The World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) is pleased to announce the inaugural class of participants of its Youth Diplomats Program. The new program for Maryland high school juniors and seniors helps students who are interested in building leadership and cross-cultural communication skills take their first steps towards becoming global citizens through a series of workshops, meetings with professionals and volunteer opportunities.

The Youth Diplomats Program includes eight workshops, held one Saturday a month, beginning January 25 through August 15, 2020. This educational opportunity was designed for students who are curious about the world, open to diverse perspectives, committed to making an impact locally and globally, and are advocates for human rights, equality and peace. The program also incorporates components such as: a group trip to Washington, D.C.; a meeting with the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program; and a hosted dinner with international families.

Eddie Resende, co-CEO of the World Trade Center Institute said, “The program is designed to increase the younger generation’s appreciation for some of today's most pressing global issues in international affairs and business. We hope their experiences in our program inspire them to become global citizens and pursue careers in some of the program's featured topics.”

The following 31 students, representing 23 schools in six counties and Baltimore City, have been selected for the inaugural class of participants:

1. Ms. Rebecca Angin, Parkville High School (Baltimore County)
2. Mr. Edward Awe, Arundel High School (Anne Arundel County)
3. Ms. Ruhshana Bobo, Pikesville High School (Baltimore County)
4. Ms. Yasmine Bryant, Arundel High School (Anne Arundel County)
5. Ms. Jamira Collins, Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women (Baltimore City)
6. Mr. Jonathan Elliott, Boy's Latin School of Maryland (Baltimore County)
7. Ms. Isabella Lawton, Notre Dame Preparatory School (Baltimore County)
8. Ms. Emma Lynch, Maryvale Preparatory School (Baltimore County)
9. Ms. Alexandra Kaiss, George Washington Carver Center for Arts & Technology (Baltimore County)
10. Mr. Malik Oumarou, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (Baltimore City)
11. Ms. Julia Kallaur, Towson High School (Baltimore County)
12. Ms. Nene Keita, Bethesda Chevy Chase High School (Montgomery County)
13. Mr. Maximillian Kezar, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (Baltimore City)
14. Ms. Kyla Kielty, Roland Park Country School (Baltimore City)
15. Ms. Elega Lamason, Baltimore City College (Baltimore City)
16. Mr. Ismael Mbengue, Paint Branch High School (Montgomery County)
17. Mr. Alexander Montuffar, Bel Air High School (Harford County)
18. Ms. Michaela Obeng, Paint Branch High School (Montgomery County)
19. Mr. Didier Osias, Boy's Latin School of Maryland (Baltimore County)
20. Ms. Gloria Robberto, Notre Dame Preparatory School (Baltimore County)
21. Mr. Cameron Rozankowski, Parkville High School (Baltimore County)
22. Mr. Alexander Theodorakos, Glen Burnie High School (Anne Arundel County)
23. Ms. Kehmanei Todman, St. Francis Academy (Baltimore City)
24. Mr. Jan Upton, Winters Mill High School (Carroll County)
25. Ms. Alyssa Wang, Holton-Arms School (Montgomery County)
26. Ms. Lena Wang, Eastern Technical High School (Baltimore County)
27. Ms. Rylee Wienhold, Perry Hall High School (Baltimore County)
28. Ms. Tess Yu, Howard High School (Howard County)
29. Ms. Jocelyn Pinkney, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (Baltimore City)
30. Ms. Cleo Amador, Glen Burnie High School (Anne Arundel County)
31. Mr. Junho Yoon, Gilman School (Baltimore City)

The students will also earn 25 service-learning hours, gain cultural competency and further a connection to the network of Youth Diplomats from around the country, as well as advance their abilities to demonstrate knowledge of global affairs to colleges and employers.

“This program is meant to empower students with the knowledge, tools and confidence to make a positive impact both locally and globally,” says Zachary Sheaffer, the assistant manager for programs and events for WTCI. “After all, they are our future leaders.”

After a rigorous application process, these 31 students are part of a cohort of elite scholars and upon completion of the program will be deemed Albrecht Fellows. The Albrecht Fellowships’ goal is to help globally minded students become the next generation of international leaders.

About WTCI

The World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) empowers globally minded leaders with new ideas and valuable connections. The largest international business networking organization in the Mid-Atlantic with more than 2,500 companies in the public and private sector, WTCI offers members development programs, professional exchanges and marquee events where ideas are expanded, and collaboration is created. Partnerships with state and local governments, 300+ World Trade Centers, the U.S. Department of State, Work Bank and more provide members unparalleled access to push and empower each other to succeed and connect in ways they never would have or could have imagined. For more information on the WTCI, visit https://www.wtci.org.