Rizky Marliansyah

From Student to Leader: A Journey of Transformation with Yayasan Cipta Mandiri

In 2006, I walked through the doors of Yayasan Cipta Mandiri (YCM) as a young teenager with an uncertain future. Coming from a broken home and having little direction in life, I never imagined I would one day sit where I am now—leading the very organization that once changed the course of my life. At that time, I had modest dreams—perhaps becoming a storekeeper or finding any job that didn’t require advanced skills, let alone the ability to speak English. But there was one thing I held onto: a love for learning, especially English. That simple passion led me to YCM, where my initial goal was merely to be able to hold a conversation with Ibu Gesine, one of the founders of YCM, alongside Ibu Putu. Little did I know, that small step would become the turning point of my life.

As I immersed myself in YCM’s learning environment, my perspective began to shift. I joined various classes, improved my English, and gradually gained the confidence to pursue further education. In 2009, I was awarded a scholarship to study at the International Garment Training Centre (IGTC) in Sentul, Bogor—a specialized institution focused on apparel, textiles, and merchandise. After two years of dedicated study, I graduated and began working in the garment industry. Not just in any company, but in prestigious multinational brands such as GAP, Old Navy, The North Face, H&M, and now, Hugo Boss. I once thought I’d only work in retail, yet here I am, contributing to globally recognized fashion labels—something I never believed possible before YCM.

Today, I am honored to serve as a board member of YCM, returning not only as an alumnus but also as a leader committed to giving back. It is humbling to think that I now help shape the same programs and initiatives that once shaped me. YCM is not just a learning center—it is a home. It is a place where young people come not only to study but to dream, to grow, and to rediscover their potential. We do more than teach; we nurture. We share our joys, our challenges, and our aspirations as one big family.

This transformation—my own and that of countless others—would not be possible without the support of generous donors and partners. Your contribution to YCM is not just an investment in education; it’s an investment in human potential. Every donation helps us unlock a future for another young person who, like I once was, is simply looking for a chance. Together, we can continue building a community where every young person feels seen, supported, and inspired to reach heights they never imagined possible.