Introducing the 2026 Greenheart Alumni Council
A New Chapter of Leadership, Connection, and Global Impact
As we begin the 2026 term, we take a moment to look both back and forward with appreciation.
The Greenheart Alumni Council has grown over the past years through the dedication, energy, and commitment of its members. Many have contributed their time, ideas, and leadership to shape a stronger and more connected global alumni community. As some members complete their journey with the Council, we would like to sincerely express our gratitude for their meaningful contributions and lasting impact.
At the same time, we are excited to welcome a new group of Council members who will continue this journey with fresh perspectives, ideas, and enthusiasm. This transition marks not only a change in membership but also the continuation of a shared mission – to strengthen connection, foster cultural exchange, and support alumni growth across the world.
The Greenheart Alumni Council is now entering a new cycle of collaboration, where past experiences and new voices come together to build on what has already been achieved.
Our New Members
Gia Yen Hoang (Yen) — Marketing Officer
Gia Yen Hoang is a third-year English Language student, specializing in Business and Commerce, at Vietnam National University. She comes from Vietnam and is a recipient of the 2025 Ambassador’s Fund for Summer Work and Travel Scholarship in Washington, as well as a participant of the 2025 Greenheart Global Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. She is currently working as a camp counselor in Europe, where she continues to engage in multicultural environments and strengthen her experience in international collaboration.
Her journey reflects a strong commitment to cultural exchange and global engagement. Through her participation in international programs and hands-on roles in diverse settings, she has developed practical experience in communication, adaptability, and working across cultures. These experiences have shaped her perspective on global connection and youth engagement.
As Marketing Officer of the Greenheart Alumni Council, Gia Yen leads the Council’s marketing and communications efforts. Her responsibilities include producing the monthly alumni newsletter, developing outreach and promotional materials, ensuring consistency with Greenheart’s branding standards, and enhancing the visibility of Greenheart programs and alumni impact across the global network. Connect with Yen on LinkedIn today!
Luka Pejic – Researcher
Luka Pejic is a public policy and governance professional based in Rome, Italy. He has an academic background in economics, public policy, and digital regulation, with studies completed across several international institutions in Italy, France, Germany, and the United States. His academic focus includes European governance, sustainability, and the relationship between technology and public institutions.
Professionally, Luka has contributed to projects related to public sector innovation, operational efficiency, and international development. His experience includes work with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), where he engaged in initiatives aimed at improving systems and creating meaningful social impact.
Luka is passionate about cultural exchange, global cooperation, and the development of policy solutions that address real-world challenges. His interests include digital governance, sustainable development, and youth engagement in international initiatives.
As Researcher of the Greenheart Alumni Council, Luka is responsible for identifying opportunities to strengthen alumni engagement through research, strategic partnerships, and the development of new initiatives.
Maria Amaryllis Toumpanaki (Ama) – Secretary
Maria Amaryllis Toumpanaki, also known as Ama, is a student from Athens, Greece, currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration and Organization, with a minor in Psychology. She is deeply committed to cultural exchange and international education, having studied in Spain through the Erasmus+ program. She is also a proud alumna of the 2024 Ambassador’s Fund for Summer Work and Travel Scholarship in Wisconsin and the 2025 Greenheart Global Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.
Her international experiences have shaped her strong motivation to expand access to transformative educational opportunities. She actively works to support US–Greece educational exchange and strengthen alumni connections as a coordinator on the BridgeUSA Greece Council.
As Secretary of the Greenheart Alumni Council for the 2025–2026 term, Ama is responsible for ensuring structure, clarity, and organization within the Council’s work. Working closely with the Vice Chair, she prepares focused agendas, documents key discussions, and turns decisions into clear, actionable records. Through her support in internal coordination and tracking of deliverables, she contributes to the Council’s transparency, consistency, and overall effectiveness.
Loiseirene Nyawira Maina continues as Vice Chair and Allyson Kennedy continues as our Treasurer.
Recognition of Outgoing Council Members
Thank you to our former members for their efforts – you will be missed but your work lives on!
Stavroula Tziourtzia — Researcher (2025–2026)
The Greenheart Alumni Council would like to sincerely recognize and thank Stavroula Tziourtzia for her service as a Researcher during the 2025–2026 term.
Stavroula is an architecture student from Greece with a strong interest in community-focused design and international collaboration. Before and during her time on the Council, she gained valuable global experience through academic exchanges, Erasmus+ programs, youth projects across Europe, and a Business Development internship in Rotterdam. These experiences shaped her open and thoughtful approach to understanding people and communities.
As a Researcher, Stavroula supported the Council by helping identify opportunities to engage alumni more effectively. She contributed to exploring ideas for events, partnerships, and speaker programs that could connect alumni with learning and development opportunities. She also worked closely with other Council members to support discussions and program development when needed.
One of her key reflections from this journey was the importance of truly understanding alumni – their stories, needs, and aspirations – in order to create meaningful opportunities for them to learn, grow, and connect. She also emphasized the balance between structured goals and a shared vision that brings people together.
The Council is deeply grateful for Stavroula’s dedication, curiosity, and commitment throughout her term. Her contributions have supported the growth of a stronger and more connected alumni community.
We sincerely thank her for her time and service, and we wish her continued success in her future journey. You can connect with Stavroula on LinkedIn here.
Muksin III H. Ibrahim (Jiro) — Secretary (2025–2026)
The Greenheart Alumni Council would like to sincerely thank Muksin III H. Ibrahim (Jiro) for his service as Secretary during the 2025–2026 term.
Jiro is a youth development advocate and public servant from Palawan, Philippines. He is an alumnus of the U.S. Department of State’s YES Program and Greenheart Exchange. He holds a degree in Business Administration (summa cum laude) and is currently completing his Master’s degree. Alongside his studies, he works full-time in local government and leads community and youth initiatives.
During his term as Secretary, Jiro played an important role in keeping the Council’s work clear and well-organized. He prepared meeting agendas, recorded meeting notes, and worked closely with the Vice Chair to ensure smooth coordination. His efforts helped the Council stay aligned and maintain clear communication across members.
Beyond his tasks, Jiro brought strong commitment, responsibility, and teamwork to the Council. In his reflection, he shared his gratitude for the journey and expressed confidence in the next group of members, encouraging them to grow, contribute, and build meaningful connections through the Council.
The Council sincerely appreciates Jiro’s dedication and contributions throughout his term. His work has helped strengthen the foundation of the Council’s operations and community.
We thank him and wish him continued success in his future journey. You can connect with Jiro on LinkedIn here.
Again, thank you to the former and current members of the Alumni Council for their hard work.
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