The Return of Greenheart’s Global Leaders Conference
It has been five years since the last Greenheart Global Leaders Conference, and we are incredibly excited that it is back! The Greenheart Global Leadership Conference is a week-long cross-cultural experience in Washington, D.C. for Greenheart participants and alumni from around the world. The goal of the conference is to become advocates for cultural exchange, community development, and to create an action plan for future leadership.
Claire Henneberry, Greenheart Enrollment Coordinator, shares the story of the return of Greenheart’s Global Leadership Conference in July 2024.
This year we brought 19 global change-makers from 17 different countries directly to our nation’s capital for a week of activities.
What is the GGLC?
The GGLC is the second stop along the 4-tiers of the Greenheart Odyssey, our award-winning scholarship program that grants international youth the opportunity to advance their skills in service learning and global leadership. The Odyssey includes the Jr. Greenheart Global Leaders Conference, Greenheart Global Leaders Conference, Alumni Council, and our Global Impact Grants. These initiatives support and empower participants to discover their leadership potential and to develop a strong network of change-makers from across the world.
During the GGLC, Greenheart alumni and on-program participants spent the week learning how to be advocates for cultural exchange and community development through mission-driven business, social justice, and sustainability workshops. They were also able to network and collaborate, as well as think critically about global issues.
GGLC activities included:
- Site visits to Ten Thousand Villages, Urban Demonstration Garden, and the National Museum of the American Indian
- 45 volunteer hours at the Urban Demonstration Garden and along the Anacostia River
- A visit to the Department of State, the U.S. Capitol and a special session with the Embassy of Greece
- A workshop on American Sign Language, the Americans with Disability Act, and history of Gallaudet University (where our conference was held)
- Peace messages at the White House and a night tour of the National Mall
- A Longevity in Service Panel including panelists from the Alliance for International Exchange, the Department of State, Gallaudet University, and Friendship Place
Let’s hear what some of our GGLC’ers had to say!
What was your biggest takeaway from GGLC?
“My biggest takeaway from the GGLC was identifying the power of my voice. I realized the power of my voice because I was chosen to be a speaker at the US Department of State. This gave me the opportunity to express myself, my background, and the problems in my community that I am trying to solve. I also got the opportunity to make global connections and learn about cultural differences.”
Angela Elizabeth Ledon Maduro, Zimbabwe
“The friends I made from the conference helped me realize the value of myself so much. I heard people say that I care about others, and I realized how brave I am to have adapted to new environments. They helped me to believe in myself more. Also, having the opportunity to listen to what others have done. It was really inspirational for me.”
Thi Thanh Giang Le, Vietnam
“Overcoming challenges and learning about cross cultural communication because we all come from different backgrounds. If we understand cross cultural communication, it will be easier for us to understand each other’s perspective. Also understanding more about environmental sustainability in the USA.”
Sopanha Chin, Cambodia
“It was my first year helping as a chaperone, so I wasn’t too sure what exactly to expect. My main goal was for two of the participants to end up becoming lifelong friends. After the experience and hearing all the wonderful moments the GGLC participants had, I have no doubt in my mind that these 19 people are more than just participants, they are global friends. Being a part of GGLC for me has given me the opportunity to learn from others and it has truly been such a pleasure.”
Kacey Nichols, Greenheart Outreach Coordinator
Leadership opportunities like the GGLC are fully-funded by Greenheart’s network of generous donors and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support ❤
Learn more about Greenheart’s Odyssey programming and find out how you can support these programs at Greenheart.org.