Be A Global Citizen!

Kumiko Hayashi is a director, producer, and educator who is passionate about uplifting and amplifying indigenous voices and their cultures through the art of storytelling. She has worked on media projects that document the traditions of indigenous communities who are seeking and building new paths of coexistence and harmony. This conversation provides insight into global citizenship as a way to bring together the mind and heart towards a common goal: peace and mutual respect. It is moving to learn about the courageous efforts of global citizens like Kumiko who strive to bring more awareness about the value of different cultures to the world. Kumiko has worked on larger documentary projects like the ‘Women of the White Buffalo,’ and she is soon to release her own documentary called ‘The Roots Awaken.’ Enjoy what Kumiko has to say about being a global citizen!   

Amy White is an African American History Professor at Harlem Children’s Zone. She teaches 3rd–5th grade students to critically engage with history, identity, and the world around them. She is committed to equity, justice, and the limitless potential of every child. In our conversation, her passion for combatting systems of oppression is evident in her spirit to envision new pathways within education for marginalized youth to flourish. Amidst the political climate that seeks to eliminate DEIJB, Amy is firm in her resolve to create spaces of belonging that connect people to their deepest humanity. Enjoy this conversation about recognizing, uplifting, and fighting for diversity in all its local and global forms. 

Logan Stamey is the Class Dean at the Brunswick School in Greenwich, Connecticut. From an early age, he knew that teaching was his calling. Logan shares about how the belief that his teachers saw in him reflected in his own approach to mentoring young men to build their integrity and sense of responsibility. By making the most of each opportunity, Logan found his passion in teaching, theater, and mentorship. He emphasizes servant leadership as a key component to being a global citizen. In order to improve the world for others it starts with how we willingly accept responsibility to take action for others. Enjoy the conversation! 

Dora Pan is passionate about emergent technologies and the value of education in an ever changing society. She recently graduated from Harvard’s Learning Design, Innovation and Technology program. Prior to coming to Harvard, she worked as a high school English teacher at an innovative high school called Moonshot Academy in Beijing, China. She grew as an educator and engaged students in open inquiry. Also, Dora draws on her experience in media as a reporter for the China Global Television network. She speaks about the need for global citizens to lead with empathy and humility in growing their own lived experiences. Enjoy the conversation! 

Margarita Adame is a learning strategist at the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has decades of teaching experience as an elementary school teacher in various school districts across the United States. She speaks to her passion for conflict resolution as a tool in and outside of the classroom. As an undergraduate at Chapman University in Peace Studies, she jumped at an opportunity to study abroad in Jerusalem. Her experience was a powerful one and solidified her mindset as a global citizen. She emphasizes the need for us to not insulate and isolate ourselves. Enjoy our conversation!

Lydia Musliu is the Elementary School Principal at Kosovo Leadership Academy. She is a dedicated teacher and school leader who is fostering the next generation of leaders in Kosovo. Her educator journey was largely influenced by her mother who used creativity to spark interest in all subjects. Lydia started teaching since she was in the 7th grade, and has built on her skills to serve teachers and help them reach their full potential. With Lydia’s current role at the Kosovo Leadership Academy, she is excited to see what the next decade will bring in terms of social and educational benefits for Kosovo as a young country. Check out what Lydia has to say about the intersections between leadership and global citizenship! 

Joe Aleardi is the Executive Director at Horizons Bridgeport, a non-profit created to serve the local youth in Bridgeport, Connecticut with academic and enrichment programs. His early career was spent as a lawyer and then a private wealth manager. With a strong desire to connect with people and extend his impact, he pivoted to teaching where he became an elementary teacher for Teach For America. With a rekindled passion for serving young people within educational spaces, Joe helped to create a non-profit in his community. He believes that global citizens require a multitude of skills to set themselves up to succeed as active and compassionate people within society. Enjoy our conversation! 

Byron Jon Aho is a cyber security specialist, project manager, and educator. His background is in construction and he incorporates much of his trade knowledge and skill into his leadership and business development for cyberspace security. He believes in creating a strong foundation to anchor oneself amidst an ever changing world. There are several values that he brings into the discussion like humility and perseverance that speak to his views on global citizenship. Enjoy the conversation!

Gayl Porter-Laurel is the Chief Technical Policy Officer of the Second Congressional Commission on Education who is based in the Philippines. She started off her educator journey as an early childhood teacher who genuinely loved teaching, playing, and learning with her students. Her passion for teaching young people led her down new uncharted paths. From curriculum design to policy reform to system-wide educational programs, her impact has expanded well beyond the classroom. She believes that quality education is a fundamental right and a pathway to societal transformation. With her anchor in global citizenship, Gayl emphasizes the need to be genuinely curious and translate awareness into action. Enjoy the conversation! 

Marijke Conklin is an elementary school teacher and instructional coach for the Oakland Unified School District. Her international perspective began in childhood where she spent her formative elementary school years living in Saudi Arabia. With a major change to return to the United States at the age of ten, she had to learn to navigate differences while building her sense of identity. Marijke has spent her career making an impact on young learners with an emphasis on social justice. She instills values of global citizenship in her classroom environment, curriculum, and attitude as a teacher. Enjoy the conversation!