Yuma’s next leader only 11-years-old and headed to Capitol Hill

Some say the best way to learn is through experience.

One Yuma student is about to take on an experience of a lifetime, learning to become a better leader.

Ilan Miramontes Villarreal is in many ways your typical 11-year-old boy.

He enjoys riding his bike and hanging out at the park with his friends.

But what sets him apart, is his desire to be a leader.

Ilan will be headed to the nation’s capital on June 16 through June 21 to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference, after being nominated by his sixth-grade teacher at Pueblo Elementry School.

This conference gives middle school students from across the country a chance to travel to Washington D.C. for an educational experience to gain and showcase leadership skills.

Ilan describes the program as a chance for, “teenagers to go and experience a trip of a lifetime where you can go act like a leader or fulfill your dreams.”

Midanya Villarreal, Ilan’s mother, said her son has all of the qualities of a leader, saying “He actually is really outgoing, he’s really friendly, he puts other people’s need before his, and I think those are really great qualities for a leader.”

Although Ilan admitted there were times his outgoing personality has distracted him in school.

“I would chat a lot with my friends, I would not pay as much attention in school,” said Ilan.

However, as many leaders do, Ilan overcame this adversity, saying, “I had bad grades but I would keep setting goals and always keep going and pushing my limits.”

As far as what he wants to be when he grows up, Ilan admires his mother and wouldn’t mind working at a bank. He said he likes math and talking to people. So customer service may be a good fit for him.

While an honor, Mrs. Villarreal believes her son has so much more potential.

“I see him more as a leader as far as politics,” said Mrs. Villarreal.

Which is why she’s proud he’s accepted the challenge to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference.

Traveling alone for his first time, Ilan is ready to embark on this journey

He said this new experience is a little nerve-wracking, but nonetheless, he’s ready to meet new people and explore Washington, D.C.

If you would like to support Ilan’s journey to Washington D.C., please visit his website.