was to interview three elderly women, since we thought it would be children or adults. Talking with them, we were surprised by their life experiences, which turned out to be fascinating. One story, in particular, moved us deeply: one woman shared why she could never be with the love of her life.
Sara Apolo / CDF
CDF Summer Club 2025: from students to mentors
The next part of our journey was putting what we learned into practice as mentors at the Charles Darwin Foundation’s Summer Club. For two weeks, we guided children in different science, art, and community activities.
Our favorite moment was the camp at Brunette Farm, a cozy place where we had lots of fun and ate delicious food. The most exciting game was “the cuchi-cuchi war”, where two teams competed to find a doll while blindfolded, guided only by their teammates. Even though it was competitive, it brought us closer together as a team.
David Guijarro / CDF
Isabela Island: an exchange full of discoveries and adventures!
On the first day of our long-awaited exchange on Isabela, three leaders almost missed the trip for being late—but in the end, we all made it together. We were warmly welcomed, and guided by Joselyn, we began the activities with excitement.
There, we led different activities with the Isabela Science Club. On the first day, we created a marine invertebrate with the children during a lesson we directed, and later explored the island with our new Isabela friends.
The next day we explored the Sulfur Mines of the Sierra Negra volcano, where—despite some falls and torn clothes—we enjoyed breathtaking views and endured the strong smell of sulfur. Later, we snorkeled at Concha de Perla, where we saw sea turtles, manta rays, and sharks. On the last day, we biked along the Wall of Tears trail and reached El Estero to observe the mangroves. There, we practiced mindfulness and closed the trip with an emotional farewell by the sea. An unforgettable experience!
This trip also gave us plenty of stories to tell…
- We spent half an hour looking for a bathroom.
- The magical stargazing night gifted to us by a teammate’s godfather.
- At the sulfur mines, Luna said she wished to visit a volcano, and Joselyn replied, “You’re already in one.” Luna was amazed and thrilled.
- Or when all of us taught Pablo the Frenchman (Director of Education) Ecuadorian slang during lunch.
We started as Shark-Strangers, then became Shark-Friends, and ended as a Shark-Family.
The Value of the Leaders Club in Galapagos
Now we see the islands with different eyes. We know it’s a unique place, and it’s up to us to take care of it. The Club not only taught us about science—it helped us believe in ourselves, become leaders, and love our community even more.
David Guijarro / CDF
“We are not only the future of the islands, we are the present that is already making a difference.”
Sincerely, FCD Leaders Club 2025.
Learn more about this life-changing project in Galapagos here:
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