Meet a Changemaker
Connecting Classrooms Through Culture and Collaboration
Meet a Changemaker is a virtual program that connects classrooms across the country or around the world with youth changemakers from countries including Bangladesh, Cameroon, Suriname, the U.S. and other iEARN partners. These inspiring young leaders share with the students how they are addressing real-world issues such as environmental conservation, access to quality education, inequalities, good health and well-being and water safety. Students gain real-world inspiration and global awareness by engaging directly with youth changemakers, fostering empathy and empowering them to take action in their own communities.
Participating teachers receive:
- a curated set of iEARN lesson plans to help students prepare for cross-cultural communication
Our Meet a Changemaker Exchange Format
Format: Live Zoom webinar with Q&A (30–60 minutes)
Facilitated by: iEARN-USA staff and trained facilitators
Why Participate in a Meet a Changemaker Exchange?
- Development of global competencies like:
- Understanding and appreciating diverse perspectives
- Effective communication and collaboration
- Examining and communicating local, global, and intercultural issues
- Real-world connections to curriculum
- Equity in international learning experiences
Changemaker Speakers
Simone Punchak
Country Location: USA
Date: October 7, 2025
Time: 9 – 9:45 am EST
Topic: Good Health & Well-being
Simone has advocated for the mental health of students within her school district and city by participating heavily on a vast range of public health committees and initiatives. More recently, as a NSLI-Y program alumni, she advocated for the continued funding of international exchange programs and is an alumni advisor for iEARN. Overall, her work emphasizes the U.N.’s desire to promote good health and well-being, a cause she is greatly committed to.
Joseph Lambe
Ainsley Burkes
Country Location: USA
Date: October 15, 2025
Time: 9 – 9:45 am EST
Topic: Reduced Inequalities
For Ainsley, a NSLI-Y program alumna, volunteering has always been a constant in her life. During high school, she helped start a non-profit to help immigrants, refugees, and the elderly develop technology skills and bridge the digital divide. Since attending college, she has volunteered extensively in various programs focused on international exchange, disaster response, and emergency relief. Her volunteer work has strongly demonstrated her commitment to local and global communities who are in need.
Raisona Alam
Country Location: Bangladesh
Date: October 21, 2025
Time: 12 – 12:45pm EST
Topic: Environment and Good Health & Well-being
During her YES program exchange year, Raisona took part in several community service activities, including volunteering at a local library, doing fundraisers at her church and volunteering at the “Battle of the flowers parade”. Since then, she has volunteered in various environmental conservation projects in her home country of Bangladesh, focusing on lake and coastal clean-ups. She has also organized projects to care for underprivileged communities and to advocate for and support girl’s and women’s good health and well-being.
