Amelia is an officer of the Student Council at David Douglas High School and also a JV member of the Mock Trial team. Additionally, she plays the upright bass for the school and dances ballet for funl, talk about a busy schedule! She recognizes the importance of accomplishing goals as a group and her willingness to tackle societal issues while maintaining a focus on extracurricular activities shows us how determined she is to GWCF!

“From being in this program, I would gain not simply experience, but hands-on experience... Not only do I love to travel, the arts, and the environment, but I am eager to learn more about leadership by using what I am passionate about.”

Ana is a creative and outspoken person with the strong power of resilience. She has volunteered for many schools providing warm meals to families in need; she is also the main translator for her own family. Ana is excited to be part of the Fellowship Program and is looking forward to engaging with other students and gaining new knowledge!

“I see the components of this program expanding my social skills, guiding me towards new journeys & helping me discover the uniqueness of different backgrounds. To me an experience like this sticks with you forever which is the most rewarding part.”

Angel is an 11th grader with a passion for music! He started playing in middle school and now plays for his local church every Sunday. He is very motivated to continue his education and pursue a career in the tech industry. Angel is very excited for the opportunities that GWCF provides including new friendships!

“I want to do what I can to help others out, whether it be helping them indirectly or directly interacting with them. One strength that I have that I feel that would be very useful in this program would be my perseverance as well as my motivation to help.”

Duy is a student at David Douglas who loves to bike to the Springwater Corridor while listening to top hits! He is also part of the school Food Pantry team that partners with The Oregon Food Bank to distribute food to families every Thursday. Duy also works as a tutor at the Kumon Institute, his work ethic and leadership skills are something we value at GWCF!

“The Student Fellowship program aims to build young leaders and define their life goals. Although I haven’t defined my life goals yet, I know I’m capable of a leadership role that can impact more than a school. After all, I've conquered two different worlds. I will embrace the culture that I’m about to experience, the art that I’m going to create, and the impact that I’m about to pervade.”

Genesis moved to the US as a young child from Honduras and values the importance of culture through shared experiences. She started a club at St. Mary’s Academy called Cultural Connection Club, and also advocates for BLM and the DACA movement. She strongly resonates with GWCF core values and wants to create a safe space in her community!

“I think I am a good fit for the Student Fellowship program because I am willing to learn and help everyone no matter the circumstances. I can bring and open to growth mindset and be able to acknowledge when it is needed to take a step back and reflect and problem solve for a better way to handle things.”

Graciela is a motivated individual that loves to volunteer and help in any way she can. She has volunteered at her elementary school by cleaning the playground and other open spaces. Graciela has also been a part of the Yield Program where she assisted in creating surveys to engage the student voice. She is excited to grow and develop as a leader through this program.

“This program will help me to continue with my leadership growth and attaining my goal of becoming a good leader.”

Isabella’s bubbly personality and enthusiasm shine through her willingness to learn and explore. She has written school papers on the importance of nature and how the genetic modification of crops as well as the use of pesticides and other chemicals are harmful to wildlife. Isabella speaks Spanish and is in the process of learning French and Italian to be able to share this information to other cultures.

“My values align with that of this program and I have such a strong passion to help the environment and other communities that this program will provide me with valuable tools, lessons, and experiences on the journey of becoming who I am meant to be.”

Javier is a student athlete at De la Salle North Catholic High School, he runs cross country and track. He is also enrolled in Boy Scouts! Although his schedule can be busy Javier enjoys helping others, as a scout he has helped with various service projects focused on environmental and community health. He has also donated food to the homeless around his neighborhood. Javier is ready to experience new cultures abroad and engage in our Naturehood!

“I could gain a lot from this program, I could gain some more leadership skills, I have the opportunity to learn not only about my community but other communities.”

Jessie believes in the importance of giving back to the community, previously volunteering at the Oregon Food Bank, school and other organizations. She is also part of the White Lotus Lion and Dragon dancing team where she performs and teaches kids about Chinese and Vietnamese locally. Jessie is excited to meet new people and continue to learn leadership skills at GWCF!

“I will take this opportunity and make the most out of it. I’m rather shy, but I’m always open to meeting new people. I’m eager to try new things and see new sights... this program would be a part of my journey and help define who I am becoming.”

Jian (Andy) is a student at David Douglas who leads the high school’s swim team and orchestra program as the principal cellist! He is determined to pursue a postgraduate education after high school through biomedical research to help marginalized communities. He is excited to be in an environment that cultivates personal growth.

“In light of modern movements, I am learning to embrace my identities. I believe GWCF’s pillars will aid in my journey of self-discovery and allow me to help others accept their uniqueness. As a GWCF fellow, I want to give back.”

Kailash is a very involved student at Reynolds High School, he is part of the AVID program as well as Greater Than. In middle school Kai was in a leadership program that helped maintain a community garden where he learned how to properly grow fruits and vegetables. He also loves spending time on the beach. His compassion for nature will thrive at GWCF!

“I think this is a once in a life opportunity. I will get to meet new people and get to learn new cultures and I will be in a new environment that I’ve never been in. I will be out of my comfort zone to meet new people and to get to know them and to connect with them.”

Stacy is an extremely dedicated young leader in her community. As a member of the student council she assisted in the organization and advertisement of the Scots Angels donation campaign. The campaign donated money to a child with leukemia and helped pay off some medical bills. She is very passionate about advocacy and ensuring that her voice is heard!

“I think I would thrive in the Student Fellowship program because of all the different life experiences and knowledge I would learn. I think this program is a great hands on opportunity to meet new people, learn about our community along with ways to help it, and learn new concepts.”

Temneat is currently an 11th grader at David Douglas. High school and involvement in her community is a huge factor of her life. She is determined to learn new skills that can be applied to other community involvements. As a member of the student council she helps organize reintegration services to those experiencing homelessness. Temneat is also a member of BSU focusing on Black history and empowerment and MYC!

“Being a part of Global Works would mean a lot to me because I can finally engage in communities. Global Works would be completely different than the things that I currently participate in because I can actually make an impact this time in person.”

Global Works Program: Costa Rica

Committed to helping others her whole life, Amen brings her dedication to community service everywhere she goes. She volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club and took any opportunity that she could to help through civic engagement and social justice. Her sharp, motivated and caring personality enables her to open up to new perspectives and experiences.

“I will come prepared with an open mind and arms ready to do the job. I am a person that is very open to new experiences and passionate about anything that I do. I will give whatever community that I work with my all.”

Global Works Program: Costa Rica

As a strong and passionate community advocate, Diamili is dedicated to spreading social justice awareness. She believes that the voice of the people can create actual and meaningful change in the world. Diamili has been involved in many rallies demanding justice and equality for undocumented individuals and others in systems of opression. She continues to encourage local youth to take action.

“I have faced much adversity in my life but I don’t let that get me down. I believe that we should be kind to everyone because everyone is fighting their own battles.”

Global Works Program: Costa Rica

As the oldest in her family, Ensalyn is committed to working hard in school and being a role model for her younger siblings. Her desire to explore and get out of her comfort zone inspires her to travel and help with community service projects. Her kindness and enthusiasm brings people together, to smile, have a great time and make a change. Ensalyn wants to learn more about diverse cultures and languages to continue to grow.

“I have hope for a brighter and better future for the world. I want to show others that we can make the world a better place to live in.”

Global Works Program: Costa Rica

Kaci is a kind, resilient student who understands the impact that community service can have on others. Growing up Kaci and her family would prepare hot meals for shelters and donate femine hygiene products for those in need. She uses her voice to stand for Open School and the LGBTQIA+ community and has a dream of becoming a singer or activist.

“I was raised to think independently and not let anyone’s opinions or bias affect how I think about a situation. I feel like I can be in any environment and accept people for who they are rather than how they are viewed by others.”

Global Works Program: Costa Rica

An optimistic, positive and energetic person, Ma’Taya plans to start her own music business with a focus on giving back to the community. She’s developed many leadership skills throughout her life, at a young age Ma’Taya organized a fundraiser for local homeless shelters. She set a date, received clothing, canned foods and other necessities to hand out. Seeing the smile and joy that she brings to others continues to motivate her.

“I love to help others around me and I make sure people know I’m someone that they can come to if ever in need.”

Global Works Program: ​Costa Rica Intro to Pre-Med & Public Health

With a passion for healthcare, Aaliyah is on a track to be an emergency room nurse. Her motivation and drive in school have her on track to graduate early from high school. Aaliyah brings a passion to support the houseless members of our community does service at her church. She considers herself a determined young leader, giving back because it resonates with her life, motivated by public health and criminal justice, and cultural empowerment

School: Reynolds Learning Academy

Grade: 11th

Bring it Home Project: Community Service work through church.

Global Works Program: Costa Rica Intro to Pre-Med & Public Health

Cece is a strong, wise, open-minded student who immediately made an impact on our cohort. She brings a unique perspective and brought value to all of our conversations. Cece is a very dedicated student, active in several academic and culturally-responsive clubs and programs. She is curious and ready to jump into new scenarios, adaptable and optimistic. Cece’s primarily focused on medicine and education.

School: Parkrose High School

Grade: 10th

Bring it Home Project: Peer Mentoring at Parkrose High School

Global Works Program: Puerto Rico - Hurricane Relief

A kind, dedicated, hard-working student, Eicca has the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. He came to the program with a desire to improve his community, drawing inspiration from others that came before him, to give back himself. He is a part of social justice groups at school, a driven student, and involved in his school community. Eicca brings to everything he does a calm demeanor, strong work ethic, and a commitment to himself and our community.

School: Open School East

Grade: 10th

Bring it Home Project:  Student mentoring at Open School East

Global Works Program: Panama - Change Makers

With a diverse skillset, Emily is involved in everything from music, to sports, to social justice, to cultural clubs. She is always with a smile and good energy, passionate about injustices that her race has to go through, hoping to expand her experiences to stand up to these injustices - learning to exert her leadership skills. She brings optimism and the drive to do good, working with the rest of our like-minded cohort.

School: Lincoln High School

Grade: 11th

Bring it Home Project:  Organized and led community Dia De Los Muertos activities

Global Works Program: Puerto Rico - Hurricane Relief 

Being half Puerto Rican, Harmony came to GWCF with a strong desire to know this part of her culture, which she hadn’t had the chance to explore previously. Harmony is mature and passionate, and deeply loyal to her community - a trait that runs in her family. Harmony was most interested in impacting issues of education, environmental justice, and immigration in our community.

School: Roosevelt High School

Grade: 9th

Bring it Home Project: Houselessness support with Portland Night Strike

Global Works Program: Panama - Change Makers

Bringing a light into every room, Heidi is a talented, curious, engaging student with a knack for video and arts, through which she shows her perspective of the world. A Spanish-speaker, she is proud of her Guatemalan heritage, and her parents who immigrated here to build their lives, teaching her the value of diligence through her life. She is passionate about resource inequity in our community and environmental justice.

School:  Arts and Communication Magnet Academy

Grade: 11th

Bring it Home Project: Wrote and presented a film about generational poverty

Global Works Program

Jared’s energy and optimism stands him out of the crowd. He identifies strongly with his Mexican-Mayan heritage, is dynamic and positive, curious and welcoming. Jared brings a great humility and appreciation for what his family has done to allow him to be where he is, and dedicates himself to making the most of his opportunities. Jared was accepted for a full-ride college prep program that coincided with the dates of his travel, helping him get into many top-tier colleges and the Gates Scholarship, so was unable to travel with this cohort - planning to travel in 2021. Jared wants to impact areas of immigration, education and public health. 

School: David Douglas High School

Grade: 11th

Global Works Program:  Costa Rica Intro to Pre-Med & Public Health

Nevaeh is highly academically inclined, striving to finish high school early and start college classes before her senior year ends. She has faced her share of challenges that inspire her drive to give back, specifically, public health, education, and housing/houselessness. Nevaeh is wise beyond her years, showing gratitude and a strong belief in herself. She considers her strengths to be her communication and ability to interact with others.

School: Open School East

Grade: 9th

Bring it Home Project: Social Justice Advocacy Work via Open School East

Global Works Program: Puerto Rico - Hurricane Relief

The heart of Sierra is to give back to what helped her get to where she is today. Sierra is extremely resilient, moving homes and families in foster care for many years, citing her “willingness to do anything” as a strength. Sierra came to GWCF looking to impact areas of women empowerment and housing/houselessness, bringing a unique lived perspective to the conversation.

School: Metropolitan Learning Center

Grade: 9th

Bring it Home Project: Houseless support through Portland Night Strike

Global Works Program: Costa Rica Intro to Pre-Med & Public Health

School: Lincoln H.S. (Denver, CO)

Grade: 11th

Bring It Home Service Project: Math tutoring and mentoring

Passions: Soccer, running, reading, playing guitar, being the staff editor for Puño y Letra, the only magazine in Spanish published at the high school level in Portland

Global Works Program: Costa Rica Language & Leadership

School: David Douglas H.S. (Portland, OR)

Grade: 10th

Bring It Home Service Project: Friends of Trees, First Town Inc., and Portland Foodbank

Passions: photography, reading, cheesy movies, involvement in Latino Student Action Committee and the Lents Youth Initiative

Global Works Program: Panama - Change Makers

School: Liberty H.S. (Portland, OR)

Grade: 11th

Bring It Home Service Project: Reproductive rights, outreach in high schools

Passions: Mentoring, AVID program, volunteering, listening to music, eating tamales, hanging out with friends

Global Works Program: Panama Change Makers

School: Overland H.S. (Denver, CO)

Grade: 11th

Passions: Painting & drawing, playing music, reading, art

Global Works Program: Costa Rica Intro to Pre-Med & Public Health

School: Open School East (Portland, OR)

Grade: 9th

Bring It Home Service Project: Suicide prevention

Passions: Social justice projects, mentoring, music, and singing

Global Works Program: Costa Rica Language & Leadership

School: Franklin H.S. (Portland, OR)

Grade: 11th

Passions: Art, music, hanging out with friends, community service

Global Works Program: Costa Rica Language & Leadership

School: East H.S. (Denver, CO)

Grade: 9th

Passions: Volunteering, church, soccer, family

Global Works Program

Born in Denver, Anayah is of Fijian descent and connects very strongly to her family and history there. She is socially conscious, mature beyond her years, and thoughtful. One would also describe her as funny, motivated, and passionate about human rights and equity. Anayah loves to learn about people different than her, which can be uncommon in a 16-year-old. For her, community service means identifying the roots of the problem and working to alleviate it. She plays music, enjoys photography, and reading. Though she is only a junior at East High School, she knows she wants to go to college and major in international relations.

Global Works Program

Angel spent the first 16 years of her life moving around foster care homes, was sometimes without a home, and overcame abuse. She lost her mother several years ago and her motivation is to honor her mother by learning to be her best person and take advantage of opportunities brought her way. Now at 18-years-old, as a GED candidate at New Avenues for Youth, she is giving back to her community. She is resilient, silly, curious, and a hard worker. Angel enjoys photography and wants to study business to one day own her own salon.

Global Works Program

Born in Somalia and the oldest of 12 siblings, Fowzia is a 16-year-old junior who is a leader and caretaker of her family. She moved to Portland when she was just 13, and since then, she has been very engaged in her community. One can find Fowzia working with Portland Parks and Rec, in various school and volunteer-based organizations, or playing basketball with Madison High School. Her friends would describe her as energetic, motivated, and always fun and positive. She's on track to be the first in her family to go to college. This summer was also her first time on a plane since she can remember.

Global Works Program

Born in Portland, Jenny has 3 siblings and is really close with her family. She is socially minded, passionate about Latino empowerment and community engagement, and is mature beyond her years. As a 17-year-old senior, she identifies closely with Mexican heritage, as her parents were born in Mexico. She is involved at school with Key Club, Mecha (a Latino based organization), Latino Network, and AVID (a college prep course). Additionally, she works in her community as a volunteer for the Oregon Food Bank and Race for the Cure.

Global Works Program

Born in Portland, Taty is the youngest of 3 siblings at 17-years-old. Her parents are from Mexico and immigrated in mid-twenties, so she is a proud bilingual speaker of both English and Spanish. She is funny, insightful, and observant and very involved at Reynold HS. She is also active in her community and is part of the Oregon Leadership Institute and Latino Network. She has organized many volunteer efforts for veterans, seniors with Alzheimer's, and taken AP courses. As a senior, she will be the first to go to college and wants to work with people in social work.

Global Works Program: Panama Change Makers

School: Madison H.S.

Grade: 11

Bring It Home Service Project: Children's Cancer Association

Global Works Program: Panama Change Makers

School: Franklin H.S.

Grade: 11

Bring It Home Service Project: Animal Welfare

Video link: https://vimeo.com/179475664