Global Youth Matters

Ahmad Al-Wuhidi

After surviving the bombing in Gaza of his neighborhood that resulted in the tragic loss of his beloved  mother, an UNRWA personnel, and his sister, a physiotherapist—Ahmad got severely injured and had to leave the Strip. Ahmad, 24, shares his experiences of growing up in Gaza and living through the bombardment. He also reflects on how it has inspired his upcoming film, “Echoes of Two Lands”, a narrative short that centers a young Gazan man confronting the rigors of life in the US alone. Excerpt at: "Echoes" Excerpt" His debut film, “The Regret”, was an official selection at the 2025 East Village New York Film Festival.
Ahmad Al-Wuhidi is a US-based writer, filmmaker, and content marketing strategist from Gaza, Palestine, dedicated to telling humanitarian stories and giving voice to the voiceless around the world. His work blends cinematic storytelling with brand strategy to craft emotionally intelligent narratives that connect art, culture, and business. He has worked with many international outlets and contributed as a translator to the Arabic edition of Richard Wright’s Environmental Science: Toward a Sustainable Future.
Formerly a media intern at UNRWA’s Gaza headquarters, Ahmad worked on producing visual content, like promotional videos, interviews, and success stories featuring Palestinian refugees affiliated studying at UNRWA schools.
 

Anuradha Chhibber

Anuradha shares her journey with Hana from growing up as an ethnic Indian in Kenya to navigating life in America, after she arrived at 9 years old. She discusses the cultural differences she experienced, the challenges of childhood bullying, and the importance of family support in discovering her talents in acting and singing. Anuradha emphasizes the significance of authenticity and self-awareness, sharing valuable life lessons for youth about embracing their true selves and overcoming obstacles.
 Anuradha can be found on Instagram on her 2 accounts: @anuradhaduz_food and @artist_anuradhachhibber.
Her You Tube channel is https://bit.ly/47RF5J6.
She has also co-hosts s podcast of her own for 2 years, called “Scandal Sheet”. A recent episode on You Tube: https://bit.ly/4m1fOQN. All her episodes can be found on You Tube Podcasts at: https://bit.ly/4n87vmn , as well as on all podcast listening platforms.

Sarah

Sarah, age 20, shares her experiences growing up in Chicago as a Mexican American, navigating cultural identity, family dynamics, and the challenges of being raised by undocumented working-class immigrant parents. She reflects on her childhood, the influence of her grandparents, and the importance of steadiness in life.  She also emphasizes the beauty of embracing one's cultural background while also learning from others.

Tierrai Tull

Tierrai Tull, 24, shares her extraordinary journey with Hana from growing up in Bermuda to studying at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. She relates her personal and external experiences growing up in a small community in Bermuda, navigating life in Armenia, and her academic pursuits at the University of Toronto and Oxford. In 2020, she co-founded the Bermuda Youth Connect, which focuses on youth civic engagement. Through her story, she passes on valuable life lessons and advice for young people.
You can reach us by email at globalyouthmatters at gmail dot com, on Facebook and X under out name.

Shougla Hameed

Shougla Hameed is an Afghan doctor from a Pashtun family, who defied societal norms and personal struggles to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. Raised in a middle-class family that prioritized education, she overcame significant cultural barriers, including the conservative values of her homeland to study medicine. Her journey led her from Afghanistan to Turkey, where she volunteered with refugees. She eventually ended up in the United States, where she continues to build her medical career.
Driven by a passion for healthcare and education, she is dedicated to empowering women, challenging societal expectations, and being a source of inspiration for future generations. She feels that “Success is not defined by the obstacles we face, but by the strength to rise again.  Our dreams are not bound by circumstance but fueled by our determination to make a difference.” She also believes that “True resilience is not just about overcoming our own struggles, but about lifting others along the way, proving that even in the darkest times, hope and compassion can light the path forward.” 

Jayci Simon

Jayci Simon shares her journey as a Paralympic silver medalist, discussing her unique challenges as an athlete with dwarfism. From her late diagnosis to her determination to succeed in badminton, Jayci emphasizes the importance of resilience, community support, and a positive mindset. Jayci's story serves as a powerful reminder that with hard work and dedication, no dream is too big to achieve.
To contribute to her training/future events: https://jaycisjourney.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3ZGIrsv
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3DdXvq4

Kenneth Downing

Kenneth Downing has had a very active life thus far. He’s been a professional tennis coach, worked for the Washington DC’’s Mayor’s office, and is now a Manager at Bergamot Asset Management. At the same time, he is also a writer of books and is working on a PhD. He shares his challenging life experiences, from growing up in the US and Germany to facing homelessness and finding his passion in finance, philanthropy, and theology. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, seeking mentors and therapists, and embracing both the positive and negative experiences in life. He concludes by discussing the significance of understanding one's identity and knowing when to prioritize feelings and when to take action.
https://www.bergamotam.com/about#OurTeam
https://www.bergamotam.com/philanthropy

Lily Vining

Lily Vining is a podcaster, storyteller, lover of words, and fitness fanatic. Originally from Connecticut, Lily is a recent graduate of Franklin & Marshall College with passions for showcasing inspiring stories through her writing and content creation. After battling an eating disorder in her teens, she developed a love for strength training and is an aspiring bodybuilding competitor. She documents her journey through social media and her podcast, “Level Up with Lily”, where she also interviews guests about their process of becoming the best versions of themselves every day.

Rodrigo Pedraza

Rodrigo Pedraza, a 22 year old first generation Colombian immigrant, has overcome challenges with Coming Out, mental health, and confidence. He is the oldest of four boys, a die-hard Swiftie, and a strong believer in the power of self-reflection. He recently graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Biological Sciences and currently works as a high school biology teacher at DC International School. Rodrigo aspires to some day work in the medical field, entertainment industry, or as a teacher in Europe.
Instagram: @rodri.pdg

Naya Salah

Hana interviews her niece Naya Salah, a college student, talented singer and cancer survivor. Naya opens up about her battle with leukemia and the challenges she faced during treatment. She emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset and resilience in overcoming difficult times. While being a student, she has also pursued her passion for music by publishing songs on various platforms.