Juan’s Story

Finding Community and Purpose Through Volunteering

Juan, an HR intern for a global company from Colombia, recently discovered a new way to give back through ibis RockCorps.

Juan came across ibis RockCorps whilst studying in France through a friend's recommendation, he joined the program and spent the day volunteering, ahead of enjoying the concert in Paris. For Juan, the experience was more than just a fun event—it was a powerful reminder of the importance of community and solidarity. Now, with a deeper connection to ibis and its social impact, he’s inspired to continue volunteering in the future.

1. Tell us a bit about your background and how you got involved:

I’m currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Human Resources at a management school in Grenoble. I’m completing my studies with a final internship in a global company, where I’ve been working on a permanent contract for a year. Before coming to France, I was part of the Chamber of Commerce program in Colombia, my home country. Outside of work, I’m passionate about sports, culture, and travel. I didn’t have much opportunity to volunteer in Colombia, but in high school, I taught English in underprivileged schools. More recently, I’ve participated in volunteer activities through a program set up by my employer. I got involved with ibis RockCorps after a friend who had participated recommended it to me.

2. How did you find the experience of volunteering?

The volunteering experience was great overall. The atmosphere was great, and I really appreciated the chance to socialise and interact with different people. I valued the sense of contributing to the community and felt that volunteering made me more aware of the realities around us.

3. And what about the concert?

The concert was amazing, especially Macklemore’s performance, that was the most memorable moment for me. The concert was full of positive energy and felt like a really rewarding end to the day. I’d say that combining the volunteering with the concert definitely deepened my connection to ibis.

4. What do you think about brands like ibis getting involved with community

activities?

I’m quite familiar with ibis and have used their hotels often for work. I view ibis as a diverse hotel chain catering to various people, and my experiences with them have generally been good. I think ibis's involvement in community activities has a positive impact and is a great way to attract new customers. The idea of rewarding volunteers with a concert ticket is a perfect motivation,I see ibis RockCorps as an excellent example of how brands can effectively engage in social causes.

8. Do you see yourself volunteering more in the future? What was the lasting impression?

Absolutely, I see myself continuing to volunteer in the future. The experience was fulfilling, and I enjoyed the sense of belonging to a team and being part of something meaningful. The lasting impression was one of joy and satisfaction, both from helping others and from the reward of the concert. It was a beautiful experience that left me with new perspectives.

9. How has your view of ibis evolved through this experience?

My perspective on the brand has changed—I now see it as more community-focused and socially responsible. I’ve learned more about their projects and understand better what brands do for more human-centered initiatives. The next time I book a room at Ibis, I’ll definitely think about their contributions to these kinds of projects.

10. Would you recommend the ibis RockCorps experience to others?

Absolutely. The experience was incredibly rewarding, combining the joy of helping others with the reward of a concert. The great vibes from the coordinators and the people I met during the project made it even more special. I’m definitely inspired to do more volunteering in the future and would recommend this experience to anyone looking for a fulfilling and enjoyable way to give back to the community