A new class of inspiring young leaders

Angela Zhong

United States, Boston401

Angela Zhong is a Harvard undergraduate studying economics, environmental science public policy, and Mandarin. Hailing from Houston, Angela felt the impacts of natural disasters and climate change first-hand. Angela previously served as her school’s first Minister for Climate and Sustainability on the Undergraduate Council Executive Cabinet and was named on the inaugural cohort of the Salata Institute’s Climate and Sustainability Student Advisory Committee. She is a Rachel Carson Fellow and on the board of The Climate Initiative, the UN Department of Global Communications Civil Society Steering Committee, and ClientEarth NextGen. Learn more about her at: angelazhong.com.

Cyresse Ann Achilleos

Philippines, ASEAN Young Leaders Programme

Cyresse Achilleos, a catalyst for change, passionately advocates for youth empowerment, children’s rights, and mental health awareness and support in the Philippines. As a visionary leader, she founded and spearheaded initiatives like Kaibigan chat line, providing vital psychosocial support to Filipino youth. With a heart for community, Cyresse champions collaboration through the One Western Visayas Youth Network, rallying young people of the region to act now and act fast. She graduated magna cum laude from UP Visayas as an Ayala Young Leader and alumna of the AmCham Business Leadership Program, ASEAN Youth Leaders Programme by Common Purpose, YSEALI Camp Diversity, and AIMS Workshop by Hannam University and the Korean Government. In her current role as the Strategic Support Unit Head at the Positive Youth Development Network, she leads and safeguards institutional communications and organizational partnerships, contributing to a better Philippines for children and youth.

Dawda Manneh

The Gambia, Europe101

Dawda Manneh is a young dynamic youth leader, student, social entrepreneur, and advocate. He has successfully established a Charitable Organization in 2019 which aims to support orphans and vulnerable children to get access to better education, entrepreneurial skills, leadership, and capacity building for a better future. In 2021 he bought a plot of land to use as an orphanage and currently he is building a shelter that, when finished, will host more than 50 orphans, and will include a playground ground and study classrooms with different materials for technical studies. In 2020 he was selected to participate in an intensive three-month entrepreneurship, after which he was awarded a certificate with a startup fund to start a business - with this he was able to establish his own electronics retail store. In 2022 he was selected to participate in the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) RLC, Accra.

Debora Ghosh

United States, SG100

Debora, an advocate for inclusion in healthcare, propels her mission from Singapore to the U.S. A recipient of the 2019 National Integration Council award for youth inclusion in Singapore and as a Clinical Research Coordinator and Patient Navigator at UCSF's Primary Care Addiction Medicine clinic, Debora promotes patient inclusivity through de-stigmatization trainings for addiction medicine staff. Volunteering on the Government Affairs committee in the California Society of Addiction Medicine, she provides insights on state-level addiction medicine laws. An aspiring physician and BA candidate at UC Berkeley in Molecular and Cell Biology: Neurobiology, Debora conducts neurosurgery research while championing health inclusion.

Elizabeth Surprise Olawale

United States, Chicago200

Surprise Olawale is a dynamic speaker, entrepreneur, and healthcare professional committed to empowering individuals. With a background as a moderator in numerous conferences addressing themes like self-esteem, sexual purity, youth empowerment, and purpose discovery, she firmly believes in the inherent uniqueness and divine destinies of everyone. As the founder of the Cedar et Gazelle Foundation, a 501c (3) non-profit organization, Surprise passionately pursues the provision of education, health, and social services to marginalized communities in Africa. Through the foundation, she has sponsored numerous children for education, healthcare, and access to clean water and sanitation facilities. She has an MBA in Health Science from Aurora University, Surprise has diverse experience in healthcare roles such as medical assistant, consultant, and educator. She is fervently dedicated to enhancing the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for all.

Fithriyyah Iskandar

Indonesia, ASEAN Young Leaders Programme

Fithriyyah is a Medical Doctor and environmental youth activist since 2015. She was a fellow in YSEALI Academic Fellowship Program 2021 in East-West Center, USA on Environmental Issues. She was championing the Right to a Clean, Healthy & Sustainable Environment as ASEAN Youth Forum’s (AYF) Youth Right Ambassador. She is also part of the Youth Advisory Group at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Centre for Climate Change and Planetary Health. She currently serves as a Program Associate in AYF and represents them to the ASEAN Environmental Rights Working Group on behalf of the youth group representative.

Ho Thi Kim Hang

Vietnam, ASEAN Young Leaders Programme

Kim Hang, a motivated young Vietnamese, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Global Economics at Sunmoon University, Korea, with a minor in Business Intelligence. Excelling academically with a 3.7 GPA, Kim is a recipient of the prestigious Government Korean Scholarship. Her passion for gender equality and empowerment is evident through her co-founding of Folktale, a project dedicated to creating gender-equitable fairy tale books. In the professional realm, Kim has garnered extensive experience in market research and data analytics through her roles in Metadata Solutions, Enhanced Healthcare Partners-PE, and Touchstone Partners. Her leadership skills have been honed in managing teams and events for VietAbroader, empowering Vietnamese youth. Kim’s dedication to challenging societal norms and empowering future generations is a testament to her commitment to social impact and innovation.

Jacque Stefanic

United States, Chicago200

Jacque Stefanic, co-founder and CEO of Serving People with a Mission, and Chicago native, has been a driving force in youth development, education, and environmental justice since 2020. Based in Chicago, his non-profit exemplifies commitment to community upliftment. Jacque's dedication shines through his weekly volunteer work in high schools and colleges, providing invaluable resources. He is also a mentor to aspiring leaders, offering guidance and insights from his extensive experience. His work not only advances the organization's mission but also inspires a new generation of social entrepreneurs, making a tangible impact in their communities.

Jayson Abad

Philippines, ASEAN Young Leaders Programme

Jayson Abad is a student leader pursuing Sociology at Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He’s the Founder of the League of Active Young Leaders for Sustainable Development and a Researcher at Internews, tracking disinformation in the Philippines. In 2023, He represented the Philippines at the Youth Regional Affairs Dialogue at NTU Singapore. He serves as Youth Mayor of the Upi Youth Governance Program. In November 2023, he was invited to be a delegate at the United Nations Human Rights Council 2023 Social Forum where he spoke to global leaders about how misinformation during elections is redefining human rights.

Jenelyn Kate Tabugoc

Philippines, ASEAN Young Leaders Programme

Jenelyn Kate Tabugoc is a children’s rights and mental health advocate who founded Atipan-PH at 19 with several orphanages as their beneficiary. With more than 50 active members, their projects mainly focused on raising mental health awareness among children who are in conflict with law, children with disabilities, orphans and those who are victims of disasters. She is currently a 3rd year BS in Management student at the University of the Philippines Visayas and volunteers as a Senior Responder at Kaibigan Chat Line, an online-based platform that provides free Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) to adolescents and with already 40,000 clients recorded. At the moment, she has won 450,000 pesos worth of grants for her community-oriented projects.

John Cornilious

United Kingdom, Newcastle150

John is passionate about serving the needs of communities. From creating harmony between landlords and tenants as a manager of a local letting agency (Fortress Dwellings & Estates) to supporting students as a student services assistant at Northumbria University - people are front and centre for John. His passion led him to co-found HIYP to empower young professionals to thrive. You can also find John writing copy for businesses - or exercising around 9am on most days!

Kayley Curtis

United Kingdom, Northern Ireland Legacy

Kayley Curtis is a TV Production Coordinator who is passionate about equality, social mobility and the preservation of culture. She is currently the youngest-ever Chairperson of Warrenpoint Comhaltas, a not-for-profit which promotes and preserves Irish music, song language and dance through affordable lessons, and leads its 3 committees, 29 tutors and 300 members. Kayley also serves as the Co-chair of the Sutton Trust’s (the UK’s leading social mobility charity) Alumni Leadership Board. She advises this charity on their proposals, develops new ways of supporting young people and speaks at conferences to raise awareness of this issue.

Kolja Lagermann

Germany, Hamburg850

Kolja Lagemann studied engineering in Munich and, after graduating, began studying law in Hamburg. In addition to his interest in international exchange (stays abroad in France, Canada, and South Africa) and his professional goal of working in patent law, social equity, and the possibility of social participation are particularly important to him, especially in times of growing educational injustice. Among others, he has been organizing voluntary tutoring for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds for five years. Kolja is also involved in other projects such as the Law Clinic, which offers free legal advice to people in need.

Marwa Zamir

Ireland, Dublin23

A passionate second-year law student, Marwa is a dedicated advocate for refugee and youth rights. Hailing from Afghanistan, she relocated to Ireland at the age of 13, sparking her active involvement in the community. As a youth leader at the Irish Refugee Council, a UNHCR Refugee Advisory Board member, and a delegate in the National Youth Assembly, Marwa passionately contributes to shaping policies and fostering awareness. She has also shared her compelling journey in documentaries like "Second Chance" by Virgin Media and RTE's "Growing Up in Direct Provision," highlighting the resilience of young individuals navigating challenging circumstances.

Motaz Amer

United Kingdom, Northern Ireland Legacy

Motaz Amer, a resilient force for positive change, is a dedicated National Social Advocate. Originating from a refugee background, Motaz triumphed over mental health challenges, fueling his commitment to initiatives addressing mental health, refugee support, and youth empowerment. Spearheading projects with impact, he strives to create a world where mental health resources are accessible, refugees find support, and the youth can thrive. Motaz is not just an advocate; he's a living testament to transforming personal struggles into avenues for positive societal change.

Nguyen Cam Tu

Vietnam, ASEAN Young Leaders Programme

Nguyen Cam Tu is the current President of NEU Model United Nations & SDGs Consulting - an organization that not only enhances public speaking skills through Model UN conferences but also acts as a consult organization to promote SDGs-related activities under National Economics University campuses. With a scale of 20,000 students, they enhance sustainable development in lifestyle, activities, and behavior through talk shows, projects, and sustainability reports.

In addition, Tu is also interested in promoting food nutrition and food security and is working for UNICEF to help them convey the value of food through the Fix My Food project.

While Tu works across many fields, including education and international integration, they all have one goal in common, which is to develop the community where she is involved and work towards a sustainable future.

Ojas Kerhalkar

Singapore, ASEAN Young Leaders Programme

Ojas is a prospective Computer Science undergraduate passionate about exploring scalable social technologies, with an ambition to use his technical background to pursue ideas that imprint a positive impact on society. Apart from academics, he enjoys serving the community too. He has been involved in and led various community student-led projects during his schooling. He enjoys such work through the interactions he gets to engage in and devoting his efforts towards a cause bigger than himself. From helming the fundraising of over $56,000 for underprivileged youth to leading a project that served displaced residents during the height of COVID-19, he seeks to apply the management acumen he has gained towards his future endeavours through entrepreneurship and social enterprising. With his pro-active participation in social causes, he inspires others to join him in doing so, and contributes positively towards change in the community. He hopes to maintain this fervour through his future.

Rameesah Ahmed

United Kingdom, Leeds150

Rameesah, a British Bangladeshi, has been actively involved in her local community since age 14, striving to ensure young people's voices and experiences are represented within the health and care sector. Gaining confidence representing youth voice for 7 years in healthcare, she went on to work with charities in the UK/internationally, started her own charitable movement and underwent her Adult Nursing studies at Leeds Beckett University (awarded Bright Futures Scholar). Now, as children and young people's lead at Healthwatch Leeds, Rameesah manages her young people’s voice and influence group, transforming healthcare for future generations.

Simrun Punjabi

United Kingdom, Leeds150

Simrun brings to the table both a bachelors and masters degree in sustainability as well as 2 years of work experience as a sustainability advisor. She is particularly enthusiastic about the social pillar of sustainability and has volunteered with the Leeds City Council to help empower women and eradicate female genital mutilation. Apart from this, she has lived in China, Dubai, Singapore and UK and speaks Mandarin. Simrun is keen to make a difference in the sustainability field authentically.

Songkrea Oueng

Cambodia / APAC, ASEAN Young Leaders Programme

Songkrea Oueng is an enthusiastic student with a mission to create positive impacts in his society. After graduating high school, he earned a full scholarship for a bachelor's degree at the American University of Phnom Penh, majoring in Global Affairs. Songkrea dedicated most of his time to leading other high school students to participate in charity and volunteer work. He was the vice president of the American Intercon School Student Council and the founder and president of Volunteer Youth of MJQ Library. In his leisure time, he competes in numerous public speaking and debate competitions, winning most of them.

Taylor Mai

United States, Chicago200

As a coach, mentor, motivational speaker, teacher and youth advocate, Taylor has had the opportunity to support young people to define their success, pursue their dreams and reach for their full potential. Taylor uses his experience as an educator, a non-profit lead, and with the U.S Navy to develop his leadership, strategic planning, adaptability and project management skills. By being a go-getter, he has sought to create initiative, lead programs and be a changemaker to support youth development. Following the mantra, everything happens for a reason, Taylor has been able to best support his personal and professional goals.

Tess Hayton

United Kingdom, GM100

Tess Hayton, a Plant Sciences student at the University of Manchester, aims to combine her background in science, data, policy, and community to build more sustainable food systems at local, regional, and international levels. At 21, she has co-founded a local community food project, co-authored the Manchester Food Strategy, delivered advanced data science projects at the University of Cambridge and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, and has represented the World Food Forum's Youth Policy Board at numerous international events. Tess's interdisciplinary approach showcases her as a dynamic, dedicated leader committed to using community-led evidence-based approaches to deliver change.

William Banner

United Kingdom, Europe101

William is studying Economics at Durham University, seeking to be an Environmental Economist. He holds a prestigious Laidlaw Leadership and Research Scholarship, for which he has conducted research in the field of Demographic Economics and completed a Leadership-in-Action project addressing matters related to 'Health, Community and Youth' in Fiji. He has experience working in economic consulting, and has interned at the Office for National Statistics. As a leader, he believes in the power of subverting norms and being a 'change maker not change talker'. He is currently project manager for the Dreketi Kindergarten project, overseeing the foundation of a multi-purpose kindergarten and evacuation centre, working with the Fijian Ministry of Education and Ra Provincial Office. He has previously worked with education charities such as BubbleBubble Economics.