IYF COO Jason Watters Launches Global Listening Tour with Strategic Visit to Youth Programs in Latin America
[BALTIMORE] – In a bold move to deepen International Youth Foundation’s (IYF) impact on youth employment and empowerment, newly appointed Chief Operating Officer Jason Watters has launched his global listening and engagement tour with visits to IYF-supported programs in Latin America. Coming just days after IYF’s participation in the Nasdaq Closing Bell ceremony and International Youth Day celebrations, this visit underscores the organization’s commitment to scaling innovative solutions for youth worldwide.
“Seeing firsthand how IYF’s work is helping young people step confidently into careers, earn sustainable incomes, and lead in their communities has been energizing,” said Watters. “This is why I joined IYF—to scale what's working, move fast on innovation, and deepen our commitment to transparency and impact.”
During his recent Latin America tour, Jason visited IYF programs in Mexico and Colombia, engaging with youth, industry sectors, partners, and local teams to see firsthand how IYF initiatives are creating meaningful opportunities for young people.
In Mexico, he met with participants of JuventudES, IYF’s flagship initiative for youth who are out of school and work due to limited opportunities. The program equips young people with technical and socio-emotional skills tailored to in-demand jobs, helping them secure paid employment while fostering personal growth. Jason also connected with key local partners, including Fundación Coppel and Nacional Monte de Piedad, alongside the IYF Mexico team, to better understand on-the-ground challenges and explore ways to strengthen IYF’s impact in the region.
In Colombia, Jason met with the IYF Colombia team to present the Digital Tourism program with the Bogotá Agency for Higher Education and Technology (ATENEA), a high-demand initiative designed to equip young people with career-ready skills and growth opportunities. He also met with key local strategic partners such as Fundación Universitaria Cafam (Unicafam), and industry leaders to lay the groundwork for introducing IYF’s logistics curriculum in the region, expanding access to technical education and creating clear pathways into the workforce.
These visits underscore IYF’s commitment to creating locally-informed, scalable solutions that prepare young people for the workforce, strengthen communities, and maximize the local impact of signature initiatives like JuventudES across the region.
“Jason brings a unique blend of heart and systems thinking,” said Christina Sass, IYF President & CEO. “His background in operational leadership, transparency, and poverty alleviation make him a perfect fit for this moment of growth and transformation at IYF.”
Before being named COO in August 2025, Jason served as IYF’s Interim CFO and brings over two decades of leadership experience across the nonprofit, private, and government sectors, including pioneering work at GiveDirectly, one of the most disruptive forces in global philanthropy. At GiveDirectly, Jason helped scale operations toward $1 billion in direct cash transfers, reaching over 1.5 million people living in extreme poverty and empowering them to make their own life-changing decisions.
His appointment reflects IYF’s renewed focus on transparency, innovation, and business-minded execution in service to young people worldwide.
For media inquiries, please contact Arpine Baghdasarian, IYF Director of Communications and Marketing, or +1-410-951-2314.
About IYF
The International Youth Foundation® (IYF®) transforms lives and tackles economic inequality at scale by equipping and empowering young people with the skills to thrive today and lead tomorrow. Founded in 1990, IYF is a global nonprofit with programs directly benefiting 8.1 million young people and operations spanning 105 countries. Together with a network of local community-based organizations and some of the world's foremost businesses, foundations, and multilateral partners, we are the leading experts connecting young people with life-changing opportunities. We believe educated, employed, and engaged youth can solve the world’s toughest problems.
Our youth development work focuses on three goals: building agency, expanding economic opportunity, and driving more inclusive systems—unlocking success for young people and value for business and society. Our vision is to see young people inspired and equipped to realize the future they want.
The International Youth Foundation: Transforming Lives, Together. To find out more, please join us at archive.iyfglobal.org.
