Regional ambassadors
WYSE Regional Ambassadors have volunteered their time to share their experiences of WYSE and the impact that it has had on their lives with other young people, with the aim of supporting and encouraging other emerging leaders to attend WYSE Programs.
For information about the WYSE ILP Program or support with making an application please contact the WYSE Regional Ambassador nearest to you.
Click on the category to view the regional ambassadors in your area and get in touch!
Africa
I am Emerson Kamara, a BA graduate from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone and current Director of Peacelinks Sierra Leone. Peacelinks is a youth-led organization that is working to ensure that young people irrespective of their status realize their potential and become productive and well meaningful citizens. As director, I coordinate the daily affairs of the organization and relate to donors see www.peace-links.org
I attended WYSE in 2007 and have gained tremendously in advancing my leadership skills and realising my potentials. This situation has made me more passionate about the work of WYSE and it ideals, and will whole heartedly voluntarily work for WYSE to ensure that other young people benefit from the great work WYSE is doing.
After earning a bachelor degree in management sciences in 2007, I continued my studies doing a Masters in Economy of Territories and Social Development at the University in Rabat, Morocco. Volunteering, Social Work and sharing my experiences are the three principles which I build my career, with the aim of benefiting society. I have been involved in many projects in Morocco including Social Innovators Competition, about project development and fund raising program and Be Heard Now, a project that deals with using social media as a an advocacy tool.
I am so pleased to be in touch with WYSE through the Regional Ambassador program as I aim to empower young people to develop their leadership skills, support their work and actions for peace and solving both local and global problems.
Sarah Kiggundu is a Civil Engineer by profession. She graduated from the University of Cape Town, in 2006, with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSc Eng) and completed a Masters of Science in Engineering (MSc Eng), in 2009, with a major in Urban/Rural Water Management.
Sarah has been an active member of a number of organisations such as the Water Institute of South Africa Youth Professionals (WISA YP) and as a National Executive Member of South African Women in Engineering (SAWomEng).
In 2010, Sarah was nominated for Celebrating Excellence in Organisations (CEO) award - South Africa's Most Influential Women in Business and Government - "Tomorrow's Leaders" category. She is also a published author.
Asia, Australia and Oceania
Grace is a first generation born New Zealander with 'afakasi (Samoan and English) heritage. Grace is a proud mother of one and also engaged to a Pacific poet, musician and MC. Grace's 'afakasi heritage is an important part of her identity and even more so as a new mother. Grace holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences, Certificate in Conflict Resolution and a Certificate in Social Sciences. Grace is currently completing her Masters in Youth Development with Te Ara Poutama at AUT.
In 2008, Grace undertook a brave solo trip for 4 months to 11 countries. It was on these travels Grace was able to attend the WYSE International Leadership Programme in Italy. Grace believes the opportunities that WYSE present to bring together young leaders from around the world is invaluable. Grace has been a youth development practitioner for the past 5 years with Youthline. The majority of her work with young people is in beautiful South Auckland.
Harsh is a public policy consultant and has worked with several national and international development organisations, including the Planning Commission of the Government of India. He is also a Co-founder of an anti-ragging (bullying) organisation called CURE (Coalition to Uproot Ragging from Education, www.noragging.com ) and has been running it for the past 10 years. His interest lies in international affairs, analytical thinking and thought leadership.
I am passionate about WYSE, because I feel it provides an excellent platform to learn and grow by interacting with like-minded and thoughtful young people from across the world. I attended WYSE International Leadership Programme in 2006 which enriched my thought process and I still find it useful in dealing with difficult challenges of life.
I Live in Bristol, UK but am originally from Auckland, NZ. I currently work as an Associate in Public Sector Pensions (but no, you can not ask me about your pension!) My love of working with young people came about in high school and from this time I was involved in many different youth programmes. I have participated in the Ship for World Youth 17 Programme as part of the NZ delegation and when in my home county I work at Youthline which is a Youth helpline, counselling, support and youth development service. I attend WYSE ILP in 2006 and ALP in 2010 and in my role as ambassador, am hoping to get more people attending this brilliant programme from any part of the world I can! WYSE has been such a crucial part of my journey and I feel it is such a unique programme that should be shared with all of those who strive for something (even if they don't know what it is yet!)
Manmohan experienced WYSE as both a beautiful processes and useful tool which had an impact on his spiritual, social, psychological and mental development. "I am passionate about WYSE because I see it as a drive for BIG source of change in the world."
I participated in WYSE ILP 2012. It was a wonderful experience, fun and educational. Being a part of such a dynamic group was extremely valuable as I was able to explore myself and understand the world better. I was taken by surprise as the 10 days at WYSE held so much! This programme supported me to gain confidence and to speak my mind.
I am an Australian born Chinese traveler who has found a home in Singapore. During my travels, I have been blessed to meet and work with people from different backgrounds whether it is on the tennis court or in the corporate world. I am an executive search consultant during the week and a tennis/ high performance coach during the odd weekend. Through values based education, WYSE inspires and impacts young and old in a positive manner- something which resonates with my own personal development and professional career. I am happy to pay it forward by promoting WYSE to the community around me.
This is Samia and I shout from Bangladesh. I hope to complete my undergraduate level of education this year. Time will only tell what I do next but I hope I can be with WYSE all my life. Being in ILP last year I made an entry into a global family. Over the months I have learnt I can teach my WYSE lessons quite well, in fact the program brought out my potentials. At WYSE I was inspired to step away from my comfort zone and try new things. I hope ALP too, comes my way and WYSE opens up more windows for me.
It was the WYSE ILP however, through its unique curriculum which elicited my passion for leadership and team work. During this program I was inspired to step away from my comfort zone, discover my potential and develop links with a global community.
"WYSE has helped me build a community of like-minded individuals with who can ideate, and collaborate on projects in the social space on a global level."
"WYSE has given me a platform to expand my horizons. It was a diverse learning experience which provided me with an ideal opportunity to play a role towards the betterment of society and my community at large."
Central and South America
WYSE helped me to understand who I am and helped me find the courage I needed to follow my path and pursue my dreams. It is and will always be an important tool for me as it helped me to understand life, the world and that I am not alone. I wish to help other people gain knowledge through WYSE as it is something I carry dear to my heart. I believe the skills learned through WYSE can help people become better and together, make a better world.
I graduated in Biology, and what caught my attention was the study of behaviour. I started studying human behaviour and then realized that this was a path for me to develop my self-knowledge. As a consequence of this, I work as a body-therapist and volunteer in an NGO which works for human development and educating orphaned children at risk.
WYSE has made a big difference for me. There I learned to know myself, respect my limits and be able to see opportunities for the community where I live. I really want to see more young people have the same opportunity I had.
Spending 12 days with people from different countries, with different values and perspectives helped me to realize that despite all the differences, we all share common values, perhaps just from different perspectives. I became a WYSE ambassador because I truly believe that many people have potential and they deserve an opportunity to experience this enriching program.
I am Mirna Castro Folco, Coordinator of Education and Community Mobilization in Akatu Institute, chairman and co-founder of Amiks Institute. I Graduated in Economics by Sao Paulo University, with specialization in Marketing by Melbourne College, Australia. Concluded in 2009 the Germinar Program – Facilitators Leadership Development by Ecosocial Institute. Works as an intern in the conduction of Germinar Program since 2010. I Took part in the International Leadership Program of WYSE International, Lucca, Italy, and one of the idealizing of the WYSE Brazil Group 2012. I began acting as a consultant in conducting processes to organizational development, and also in the coordination and structuring of Amiks Institute.
Having the opportunity to take part in the WYSE ILP in Lucca, 2010, was a turning point in my life. Such a magical experience, that made me feel "the owner" of myself. Since then many important things have happened in my life. I feel so thankful for the program, One way I express my gratefulness is by providing an opportunity for others to also be a part of the WYSE community. It´s a real pleasure being a Regional Ambassador.
Europe
After Italian studies at a literary faculty at Rome's University 'La Sapienza', where great emphasis was given to European literature, cinema & theatre, I chose a MA in HR Management, studying Project Management, Assessment Centre, Team Building and Leadership. My main interest area is the relationship between Experiental Learning and Emotive Intelligence; this has been the topic of my MA final dissertation. In June 2010, after my MA I had an internship at an Italian company involved in European project management about professional training. Now I am working continuously with them.
I am interested in the young people and above all in the motivation they have in their life. I know that it is hard being young in this period of crisis in the world. So, it is important to work on the "Will" and on the motivation of young people to change the external circumstances. WYSE is a big opportunity to do it!
In these times of transition with all the challenges we are facing on earth, I believe WYSE plays a key role in the process of change by empowering the young generation – the leaders of tomorrow – to create a world of synergy and co-creation in which everybody is able to express their full potential and are encouraged to play their unique role.
I am glad to be able to serve as a member of the WYSE family and do what I can to contribute to the process of creating a better future.
I'm an Engineer and I work as a Program Manager for an Italian Company. I have always been interested in knowledge and my studies go from psychology to religion and from economy to management. I am particularly passionate about eastern philosophy (Raja Yoga, Veda and Upanisad) and I regularly hold classes on Meditation training. I am also working on a project called Inner Education, which promotes an education based on inner values as well as managerial effectiveness. I feel passionate about WYSE because I am totally tuned into their mission: to inspire young people throughout the world to follow their vision for a better tomorrow. There is nothing that I want more.
Everyone in this world has the right to explore their imagination, to play and to have an education. With 7.003 billion people in this world the population is growing and new challenges are facing us.
I attended the WYSE International ILP and connected with people from different cultures, with different backgrounds and languages. We worked together and I gathered the tools I personally need to continue this playful, colourful path of life that I am on. The ILP was incredibly humbling. I fell in love with 39 people. I recommend ILP for everyone.
Handan Yoldas Mazzi has been teaching Academic Writing for over 7 years. She currently teaches in the School of Liberal Arts at Marist College in New York City. She was born in Istanbul and lived in Italy for over 2 years. She has a degree in English Language and Literature as well as an MA in Management of Intercultural and Inter-religious conflicts.
Her passion for working with young people from many different countries drives her to be a part of Wyse in which she has been actively involved for the last 5 years both as a participant and volunteer.
I found the WYSE International Leadership Programme to be a very rich experience. In very few days, it condensed a whole assortment of feelings, aspirations, needs, limitations and insights that were brewing in my mind but needed to be recognized and confirmed. WYSE gave me the support that I needed to proceed with the realization of my ideals and connected me to a world-wide friendship network.
My name is Lia and I am from Greece. I lived in the UK for about 8 years and in August 2010 decided to return to Athens. I am now working as a Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist.
I attended WYSE ILP a long time ago and found it a unique and unforgettable experience. I believe WYSE offers young people (and older ones too) the opportunity to explore themselves and their wishes for their lives and the world around them.
A few years later when I felt I needed a boost of WYSE energy I attended the Advanced programme. Another thing that makes me passionate about WYSE is that it is always there when you feel you need it!
WYSE brings together people that care about what happens in the world and wish to be part of it.
I'm a qualified Youth Worker and Project Coordinator working in London and the Midlands. I'm currently working on community and music based projects with diverse young people, many of whom are young offenders completing reparation orders. Previously I was employed by a national anti racism campaign where I organised music events and debates. I've also written for various publications and broadcasters along the way. I took part in the ILP in 2008 and would encourage others to participate for a truly holistic experience bringing about self assurance and the opportunity to define your purpose and meet some fabulous people too.
My name is Simonetta Togliani, I live in Italy teaching yoga, but I was born in Eritrea, and my family has always liked travelling. This is why I think I found in Wyse something like a family. Because I grew up with different cultures, different religions, different languages, I really need to continue this path, it's like feeding my soul.
I would not only belong to the Italian culture, it would be too restrictive to me, I'd rather belong to something more universal.
Wyse has fulfilled this need, and has helped me to develop an understanding about the concept of Service. Unfortunately "Service" is very often not considered. I believe that "Service" is the basis of evolution of human beings and is the deepest gift that each individual can give to the common good.
I am a physician (at the moment working in a palliative care center) who brings his professional training and an open heart into every encounter. Just like every other member of the human family I struggle to deepen my understanding of what it means to be alive day by day. Being aware of the challenges that we are all facing, I am committed to assist as much as I can in this process of change that is about to come. The WYSE approach (for me that's competence, support, creativity, fun, empowerment and deep respect for the individual) helped me very much and I am grateful to be part of this powerful community.
I live in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. As a student of Ethnology and Anthropology I am interested in researching different cultures, traditions, social groups, nations and beliefs.
I work as a peer educator and trainer on a program based on prevention of drug abuse.
I completed the WYSE International Programme "Taking vision to action" and I think it was a crucial experience in my life. Wyse helped me to recognize my "inner being", and to use all my values and potential. I have learnt how to put my ideas and visions into action and I have gained confidence, inspiration and new skills. It gave me the opportunity to meet wonderful people from different backgrounds and to share knowledge and experience with them. Thanks to this program I have met some friends for life and most importantly, we made a strong connection and network.
I am a better man for the time and space WYSE held for me during a point of transition. 'True Story' I founded to support the expression of 'Creative Social Responsibility' by individuals and organisations.
As a 'Narrative Designer' I seek to author stories that create social impact and identify the stories that have authored social systems. The story of WYSE is of authentic experiences that allow individuals to synthesize their identity and acknowledge themselves as authors of society. William Wardlaw Rogers pulled himself together at WYSE and is an Author.
I am passionate about who I am. I am passionate about what I currently do. WYSE gave me permission to feel that passion and express my Creative Social Responsibility – As an Ambassador I bring that understanding of WYSE to my region. It has been my privilege to be WYSE and increase the time and space I spend in authentic experiences with other individuals and organisations.
It is a continuing privilege to invite people into that understanding
Former Soviet Union
I am currently working at Foundation for Wildlife and Cultural Assets in Armenia as a Project and Event Coordinator, organizing events for children and youth. I love working with children and believe that sustainable development begins with education. One of my future goals is to open my own kindergarten in Yerevan.
I attended WYSE ILP in 2010 and can say for sure, that it was the greatest experience of my life. WYSE is a "place" where I felt at home and met beautiful people. It is a space which allowed me to know more about myself and the world.
WYSE changed so many things in my life that sometimes I can't recall what I was previous like. After finishing the International Leadership Program , I made a commitment to go back to my country and tell as many people about my experience as possible. I believe that WYSE is an invaluable experience and wish that everyone has an opportunity to have the experience that I had. WYSE for me is one of the MOST important doors that I opened in my life and I look forward to helping others discover WYSE.
Middle East
I am a consultant in sustainable development, graduated from the Ecole Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne (EPFL). At this moment, I am finishing my studies in diplomacy and negotiations at La sagesse and Paris Sud XI Universities. In addition, I am writing articles on sustainable development issues, in order to increase awareness concerning the ecological, social and economical problems.
I work with youth NGO's ... I am a dancer... publicity Actor...I volunteer...
In 2011, I participated in the "European Youth Leadership Programme – Taking Vision to Action". This programme enabled me to better discover my self, upgrade my leadership values and meet fantastic people from all over the world. I want to help spread the WYSE concept, values and spirit in my local and international community.
I had the opportunity to unlock my inner leadership skills and globalize my potentials, by attending WYSE international Leadership program 2012 in Brazil. The program was a journey of inspiration, cultural exchange and self-discovery.
I work at the American University of Beirut, and live in Beirut, Lebanon. I travelled to many countries. I belong to a world that has been altered and distorted; a world full of chaos, corruption, injustice and negativity. I belong to a world that needs to be changed.
In 2011, I discovered WYSE and took part in the "International Leadership Program". I discovered myself, revisited my senses, my values, my skills, and my goals. I changed the way I perceived life and the world. I strongly believe in WYSE values and knowledge, and I feel the need, urge, and desire to spread them to others.
My name is Mona Daoud. I am from Lebanon and I hold a Bachelor degree in Communication Arts/ Journalism and a Master's degree in International Affairs. My journey in community service and youth activism started through joining Aie Serve, and lately United Nations Youth Association of Lebanon (UNYA), two youth led non- governmental organizations.
My experience at WYSE was a genuine turning point in my life, which gave me a passion for creating positive change in this world and raising awareness about opportunities for future leaders to engage in making an impact in their communities.
My name is Reza Kavosh, a national from the Islamic Republic of Iran.
I am currently studying a International Masters in 'Peace, Conflict, and Development Studies' under the UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for Peace at the Unversidad Jaume I in Castellon-Spain.Prior to my Masters I graduated from Razavi Islamic Science University in Mashhad- Iran where I also studied Islamic science for 6 years. Since 2006, I have been travelling and compiling research on religion, peace and culture in various countries while meeting with youth activist religious leaders, diplomats and scholars in order to understand what religious diplomacy is and the role of religion in different cultures and communities.
In 2010, I completed the WYSE International Leadership Program. I have been participating in many programs in various countries but the experience which I have gained in WYSE is so unique for me. I can defiantly say the thing which I learned in the 10 day WYSE program was equal to one bachelor degree or even more!
I am a 24 year old Palestinian living in Ramallah, Palestine. I am currently working at
the Advocacy and Communication Associate at the United Nations Population Fund in occupied Jerusalem.
I spent most of my life in Palestine but obtained my BA from Earlham College in Indiana, US. I lived in marvellous Japan for five months during my BA studies. I am interested in politics, sociology and music. I enjoy laughing, dancing, football, reading, nature and talking to crazy friends. Mostly, I love to travel and respect following passions.
WYSE allows that crazy, passionate, confused person hiding inside your heart to come out and guide you to a better, more fulfilling life. WYSE releases the freedom dying to explode from within. WYSE helps reach clarity, purpose and realize important value. Please, ask me about WYSE and so you can join the circle of Wyser people!
North America
For general information about the WYSE Regional Ambassador Program, please contact: