Get Involved › Executive Board ∙ Convention Committee ∙ Local Representative ∙ Project Teams & Committees
YJA Executive Board Elections
Positions

The YJA Executive Board is composed of seventeen Jain youth from across North America: two Co-Chairs, nine Directors, and six Regional Coordinators - all between the ages of 16 and 29. A new YJA Executive Board is elected every year.

Below you will find a list of all the Executive Board positions along with their position descriptions.

Co-Chair

Represent YJA externally, set our mission and vision for the year, and lead the Executive Board in executing their projects, initiatives, and events.


Director of Community Relations

Create strategic partnerships with and engage YJA stakeholders via various community platforms, such as articles on YJA's Medium page, posts on YJA Reflect, and the bi-weekly YJA newsletter.


Director of Education

Develop and maintain Jain education platforms and projects, and support the Executive Board in incorporating education into their initiatives.


Director of Events

Work with Regional Coordinators, Chairs, and Directors to plan and execute YJA national, regional, and local events via in-person and virtual settings while strengthening relationships with Jain Centers.


Director of Finance

Overseeing and nurturing the financial growth of YJA, developing budgets, maintaining and documenting finances.


Director of Fundraising

Lead all major fundraising efforts by developing fundraising strategies, encouraging YJA youth to help fundraise, and reaching out to donors (individuals and Sanghs) while strengthening relationships with alumni, youth, and donors.


Director of Marketing

Develop promotional plans for events and campaigns, create and manage content on YJA social media accounts, and coordinate external presence via marketing channels while ensuring brand consistency.


Director of Operations

Oversee YJA's internal systems and processes, and manage logistics, infrastructure and documentation, to keep the board running smoothly, while building long-term strategies to ensure organizational efficiency, scalability, and sustainability.


Director of Project Development

Develop new YJA projects with internal and external stakeholders, manage and support Directors and Project Teams with project execution, and ensure sustainability of project workstreams.


Director of Technology

Maintain YJA's tech infrastructure and support other board members in their tech-related initiatives while also developing new and creative ways for the organization to implement new technologies.


Regional Coordinator

Engage YJA members in their region through planning local and regional events, managing a team of Local Representatives, and actively connecting with local Jain Centers.


Why Apply for Board?

I applied to board this year to give back to a community and organization that has given me so much, both professionally and personally, while letting me connect to my Jain roots in a way that feels rare to find in the US. If you’re on the fence about applying, take the chance. You won’t regret it. The experiences you’ll have and the people you’ll meet make it more than worth it, and working alongside 16 other incredible individuals has been one of the most fulfilling parts of it all.
- Aaryan Shah
Co-Chair, 2025-2026

I ran for board because I wanted to become more involved with the Jain community on a national level and give back. Attending retreats and the Convention left me with forever friends, but being on board has left me with experiences I have learned so much from and will never forget. It has been one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences in my life. If anyone's even debating it I always say to just apply because you will not regret it!
- Deesha Ajmera
Director of Education, 2021-2022

I applied for YJA Board because I wanted to help create the same experiences that inspired me as an attendee! YJA has given me lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and opportunities that have helped me grow as both a person and a leader. Serving on Board has been my way of giving back to the community that has given me so much. If you're looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, challenge yourself, and build lifelong connections, I would highly recommend applying!
- Rushabh Shah
West Regional Coordinator, 2025-2026

I applied to board to give back to my community & to become more connected to Jainism. Coming from a small Sangh I was able to find a community and even found a second family. Being on board has taught me so much and has truly shaped me into the person I am today. These experiences are once in a lifetime and I am so grateful for the amazing people, friends, and impact I have been able to make.
- Madhvi Shah
Director of Events, 2022 - 2023

I ran for board after attending the last YJA convention. I knew I wanted to be a part of YJA board because of my passion for giving back to the community, and how YJA provides an amazing platform to create a strong impact. YJA has allowed me to develop strong leadership skills, create lasting friendships, and bring out-of-the-box ideas to life. This experience has been one of a kind and I have learned so much from this past year. If you're thinking about applying for board, you definitely should - you will not regret it!
- Vanshika Shah
Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator, 2022 - 2023

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prerequisites for applying?

To apply for any position, you must be 16 years of age by July 31, 2026 and must not turn 30 years of age until after September 15, 2027. Position-specific requirements are listed below:

Co-Chair:
(a) Are on the then current Executive Board; OR
(b) Have served at least one prior full term on the Executive Board as detailed above; OR
(c) Have served as YJA Convention Co-Chair.

Director of Operations:
(a) Are on the then current Executive Board; OR
(b) Have served at least one prior full term on the Executive Board as detailed above; OR
(c) Have served as YJA Convention Co-Chair.

Director of Project Development:
(a) Are on the then current Executive Board; OR
(b) Have served one prior full term on the Executive Board; OR
(c) Have served as a recognized Local Representative, Subcommittee, Project Team, or Convention Committee member with a letter of recommendation from a then current Executive Board member.

Regional Coordinator and All Director Positions:
(a) Are a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age (as of July 31, 2026); OR
(b) Are a minimum of sixteen (16) years of age (as of July 31, 2026) and have either:
(i) Served as a recognized Local Representative, Subcommittee, Project Team, or Convention Committee member with a letter of recommendation from a then current Executive Board member; OR
(ii) Submit, with their application, a letter of recommendation from a member of the executive committee from their local Jain center.

When are applications due?

Applications for the 2026-2027 Executive Board are due on Friday, July 31st at 11:59 PM PT. There are no exceptions for late applications.

What is the overall election process?

After submitting your application, the Executive Board will review it on a rolling basis. Based on your application, you may be selected for a 30 to 45 minute Zoom video interview. After all interviews have been completed, the Executive Board will vote on all interviewees based on position.

When will I hear back from you?

Applicants who receive interviews should expect to receive an email to schedule an interview time between their application submission date and July 31st. Interviewees should expect to hear back about whether or not they have been elected by September 15th. All dates are subject to change.

Who should I contact if I have any questions?

Please don't hesitate to contact the Elections Committee by emailing elections@yja.org if you have any questions about your application, the interview process, the timeline, etc.

What other ways can I get involved with YJA if I am not elected to the Executive Board?

We have a number of other ways for you to get involved! In September, applications for Local Representatives (who work closely with the Regional Coordinators) and Director Committees (helping Directors execute various projects) will be open. If you are interested in joining one of our Project Teams, please email projects@yja.org.

When does the term of the 2026-2027 Executive Board begin and end?

The anticipated term start date is September 15, 2026 and the anticipated end date is September 15, 2027.

Where can I learn more?

Learn more here.

END