We are happy to announce that our Junior Greenheart Global Leaders Conference (Jr. GGLC) is returning to Chicago this May!
The Jr. GGLC brings together a select group of high school scholars from around the world who have earned a spot at the conference through their commitment to their education, volunteering, and leadership within their host communities. As a part of the application process, each participant was asked to write a short essay sharing a time they connected with someone from a different country, cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, etc. These essays challenged the participants to consider how they have been able to overcome stereotypical thinking and find common ground with people from other backgrounds. Our winner’s essays brought to light the impact cultural exchange programs have on not only the participants, but their host communities as well.
Congratulations to our six winners who have earned a spot at the Jr. GGLC 2026 event!
- Áron Smulovics – Hungary: “I am looking forward to enhancing my leadership skills in order to find innovative solutions to local and global human rights and civil liberty issues. I believe that the Jr. GGLC will help me achieve this goal by providing participants with the opportunity to connect with other impact-driven community leaders. I can’t wait to learn more from my peers and the leaders of Greenheart through our future discussions.”
- Gabriela Quenallata – Bolivia: “I am excited to learn how to become a more conscious and impactful leader by connecting with people from different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Being part of this opportunity means more than just representing where I come from; it is about understanding how we can create meaningful change together. I want to learn how others see the world, how they face challenges, and how they use their voices to make a difference in their communities. Through this experience, I hope to grow not only as a student, but as a person who is more open, empathetic, and ready to contribute something positive beyond my own environment.”
- Muhammad Khakimov – Uzbekistan: “I am excited to learn how to turn my ideas into real impact through Jr. GGLC. I want to deepen my leadership skills, especially in decision-making, teamwork, and creating solutions that truly help people. I am particularly interested in learning how to think like a global leader, understanding different perspectives, solving real-world problems, and building initiatives that go beyond my immediate community. This opportunity will help me grow not only as a leader, but also as a person who is capable of creating meaningful change.”
- Taifa Abdumominova – Uzbekistan: “My exchange program changed me in ways I didn’t expect. Being in a completely new environment pushed me out of my comfort zone for the first time and taught me how to be more independent and confident. This experience not only helped me understand other people and different perspectives but also allowed me to understand myself on a deeper level. It was truly transformative and unforgettable, and it became the very first step in discovering who I am and who I want to become. Attending this conference would be a natural continuation of this journey, allowing me to develop my leadership skills, and especially connect with like-minded individuals, and learn how to create meaningful impact in a diverse, global community.”
- Sheila Carroll – Greenheart Staff: “I’m excited to meet the students attending this year’s Jr. Greenheart Global Leadership Conference. I look forward to connecting with students who are representing not only their home countries, but also this year’s cohort of Greenheart students. It’s inspiring to see young leaders come together with diverse perspectives, and I’m eager to learn from their experiences and celebrate their global impact.”
The Jr. GGLC will give these future leaders the chance to learn more about American culture, public speaking, and develop their leadership skills. Their trip will be packed with workshops, volunteer opportunities, delicious food, and fun activities! While their time in Chicago is short, Greenheart is confident that these six individuals will develop lifelong friendships and skills! Congratulations to the Jr. GGLC 2026 winners!
If you’d like to learn more about how you can help and/or support Greenheart’s mission through programs like the Jr. GGLC, click HERE.
To learn more about being a Host Family for an extraordinary international high school student like these winners, please visit HOSTWITHGREENHEART.org