We know that young people hold immense potential to improve their local and global communities. Through virtual exchange, they can become agents of change to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To dive deeper into the fall 2024 edition of Breakouts, centered on the SDGs, this webinar will highlight the ways in which virtual exchange empowers rising generations to take action in their communities to address our world’s most pressing issues. During this youth-moderated discussion, Stevens Initiative virtual exchange alumni will share how they’re improving the lives of people and the health of the planet, inspiring more participants in virtual exchange so we can bridge the cultural divide to connect humanity. At the end of the webinar, select virtual exchange program representatives will highlight opportunities young people can join and exchange leaders can bring to their communities now.

Christine Shiau is a dynamic leader serving as Executive Director of the Stevens Initiative at the Aspen Institute. With a profound passion for empowering young people and fostering cross-cultural understanding, she spearheads the Initiative’s vision and mission to drive transformative change, fostering rising generations of globally competent and culturally aware leaders. In addition to her pivotal role at the Stevens Initiative, Christine actively contributes to the international exchange community. She serves on the boards of the Alliance for International Exchange, AMP Global Youth, Podium Education, and DCPS Global Education, reflecting her commitment to enhancing global education and intercultural connections. Read Christine’s full bio here.

Pete Weber is the Vice President of the Center for Rising Generations at the Aspen Institute. Pete has devoted his career to expanding opportunities and justice for those with the greatest needs with a focus on education and building effective, strategic organizations. Prior to his work at the Aspen Institute, Pete was a strategic planning and organizational development consultant, most recently at The Raben Group. In this role, he helped non-profit and public sector organizations to define and achieve success. His clients included national and international environmental defense non-profits, voting rights organizations, school districts, hospitals, universities, public health departments, legal defense organizations, and unions. Pete spent much of his career working with some of the most innovative large urban school districts in the country. He spent a decade from 2007-2017 working at DC Public Schools leading teams including HR, budget and finance, data and accountability, communications, and government affairs. He also served as chief of staff to the chancellor. Read Pete’s full bio here.

iEARN-USA’s Storytelling for Social Change draws on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to explore the transformative power of storytelling. High school-aged youth from Algeria, Tunisia, and the United States collaborate with international partners through virtual exchange as they choose a local or global issue inspired by the SDGs and examine their personal connections to it. Participants learn a range of storytelling, communication, and technical skills through media analysis and hands-on audiovisual assignments. By developing a deeper understanding of global issues from different social and cultural perspectives, participants ultimately create a more equitable society and become active global citizens.

IREX’s Global Solutions encompasses two virtual exchange programs designed for college students in Iraq, Jordan, and the United States that explore challenges to and solutions for global sustainability. In both programs, binational teams use design thinking to identify a problem in their community and brainstorm solutions related to the SDGs. Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge is an eight-week virtual business competition where participants develop and pitch an innovative business concept that addresses a UN SDG while building essential workforce and global citizenship skills. Global Solutions Conversations connects young people over six weeks for live discussions about their culture and global issues, which culminates in a joint session engaging all participants to celebrate their innovative ideas and share lessons learned.

United Planet’s Youth2Youth Impact Investing fosters sustainable and inclusive economic development through youth-led social entrepreneurship. It empowers young individuals from Iraq, Syria, and the United States to address economic challenges and drive positive change in their communities. Leveraging the principles of impact investing and the UN SDGs, the program equips youth with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in creating meaningful economic opportunities for themselves and their communities. The program offers participants financial literacy, impact investing knowledge, networking opportunities, and mentorship.

Learn more about how you can bring these programs to young people you serve by implementing them or sharing about them with your community.

Amy Sit is a designer and strategist who works to help mission-driven startups and organizations improve their programs, products, and organizational strategies. As a 2023 Stevens Initiative Alumni Fellow, Amy co-created a virtual exchange program that connected young people in Iraq, Yemen, and the United States through dialogue and vlogs. Currently, she co-leads the Young Eco-Stars Programme, a climate leadership and hybrid exchange program for young people in Indonesia, Nigeria, and the U.S., which received the 2024 Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund. She continues to facilitate cross-cultural dialogues for youth from Asia, Europe, MENA, and the U.S. through organizations like Soliya and Seeds of Peace.

Matthew Krosp is pursuing his master’s degree at the University of Memphis. He is from Somerville, Tennessee, and has lived there his whole life.  He completed his undergraduate degree at Murray State University, where he focused on engineering and designing buildings not only culturally or conceptually representative but also structurally sound. During his time at Murray, he had the opportunity to intern at Fleming Architects. When he is not at school or work, he is on his family farm, where he has lived and worked for as long as he can remember. He started by helping out in any way he could, but as he has gotten older, he now manages the farm, handling everything from working in the field to financial management and everything in between. Matthew also gives back to his community by volunteering at local youth sporting associations by either coaching or refereeing games. His future plans are focused on the field of architecture, where he aims to become a licensed architect and eventually start his own firm. Matthew participated in the 2023-2024 Virtual Exchange Design Collaboration Competition, through the Institute of International Education’s Harnessing Innovation through Virtual Exchange for Enhanced Results, where he teamed up with students from the University of Nablus.

Mohammad Tabanjah is a Water and Climate Engineer and Activist, as well as the Founder of the Green Without Borders Initiative, a socioeconomic initiative for environmental changes in MENA communities. He was formerly an Organizational Development Officer in the private sector. Since 2014, Mohammad has been actively involved in youth and climate activism. He worked on an individual project in the field of Solid Waste Management in 2014, which is still running to this day. During his university career, Mohammad worked as a research assistant on two projects for treating sludge and using it as biochar and another for redesigning an industrial water treatment system. He volunteered as a youth and climate activist in many institutions and INGOs like Generation For Peace and UNICEF. Also, Mohammad was accepted to be an official youth negotiator within the Jordanian governmental delegation in the Conference of Parties 28 in the UAE. He is an alumnus of IREX’s Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge.

Xitlalih Torres is a third-year student at Trinity University, majoring in International Business with a minor in Global Supply Chain Management. She began her virtual exchange journey as a participant in Culturingua’s Global Social Entrepreneurship program, later becoming one of the fellows for the 2023 Stevens Initiative Alumni Fellowship. Xitlalih has gone on to implement her own virtual exchange program, the ICCI, where she, alongside other fellows, engaged youth in Libya, Iraq, and the U.S., facilitating intercultural connections while building valuable soft skills. At Trinity University, she is part of campus publications and contributes to the documentation of student life. Additionally, she works closely with a local small business whose mission aligns with her interests in sharing the diversity and beauty of Mexican culture. Currently, Xitlalih is gaining valuable experience as an intern with Global Nomads Group, where she continues to pursue her passion for global understanding and social impact.