Reflections from a Senior Mentor: Inside the 2025 IDF Europe Youth Leadership Lab

This year I had the absolute privilege of returning to the International Diabetes Federation Europe’s Youth Leadership Lab, a camp I attended myself as a participant in 2017, but this year as a Senior Mentor. Held in the vibrant city of Parma, Italy, the camp brought together 20 young diabetes advocates from across Europe for a week of learning, connection and transformation.

The Mentor Hat

As a Senior Mentor, my role was to help guide, support and empower both the mentors and participants as they develop their own advocacy. Throughout the week, I co-facilitated sessions on imposter syndrome in advocacy, communicating with decision-makers, and the risks of burnout and over-volunteering, all topics I am passionate about because they speak to the realities that so many diabetes advocates face.

In my opinion, mentoring isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about holding space, it’s about listening, it’s about guiding people to find their own ideas and helping these ideas come to fruition. It’s about knowing when to step back to let others shine. Watching the participants grow in confidence, from nervously introducing themselves on day one, to standing tall while presenting their advocacy projects by the end of the week, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had.

Mentors and faculty of the camp

Flashmobs & Ravioli

One of the things that makes this camp so special is how it balances serious conversations, that often can be quite emotional, with lighthearted fun. We talked about healthcare inequities, language in advocacy and systemic gaps, along with exploring personal experiences with diabetes, but we also danced in Parma’s city square during our flashmob, participated in a range of sporting activities, and learned to make homemade ricotta and spinach ravioli (and yes, it tasted amazing!).

There’s something powerful about being in a space where everyone “gets it.” Advocacy can be heavy, but every meal and late-night conversation builds trust and friendship.

In Parma before the flash mob

Why It Matters

The Youth Leadership Lab creates a unique space where young advocates with diabetes don’t have to explain themselves. Everyone already understands the language of lived experience. That means we can move past small talk and dive into meaningful conversations faster. It means young people can take risks, share stories, and try new things without fear of judgement.

Participants leave with tangible skills: how to plan a project, communicate effectively, and navigate policy spaces. But more than that, they leave with a deeper understanding of themselves, as leaders, advocates, and individuals who deserve to be heard.

Looking Ahead

I left Parma with a full heart and a renewed sense of purpose. I’m endlessly grateful to IDF Europe, AGD Parma and ANIAD for creating such a transformative space, and to the participants for trusting us with their stories and energy.

If you're a young advocate with diabetes looking for community and direction in your advocacy journey, I can’t recommend this experience enough. Whether you're stepping into your first campaign or dreaming bigger than ever before, this is where it begins.

Me and my fellow Senior Mentor Kristinn