In a groundbreaking achievement, Zaviska Lamsberg has been elected as Vice President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) during the JCI World Congress in Tunis, Tunisia. This historic appointment marks her as the first Surinamese woman to hold such a prestigious international leadership role within the global youth organization. At 32 years old, Lamsberg, hailing from Paramaribo, will assume her position in 2026, joining one of JCI’s highest governing bodies. Her election is celebrated as a significant milestone for gender equality and Surinamese leadership on the global stage. Currently serving as the National President of JCI Suriname, Lamsberg has distinguished herself through her strategic vision and unifying leadership. Under her guidance, JCI Suriname successfully hosted an international conference praised for its professional execution and warm Surinamese hospitality. With a background in Law and Social Development and professional experience in Human Resources at a multinational gold mining company, Lamsberg combines academic depth with practical leadership experience. She began her JCI journey in 2017 with JCI Unify, rose to Local President in 2023, and became National President in 2025. Following her election, Lamsberg emphasized that her victory extends beyond personal achievement. ‘This is not just a personal win but a victory for every young woman in Suriname and the Caribbean,’ she stated. ‘My journey proves that when young people are given opportunities to grow, they can achieve extraordinary things.’ She highlighted collaboration as the cornerstone of her leadership philosophy, stating, ‘Our mission to empower young people to create positive change can only succeed through collaboration. Governments, businesses, and communities must provide young people with the space, trust, and resources to develop into the change-makers our world needs.’ JCI is a global organization of active young citizens aged 18 to 40, operating in over 100 countries. It offers leadership and development opportunities for young individuals to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
