Introduction to the our new Alumni Council

By: Loiseirene Nyawira Maina – Vice Chair of Greenheart’s Alumni Council

In 2025, Greenheart changed the format and use of the Alumni Council (a stop in our Odyssey scholarship programming). Please read this blog from our Vice Chair, Loiseirene, a former Ambassador Scholar for Work and Travel from Kenya.

The 2025 Global Alumni Council brings together diverse voices from the Philippines, Kenya, Greece, and the United States — united by a shared commitment to connection, service, and global leadership. Over the coming months, this team will serve as ambassadors, advisors, and storytellers, working to strengthen the Greenheart alumni network and advance the organization’s core values worldwide.

Here are our 2025 members:

Before we hear from the council, we asked the staff co-chairs to share what this chapter means for Greenheart and what excites them most.

From Greenheart Staff (and co-chairs): Why This Council Matters

• Kacey: This council represents both inspiration and action—it’s a true honor to witness its formation. Beyond its mission of professional development, it builds meaningful connections among likeminded alumni who share a passion for positive global impact. With its early progress, the council is already laying a strong foundation for a supportive, engaged Greenheart alumni community—one that fosters relationships, sparks collaboration, and drives real change.
• Haldis: There’s so much to be excited about with this year’s Alumni Council. First, the potential is huge. The previous incarnation of the Alumni Council had a great impact around the world, but it didn’t have direct connections with all 150,000+ of alumni. This new iteration is providing resources, events, information, and communication to our alumni from the past 40 years. That kind of reach could shape Greenheart’s future in ways we haven’t even considered yet. Second, I’m truly impressed by this group. A driven, passionate group that’s hit the ground running with little need for guidance. Looking ahead, the initial goals of the Council are modest but meaningful—monthly newsletters, quarterly webinars, and general alumni resources. Once those pieces are in place and the Council finds its rhythm, I’m confident they’ll set their own goals and drive even bigger initiatives, like international events and more in-depth professional development offerings.

Now, let’s hear from the council themselves; sharing what drives them, what they value, and what they’re hoping to create together.

The Journeys That Led Us Here

• Jiro (Secretary): I joined Greenheart in 2014 as a KL-YES exchange student. That year taught me that real connection transcends borders and languages. It’s this belief that now drives my passion to connect our alumni community through the Council.
• Matias (Marketer): My turning point came during my exchange year, managing a school musical in New York. It was leadership, service, and creativity all in one. Today, I lead advocacy efforts with YES Alumni Philippines — and bring that same drive here.
• Loiseirene (Vice Chair): Greenheart helped me realize that family and community aren’t confined by geography. Being part of the Council is about building that extended family — one that’s global, committed, and deeply connected.
• Stavroula (Researcher): At a Greenheart event in Washington, I saw someone give an Acknowledgement of Country — a non-Indigenous person paying tribute to Aboriginal custodians. That moment reminded me that leadership is about showing up with humility, awareness, and care. That’s the energy I bring here.
• Allyson (Treasurer): Teaching in rural Thailand through Greenheart’s Teach Abroad program taught me to lead with adaptability and compassion. Years later, returning through a Science Fellowship expanded my global perspective. That journey fuels my commitment to mentorship and community growth on this Council.

What We Hope to Build Together

• Jiro (Secretary): Intentional inclusivity, where every alum, no matter their background or location, feels seen, valued, and uplifted.
• Matias (Marketer): A stronger, more connected alumni network that carries forward Greenheart’s mission of people and planet, long after the exchange ends.
• Allyson (Treasurer): A mentorship and professional exchange program that keeps alumni engaged, growing, and connected to global opportunities.
• Stavroula (Researcher): Support. Transitioning back home can be disorienting. I want the Council to be a steady, understanding presence, an anchor.
• Loiseirene (Vice Chair): Collaboration. A global alumni community where we share ideas and resources and support each other toward impact.

A New Chapter Begins

As we welcome the 2025 Greenheart Global Alumni Council, we’re excited to begin a year rooted in connection, collaboration, and community.

We’ve already hit the ground running with our first alumni newsletter, and this is just the beginning. In the coming months, you can look forward to:

• The launch of our dedicated Greenheart Alumni LinkedIn platform, where you’ll be able to connect, network, and grow together.
• More monthly newsletters featuring alumni stories, opportunities, and updates from across our global community.
• Quarterly webinars, and general resources for alumni.

We’re building something meaningful — and we want you to be part of it. Let’s stay connected.

Let’s build together.

With gratitude,

Loiseirene on behalf of Greenheart Global Alumni Council 2025

Interested in supporting one of Greenheart’s programs? Please click here for more information.