Joining an international leadership program can change a person’s life—but for Gabriela Galian and Guilherme Batista from Paraná, Brazil, it changed their marriage, their careers, and the future they now confidently envision together. What started as a simple recommendation from a friend soon became the most defining experience of their young life as a couple.
A Recommendation That Sparked Something Bigger
For Guilherme, everything began when a close friend came back from Cumorah Academy filled with excitement and stories about growth, purpose, and transformation.
“He came to Cumorah a couple of years ago,” Guilherme explains. “When he returned, he wouldn’t stop messaging me about this amazing place in the Czech Republic, how awesome it was, how much he learned.”
Months later, when he and Gabriela felt a desire for a new chapter, they decided the time was right.
“We decided to give Cumorah a chance and start the application process.”
Neither of them imagined that joining an international leadership program would soon redefine the way they saw themselves—and each other.
Life Before Cumorah: Full of Good Things, but Always Rushed
Before traveling to the Czech Republic, Gabriela and Guilherme had been married for almost two years. Life was good, but it moved fast.
Gabriela had graduated in Interior Design and recently launched her own business in architectural visualization.
Guilherme balanced a full-time job with a demanding software development degree.
“We were rushed,” he says. “Always working, always studying. When we arrived at Cumorah and started learning about life vision, everything changed for us.”
Their days were full but lacked space for reflection, connection, and direction. The international leadership program at Cumorah Academy gave them exactly that.
Why They Chose Cumorah Academy
The decision wasn’t only about education—it was about growth.
“We saw an opportunity to grow in different aspects of our lives,” Gabriela shares. “Cumorah offers so much.”
What made it even more meaningful was the fact that couples could participate together.
“When we learned that couples could study at Cumorah, it clicked,” Guilherme says. “We saw the chance to grow not just individually but as partners.”
Through mentorship, teamwork, and shared learning, the international leadership program became a catalyst for their marriage, helping them strengthen communication, unity, and long-term vision.
What They Studied—and Why It Mattered
Gabriela chose Leadership and Personal Development.
“I’ve been learning new skills and tools to manage a company, lead a team, and grow my business,” she says. “It’s made all the difference.”
Guilherme chose the Business track.
“In my life, I have two great women—my wife and my mom—both entrepreneurs,” he says. “I wanted to start a business too. That’s why I chose business.”
Their programs complemented each other, giving them both the skills and confidence to pursue future projects together—one of the most valuable aspects of joining an international leadership program as a couple.
How an International Leadership Program Shapes Character and Purpose
At Cumorah Academy, learning goes far beyond academic skills.
“We’ve developed empathy, diligence, and discipline,” Gabriela explains. “It’s not just about English. It’s about becoming a better person and a better leader.”
For Guilherme, two lessons stood out: empathy and life vision.
“In the future I’ll lead teams, so empathy is essential. And life vision might be the most important thing we’ve learned here—understanding who we want to be in 5, 10, and 15 years.”
This clarity of purpose is one of the reasons so many students describe the international leadership program at Cumorah Academy as transformative.
Leadership in Action: Daily Opportunities on Campus
One of Guilherme’s most meaningful experiences was serving as a weekly house leader—a role that pushed him to communicate clearly, motivate others, and build trust.
“I had to talk individually with each team member and then motivate them as a group,” he recalls. “We ended up winning the House Cup for the first time.”
That experience deepened his belief that communication is the key to great leadership—another powerful outcome of the international leadership program experience.
Sacrifices, Surprises, and a Moment of Faith
Coming to Cumorah Academy required sacrifice. They left jobs, responsibilities, and comfort behind. But just before leaving Brazil, something unexpected happened.
“One week before coming to Cumorah, my car broke,” Guilherme explains. “When the mechanic tried to fix it, the car fell from the elevator and was destroyed.”
What looked like a setback turned into a miracle.
“The mechanic gave me the full value of the car in money. That was exactly the amount we needed to come to Cumorah. It was an answer from God.”
It was a moment that strengthened their faith and confirmed that their decision—to join an international leadership program and invest in their future—was divinely guided.
Looking Forward: A Brighter Shared Vision
One of the greatest blessings of their experience has been the mentorship available on campus.
“We ask their advice not only for business but for our family,” Gabriela says. “They’ve helped us so much.”
Guilherme agrees:
“We now see that the future is much brighter than we imagined. We want to have children, grow our businesses, and build a high-quality life with everything we’ve learned.”
Their plans are no longer vague dreams—they are specific, clear, and grounded in the mindset and skills they developed throughout the international leadership program.
Their Advice to Future Students
Without hesitation, both offer the same advice:
“Don’t think twice, come to Cumorah.”
Gabriela adds, “Every sacrifice is worth it. If you have the chance, do it.”
Guilherme concludes:
“We waited a year before applying. Now we know we should have come sooner.”
A Journey Worth Every Step
Gabriela and Guilherme came seeking growth. What they found was a community that enriched their marriage, expanded their life vision, and strengthened their belief that they can build a meaningful future together.
Their story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when you choose courage over comfort and step into an international leadership program that challenges and inspires you.
If you’re ready to experience this transformation for yourself—whether individually or as a couple—visit cumorahacademy.org and apply today.
Your bold decision today could shape the next chapter of your life. Come to Cumorah Academy and start your journey.
Written by Emily Grow
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
