Yohanny Meneses
Student at P.S. 96 School of the Arts, Collaboration, and Technology,
Global Kids Class of 2023
“This year, I helped to lead a fundraiser and we raised $207.50 to donate to Harlem Grown, an organization that is near the school and helps other kids. Global Kids gave me the experience to teach other diverse kids at the conference last year, and I learned why the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is important too. At Global Kids, I learn how I can do things better, listen to the other GK Leaders and dissect what they say and learn from it.”
Yogesh Lal
Fetch
Co-Founder/COO,
Global Kids Class of 2008
“GK is a big part of who I am today and I maintain strong friendships with peers and GK staff. Being part of all the amazing events at GK brought out my leadership qualities and improved my public speaking. This helped tremendously when we were on TV pitching Fretch to billionaire investors such as the Draper family on Meet the Drapers.”
The Ware Family
Tyler Ware,
Greater New York
Endoscopy Surgical Center
Administrative Assistant,
Global Kids Class of 2013
“Global Kids inspired me to go above and beyond and be a leader instead of a follower.”
Taylor Ware,
Publicis Media
Assistant Planner,
Global Kids Class of 2014
“Global Kids prepared me in advance for my professional career by molding me into a better communicator, critical thinker, and collaborator.”
Andre Ware,
Global Kids
Trainer,
Global Kids Class of 2012
“Global Kids gave me tools to develop my skills and the opportunities to experience grassroots activism at a young age both in New York City and abroad.”
Chanell Ware
Mount Sinai
Nursing Assistant
Global Kids Class of 2010
“If it weren’t for Global Kids, I would have never found my love for traveling and every year I try to go somewhere new.”
Thoin Faranza
Graduate Student at
University of Albany,
Global Kids Class of 2014
“At Global Kids, I learned to examine ideas at a community and global level which has led me to strive for producing change on a larger scale. Global Kids taught me to push boundaries, step out of the box, and challenge conventional wisdom. Now as a researcher, I work to change the perception individuals have of public health. My current work and future endeavors will always be directed towards improving the world in which we live and strive towards improving our quality of life, which are the rights of every human on this planet.”
Tashawn Brown
New York City Emergency Management Department
Press Assistant,
Global Kids Class of 2008
“Global Kids provided invaluable learning experiences that I still hold to this day. In 2004, I attended the freshmen bridge program. During that program, we discussed the development of what is now the Barclay Center and its surrounding residential and commercial space. We learned about gentrification and the potential impacts such a project could have on a community. Fast forward 15 years later, to see all of the topics we discussed come full circle, is truly a testament to the forward-looking outlook of the organization. To create a better world, you must be a forward thinker and I’m glad GK instilled those qualities in me."
O'tillia Roberts
Cramer Hill Elementary School
Special Education
and Math Teacher,
Global Kids Class of 2010
“Global Kids opened my eyes to see a world outside of New York, pushing me out of my comfort zone and inspiring me to go forth to make a mark both nationally and internationally. I took on that challenge in high school by traveling to Kenya with GK and continued it in college by volunteering in New Orleans, Ghana, and the Charlottesville community. Now, I spread it as a professional in the classroom. GK turned a shy Brooklyn girl into someone who students look to for encouragement, support, and knowledge, and for that, I could not thank them enough. The teacher I am is the true embodiment of what GK molded me to be... a leader.”
Kenny Ojewale
Student at
New York University,
Global Kids Class of 2019
“Global Kids allowed me to explore my interest in international relations and expanded my knowledge more than I could ever imagine. They saw my potential, crafted me into a purposeful and determined individual, and encouraged me to state my mind on all matters when necessary, ultimately leading me to understand the importance of diversity and inclusivity in all schools, workplaces, and communities.”
Kashema Harvey
FINN Partners
Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator,
Global Kids Class of 2012
“Global Kids taught me the significance of being globally aware and the impact we all can drive by incorporating that awareness. Aligning my personal values with international relations sparked an interest to study international journalism during my undergraduate years. However, that goal quickly transitioned into community relations and CSR for public relations while studying for my graduate degree. Global Kids definitely aided me in my professional development and provided me with the necessary tools to showcase my skills. I honestly would not be the young professional I am today without the mentorship of my GK advisors.”
Janet Nabila
Executive Team,
Bloomberg Philanthropies,
Global Kids Class of 2011
“Global Kids instilled a passion for learning about global issues and the nonprofit landscape from an early age. GK staff encouraged me to pursue this and connected me to a grantmaking foundation that was looking for a part-time intern when I graduated high school. That initial connection and the experience coming from that laid the foundation for my full-time career in corporate philanthropy. I can’t say enough how thankful I am to GK - I
wouldn’t be who I am today without them.”
Damelvy Rodriguez
Charter Communications
Project Manager,
Community Impact,
Global Kids Class of 2007
“GK is where I learned how to be an active participant in my society and to be curious about all sides of an issue. As an adult, I am conscious of how my actions impact others and value how education has affected my family. My exposure to public relations on a visit to Edelman as part of ‘Take a Global Kid to Work’ day set the foundation for a professional track in communications.”
Annie Willis & Kazi Ateea
Student at Baruch College/Student at City College,
Global Kids Class of 2015/2016
“Being a Global Kid Leader influenced me to think beyond the microcosm of New York City and showed me how to connect local issues to more significant, more challenging dilemmas. Being part of Global Kids and working on social impact campaigns helped me mature faster than my peers and gave me the work experience I needed to apply for career opportunities. I was also able to expand my leadership skills like communication, delegation, and self-esteem that I now use not only in my everyday life but especially in professional settings.”
– Annie Willis.
“GK ingrained in me the belief that young people are the change we seek in this world; I am a part of the change we seek in the world.” – Kazi Ateea.
Vic Barret
Climate Justice Activist and College Student,
Global Kids Class of 2017
“Without Global Kids, I wouldn’t have dedicated my life to social justice and activism. I wouldn’t have had access to the platforms I had the privilege of being a part of, including the World Economic Forum to the United Nations and suing the US Federal Government, among others. This organization is wholly shaping the future of American politics, one classroom at a time.”
Sydney Colon
Yale University
Civil Engineer &
Associate Project Manager,
Global Kids Class of 2009
“Global Kids was my home away from home for a while. I had opportunities to mentor other students and teachers about topics that I was passionate about, and the GK counselors helped to encourage global awareness, career preparation, volunteering, being active in our communities and generally be positive role models and activists who support our peers.”
Roger Sanchez
Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture - Washington, DC
Associate Director,
Global Kids Class of 2013
“Global Kids exposed me to continuous opportunities to travel internationally and think about careers in international affairs and public policy. They have fully invested in my success during college and beyond: from setting up countless informational interviews, inviting me to attend professional networking events such as the Conference on Diversity in International Affairs at the Council on Foreign Relations in DC, and being a sounding board for my career goals.”
Paulina Jedrzejowski
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Corporate Paralegal,
Global Kids Class of 2014
“Global Kids taught me how to nurture my curiosity about different cultures. My trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the summer of 2013 introduced me to the importance of cross-cultural communication and breaking down boundaries. If it were not for this trip, I would most likely not have had the courage to walk off the traditional education path and leap into a gap year that has inspired many of my choices.”
Paige Wallace
The National Association of County and City Health Officials
Senior Program Assistant,
Public Health Programs,
Global Kids Class of 2012
“GK is one of the most significant influences that changed me both personally and professionally. Being involved in so many great GK programs, including Citywide, Human Rights Advocacy Project, CFR program, and Conference Planning Committee cultivated my critical thinking, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Without the exposure to GK that I’ve had, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”
Melkisedec Francois
Student at John Jay College of Criminal Justice - CUNY,
Global Kids Class of 2019
“Global Kids is more than an organization. It’s a movement. I was at a point in my life where I felt like I couldn’t move - like I didn’t have the power to influence anything. Global Kids was my liberation intellectually, emotionally, and in terms of what I will offer the world with service.”
Marcus Del Valle
Global Kids
Digital Learning Trainer,
Global Kids Class of 2008
“Global Kids exposed me to the technology and creative arts that I work closely with today. They have provided me with exposure to industry knowledge and tools which allow me to open the minds of the students I work with. I have been able to stick closely to my own goals while providing a safe space for youth to be creative and explore their artistic sides through the use of technology.”
Ifeanyi Ekweremumba
New York Life Insurance &
New York Life Securities
Financial Advisor,
Global Kids Class of 2009
“GK’s impact on my life both professionally and personally are one and the same because the impact extended beyond the classrooms of Canarsie High School. Through GK, I was able to explore different career paths and visit college/universities before most of my peers did, through the various programs offered by GK. Most of all, GK helped me to stay curious and always aim higher.”
Amana Kaskazi
Doctoral Candidate,
Rutgers University
School of Communication and Information Science,
Global Kids Class of 2009
“I have fond memories of participating in various activities and trips, like the annual conference, with Global Kids that shaped my views of citizenship and community engagement. My participation in GK is what sparked my dissertation research, in part because I realized later how unique that experience was and how little is understood about the ways youth participate in their communities and engage with issues that matter to them.”
Alexandra Srdanovic
The New Center -
Washington, DC
Policy Analyst,
Global Kids Class of 2014
“Global Kids is directly responsible for inspiring my academic and professional interests in international relations and human rights. Beyond that, the leadership at Global Kids, as well as my peers, taught me the value of being a compassionate and open-minded global citizen.”
Ajamu Offord
Five Star Apparel
Sales Assistant,
Global Kids Class of 2008
“Global Kids is why I chose my global studies major in college. The skills learned in GK, in particular leadership, have aided me throughout my personal and career development. I learned about social justice issues and the power of education. I greatly appreciate GK; they exposed my mind to the world.”
Adama Barry
New York State Assembly,
Office of Assemblywoman Titus
Communications Director,
Global Kids Class of 2010
“Looking back, Global Kids was a fantastic experience. The things I learned and the places I visited expanded my knowledge and imagination as nothing else could. Today I am using my expertise to mentor others, especially young women in the African Diaspora. I know this is just the beginning for this immigrant woman from West Africa, Guinea. I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.”
Abigail Opoku-Agyemag
The Starr Foundation
Director, Program and Grants
Administration,
Global Kids Class of 2007
“Global Kids was my first introduction to peers outside my church community and school in the Bronx. I was able to learn about youth around the world, mingle with diverse people from other boroughs, and for me most importantly, learn tools and skills to teach and connect with teenagers. GK showed me what a well-run, mission-driven organization looks like.”
Shereese Trumpet
MZ Woodwork, Inc.
Designer and Project Manager,
Global Kids Class of 2012
“I was 15 years old when I joined GK; I was shy and very opinionated. In retrospect, Global Kids was my most important outlet in high school. I learned to advocate for others, and in turn for myself. I learned public speaking by joining the conference planning team, where we received weekend training for workshop facilitation. The skills I learned in this training transferred perfectly to my presentations in architecture school”
Phara Souffrant
Kings County Hospital Center
Registered Nurse and Candidate for NYS Assembly, 57th District,
Global Kids Class of 2007
“At Global Kids, I learned to recognize leadership skills within myself and how to grow these skills through experiences. I was so shy in the beginning tagging along with my friends, but in Power of Citizenry I found my own voice. Later, I decided to work in Haiti because I saw myself as a global agent of change. That’s also why I am running for office today. When I think back to when I lobbied in Albany with Global Kids, I think if I could do that at 17, there are no limits to what I can do at 30.”