Aileen is a first generation Mexican-American student at St Mary’s Academy. As the oldest of 6 children, Aileen has learned the importance of responsibility, patience and understanding. She is currently volunteering at her local church and at the library over the summer with the Summer Reading Program. Being a part of the Summer Reading Program has motivated her to encourage children with reading. At school she is part of the fundraising group for the Children’s Cancer Association.

Aileen is excited about the Wonderfolk program and says,“the opportunities provided by this program will help me develop a focus, or a thought out plan for how I specifically want to help others in my community.”

Ailing is a junior currently attending David Douglas High School. She is involved in numerous activities and extracurriculars. For all three years, she has been a part of the Student Council, Symphonic Strings program playing the violin, and in basketball and tennis. Ailing enjoys contributing to the Red Cross Club, HOSA club, and restarting the school's Key Club, serving as treasurer. On the weekends, she spends time working a part-time job as a bobarista at YiFang Taiwan Fruit Tea.

Ailing says,“through Wonderfolk's global leadership, I hope to gain deeper insight into giving back to other communities, which would allow me to apply those same concepts to my community in Southeast Portland.”

Allan is a second-generation Asian American at David Douglas High School. He is a long-time volunteer with the White Lotus Foundation as part of the Lion and Dragon Dance. This allows him to educate the community about Chinese and Vietnamese culture, especially during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Allan is also involved with an IRCO tutoring group that fuels his passion for student-led tutoring.

Allen says, “during my Lion Dance team's performance at the The Big Takeoff fundraiser, I saw the Wonderfolk family ever so close to each other and just overall supportive of each other's paths. I could see with my own eyes that through hands-on work, it has united the Wonderfolk members to be just like a family.”

Carlos is currently a junior at De La Salle North Catholic high school. He is in the process of learning two new languages: Japanese and French and is already fluent in English and Spanish! Carlos loves playing sports and some of his hobbies include skateboarding, snowboarding, basketball, soccer, track and field.

He says, “I hope to create a better understanding for the community I am going to serve because I believe every culture is beautiful and the more we learn the more we can move away from broken social norms and come together to make something unique happen.”

Amir is a freshman at Benson Polytechnic High School. He is very interested in environmental issues impacting our local communities and wants to learn more ways in which he can help the planet such as picking up trash on sidewalks and parks. Amir wants to find more ways to contribute to keep this planet healthy even if it's something simple to make a lasting impact. Raising awareness of environmental impacts will help Amir’s personal growth and be much more involved with nature.

He says, “some strengths I could gain for the program, could be the strength to build relationships, the strength of confidence I want to be able to speak to people in a confident way where I don't mix up words, Reliability I want people to rely on me even if it's just a little.”

Dagem is a sophomore at De La Salle North Catholic high school. He likes to make people laugh and wants to use those skills to not only make his peers feel safe around him but to make the communities he works with feel like he is there to help. Living in a low income neighborhood Dagem has seen the struggles and wants to get drugs and alcohol out of the streets and teach the young kids today that they can reach for a better future and don't have to go into criminal activities to make a living.

He is looking forward to traveling with Wonderfolk and says, “the opportunity to travel to a different country, meet new people, and discover new cultures is something I can't pass up. Living with host families and witnessing their daily lives, different from ours, will provide motivation to help the people we are working with.”

Dashiell is a junior at Grant high school. He has assisted in special education classes and helped serve food at the Blanche house. Dashiell also volunteered for outdoor school sophomore year and was able to connect with so many amazing kids from all backgrounds in the outdoors.

He says, “this program is really important to so many people and I want to carry that same energy of kindness and respect that is expected to ensure we all do our very best and make a difference.”

Eldonna is currently a sophomore at Central Catholic high school. She has prior experience in leading programs, clubs, and volunteer events while also being a hard working student. Eldonna recently became a co-lead of the Black Student Union and wants to make an impact this year so that students at Central Catholic feel like they have a safe space. She also volunteers at the Rockwood Library being an active member of the teen council that they offer to support the Rockwood community and hosting events, planning the annual summer reading program.

She says, “I feel that Wonderfolk will push me to be time mangeful, engaging, and creative person and to make an impact in our community this year.”

Ellie is a junior at St. Mary’s Academy. She has had the opportunity to help her mother at a local church to support marginalized communities, including the houseless, and volunteer with the elderly through school. Her relational nature allows her to be adapt to cross-cultural communication, helping her to bridge divides and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

Ellie is very excited to join the Wonderfolk cohort and says, “In joining the Student Fellowship program, I anticipate gaining valuable strengths, such as a deeper understanding of different cultures, enhanced adaptability in unfamiliar environments, and refined problem-solving skills. This program offers a platform for personal and professional growth.”

Kiara is currently a junior at David Douglas high school. She has had the chance to work with Communicare, a grantmaking organization helping teens raise money for nonprofits where they able to raise $15,750 for non-profit organizations working with homeless and domestic/sexual violence victims in the East Portland area. Kiara is also a vice president for ASB at David Douglas and the head of the Presidential council.

She says. “My ultimate goal is to break the chain of marginalization not only in my life, but in my school, community, and family. I believe Wonderfolk will give me the tools and resources to make this dream possible.”

Mateo is a student at De La Salle North Catholic high school and a football player for Roosevelt High School. He also loves lifting weights and listening to many different genres of music from Rap, R&B, Salsa, Jazz, and more. Mateo is also very considerate of others and a very determined individual.

He says, “I'm hoping that traveling will immerse me in a different culture than what I'm accustomed to and that I'll learn a lot from the experience.”

Maynapa is currently a sophomore at David Douglas High School. She is a part of Mock Trial where she is a guide to new members and where she is able to learn from her peers everyday as much as they learn from her. In her free time, Maynapa likes to participate in group study sessions with players from LINE PLAY where they analyze music lyrics, music composition, and learn more about artists.

She says, “The memories and impact from Wonderfolk will be everlasting and I know that from reading the journals from past fellows.”

Natalia is a student athlete at McDaniel High School, she is part of the soccer team and enjoys playing basketball and tennis. She is also very passionate about helping others in her community, Natalia volunteers at the food bank and has volunteered at the book bank too. Some of her hobbies include yoga, journaling and lots of bike riding.

Natalia is looking forward to Our Naturehood and says, “I think the more conscious I am about helping the environment and the community, the more it will contribute to my personal development and growth.”

Samantha is a junior at Reynolds High School. She has been a Ballet Folklorico dancer for 9 years through Latino Network and currently volunteers at her local church in catechism. She also recently joined College Possible and is part of Greater Than. Samantha shows great leadership skills, and although she may be shy at first she is able to put herself in a position where she can help others be their best.

Samantha says, “The components of this program seem quite good, I love the variety that is available to learn and experience. I believe these could contribute in helping my personal growth through the hands-on experience that will be happening.”

Sebastien is a junior at Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School. He is fully engaged in the school community & activities, including being president of the Black Student Union, Communication Director for ASB, and participating in Lacrosse and cheer. Outside of school he spends many hours working in hospitality at Fogo de Chao. Sebastien uses his leadership skills to create inclusion. An example of this is when he translated and interpreted krio(native language) for a fellow Portland student who was also from Sierra Leone.

He says, “I believe this program can benefit my development as I take great pride in my social skills and connecting with communities.”

Thomas is currently a freshman at David Douglas High School. He is actively engaged in a church community, finding comfort and strength in his spiritual beliefs where he has initiated a Bible study for younger kids, demonstrating leadership, commitment, and a passion for sharing Christian values. Throughout the journey he has learned the power of resilience, faith, and community, and has shaped him into a person who values hard work and determination. He also tutors his peers to ensure that they excel in their classes.

Thomas says, “this program will give me a different perspective on social issues outside of the U.S. In all, this program gives me the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone to make an impact on others' lives whether that's here in Portland or outside in the world.”

Victoria is currently a junior at McDaniel High School. She is on the football/basketball cheer team, soccer team and tennis team. Victoria loves to create positive energy in every environment she is in and wants to make a difference in many communities. She has been a part of a cultural assembly and wrote a couple of papers on the importance of the topic. Victoria has volunteered at the food and book bank too!

She is excited about our Global Leadership and says, “I am most excited about traveling with a group of people with similar interests and continuing to develop leadership skills.”

Description goes herylea is a sophomore at De La Salle North Catholic High School. One of her greatest strengths is multi-tasking and time management, she takes time very seriously and it is extremely important to her. She is a peacemaker in her community, she believes in the power of words and clear communication to resolve issues instead of fighting and aggressions.

Zylea says, “I can gain a lot of new strengths from this program. Working with new people is exciting for me because I like trying new things. I get to see how different brains work and meet different personalities.”

Aday is a first generation Ethiopian-American student at Grant High School. She enjoys helping Ethiopian children fully immerse in the culture and language. Aday loves the medical field and aspires to be a traveling nurse in the near future. As a social butterfly she looks forward to meeting the 2023 Wonderfolk cohort, she says, “Building a new community and getting to know new people is something that has always been fun to me.”

Fun fact: Adays parents own Queen of Sheba on MLK, check out the delicious food!

Cynthia is currently a junior at St.Mary’s Academy. Cynthia is also a part of a non-profit organization where free tennis lessons are provided for kids in the community from professional and certified tennis players. She is a certified assistant tennis coach and aspires to play Division II college tennis! Cynthia says, “the idea of being a part of a program that has a common goal was super exciting to me and I knew right away that it could grow my leadership skills, sociable skills, and my overall knowledge.”

Faanatoli is a first generation student at David Douglas High School. Faanatoli participates in many school programs including Upward Bound, Black Student Union and SEI. With a busy schedule, Faanatoli also finds time to volunteer at Sunnyside Kaiser Permanente. The determination that Faanatoli brings to the 2023 cohort is amazing! Faantoli says, “When I have a goal in mind I will do absolutely everything possible to complete it. A strength I hope to gain is networking. I would love to learn how to find resources for community building and other things in my own community.”

Jadyn is a 4.0 student at De La Salle North Catholic, participating in volleyball and track while also managing the girls basketball team. The arts is something she’s interested in, currently taking ceramics, drawing and painting. Jadyn says, “I think this program could provide amazing opportunities for me, and help me learn how someone my age can contribute to make our world a better place.”

Leolafaith is a student at Reynolds High School, she loves engaging in her culture and singing! As the elected treasurer for the Pacific Islander Club she has had the opportunity to perform many cultural dances at school. She has also performed two singing solos for the HOLLA fundraising galas! Leolafaith is responsible for starting a student-run “Free Clothes Closet'' that all students will be able to access. Leolafaith continues to find new opportunities within the school and the community. She says, “I absolutely love everything this program has to offer! I seek to gain longing friendships, new memories and super cool experiences.”

Linna is a student at David Douglas High School and is part of the Student Council where she is able to organize, clean and share ideas for her school. Linna was also Junior Class President where she learned many leadership skills. With a busy schedule Linna also manages to volunteer her time at OHSU as a patient transporter and delivering meds and supplies as needed. In Linna’s words, “I'm really looking forward to working with Wonderfolk and watching myself grow mentally and physically (as well as character-wise)“

Marrylin is currently a junior at Reynolds High School, she came to the United States from the UAE three years ago to a not so familiar language, system and unfortunately COVID-19. The transition was not easy but with determination and perseverance Marrylin expanded her social and educational network and now participates in many community development projects with different organizations to give her personal feedback of what the community looks like to her and what she thinks should change to help better support people. She says, “joining Wonderfolk is a great opportunity.”

Mildred is a student majoring in Digital Media at Benson Polytechnic High School. Mildred is a young advocate in her community who set up a PSA assembly about drunk driving awareness because she learned that drunk driving kills one person every 50 minutes in the United States. She also attended the local Salem protests to pass the HB2015 Bill to allow everyone in Oregon to receive a driver’s license no matter the citizenship status. Some of her hobbies include soccer, knitting, and spending time with friends and family. Mildred says, “from this program, I could gain many new strengths, such as finding new ways to help communities.”

Natalia is a first generation student from St. Mary’s Academy. She participated as a youth leadership intern for Next Up where she learned and helped the team create more inclusive communities. Natalia is an active volunteer in her community, she volunteers at her local food bank, the church and serves as a Spanish translator for families in her community. After witnessing a traumatic overdose, Natalia registered with a non-profit to safely administer narcan, a life saving medication that she now carries for emergencies.

Natalie is a first generation student at David Douglas high school, she is currently participating in the Red Cross club and College Possible. Natalie volunteers at Adventist Health every week after school. She discharges patients and makes sure they’re comfortably placed in the car before heading home. Transporting medication and belongings is also part of her role. Natalie is excited about being a part of Wonderfolk and says, “I want to be able to create new memories while contributing to the community.”

Noe is a student at St. Mary’s Academy. She is very dedicated to her school work, building community, and participating in track and field. Although she is fairly new to the Portland area she is more than excited to be involved in the community, create new friendships and help create social change. Noe says, “I think this program would grant me a connection to the earth, and the opportunity to meet people who feel the same way.”

Robert is a first generation student at David Douglas High School. He is part of the student council where he has the opportunity to help the student community by amplifying voices through social media and presidential council meetings in which different student groups come together to discuss and create solutions for issues faced within the community. Robert’s goal in his leadership position is to help solve the housing crisis of Southeast Portland and break down barriers of immigrants, destigmatizing people learning English as a second language and more. Robert says, “I believe that by getting more hands-on experience of contributing to other communities through [Wonderfolk’s] global leadership will help me put those same ideas into my own community back in Southeast Portland.”

Sheilisa is a sophomore at De La Salle North Catholic. She is also part of the student council and a student ambassador. Some of her hobbies include arts and crafts, reading, baking/cooking, and writing. She is excited to build new friendships in the 2023 cohort. Sheilisa says, “this program would not only help me gain more knowledge on environmental and social issues that need to be addressed, but it will also give me hands-on experience in helping my community.”

Syniah is a student at De La Salle North Catholic who aims to have a career in the medical field. She assists her mom during CPR training classes and she also made hygiene kits for the homeless. Syniah has also volunteered with City Teams Portland to prepare and serve meals for the residents and homeless in the area. Syniah says, “I feel like this program would help me become one with nature.”

Tammy is a first generation student at Reynolds High School where she is the founder of the 2022 National Honors Society Club and Red Cross Club. Some of her tasks include setting up fundraisers and events and assigning duties to the group. She also tutors children in math on the weekends. Tammy says, “With this program, I will enhance my leadership skills and advocate for my beliefs. The assistance from this program will allow me to expand my voice.”

Violet is a sophomore at De La Salle North Catholic. Although she has moved to different schools pretty often she is great at building community everywhere. She attended DaVinci MIddle School where she learned to pursue both academics and creative output. Violet says, “It could really serve me to gain the in-person life-experience that the Student Fellowship program offers, to help me develop a sense of responsibility to my community and passion for social issues.”

Yisak is a first generation student at David Douglas High School. He enjoys playing tennis and staying active as a way to help clear his mind. Yisak believes in the importance of creating safe spaces for the community, especially for the Black and immigrant communities in Portland. He says, “I believe teamwork is essential for any successful project or organization, and I am eager to apply it to the Student Fellowship Program. I believe that participating in the youth leadership program would provide me with the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and confidence further.”

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