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 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. 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. Find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ahmadwuhidi/ 

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, 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, 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 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 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 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 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, 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

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.

Hana’s guest is a 15-year-old student at Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington DC. Asher shares their passion for technical design and production in theatre. They discuss the impact of DC Scores on their life, particularly in discovering their talent for writing and performing poetry as a means to manage and express emotions. Asher also opens up about their experiences with family challenges, the value of embracing mistakes, finding supportive friends, and sharing personal stories.

Nicky Maxwell is a 26 year-old amputee from London, and has been involved in disability sports for almost his entire life. He trained and competed as a sprinter for many years, including at Harvard University, where he became the first amputee to compete in the history of NCAA Division 1 track and field. He is now involved in Para-Standing Tennis as a player and an organizer.

Zarea is a DC-based writer and educator who works closely with youth and activism groups in her community. Zarea’s passion for poetry was sparked when she joined DC SCORES when she was 7 years old. She continued with DC SCORES through the organization’s enhanced writing program, Youth W.O.R.D. Project. Zarea has performed her poetry all over DC including Audi Field, Busboys and Poets, Arena Stage, and Capitol Hill. Zarea is currently a Program Coordinator of Creative Writing and Arts for DC SCORES.

Tanaka Cliff Nhokwara grew up in Zimbabwe and Uganda. In pursuit of his dream to be a physician, he was attending medical school at Sumy State University in Ukraine when the Russian army invaded. Like millions of others he was forced to flee the country amidst almost daily bombings, drone strikes, and tanks. Eventually he completed his medical degree in neighboring Poland. His story is one of resilience and determination in the face of unimaginable circumstances.    

Tolu is a 23 year old Nigerian student who was pursuing her dream of going to medical school in the Ukraine. In 2022, in her fifth year of medical school, the full scale invasion of the Ukraine began. With bombs falling on or near her city, she and hundreds of other students were forced to flee to neighboring countries. Buses and trains were overcrowded, discriminated against non-Ukrainians, and none were able to go all the way to the border. Tolu ended up walking to the Hungarian border.  Tolu tells her story of getting into medical school, escaping the war and continuing medical school. A story of resilience and courage!

Inspired by their deep connections to the African Diaspora, Atlanta natives Macire and Nassim have transformed their educational achievements into powerful vehicles for social change. Macire, with roots in Conakry, Guinea, holds a Master's in International Affairs from Columbia, building on her Bachelor's in Global Development and International Affairs from Mercer University. Nassim, of African American and Jamaican heritage, completed his Master of Public Health at Yale, following his undergraduate studies in Global Health and Global Development at Mercer. Motivated by the global Black Lives Matter movement and the tragic death of George Floyd, they co-founded NoirUnited International in 2020. This NGO dedicates itself to empowering Black and marginalized communities worldwide, focusing on development, humanitarian assistance, and community-based research and advocacy. Website: https://www.noirunited.org/

Hana's guest, Yasma, is a remarkable youth of only 16. Born and raised in Lebanon, the economic situation in that country lead her family to move to Dubai in 2020. At the same time, she fought an eating disorder that eventually required temporary hospitalization. While in the hospital, she and her mother started a charity - leveraging Yasma's creative artwork - to benefit children with cancer through donations.  While still in a 'recovery' mode herself today, she is also in the process of courageously sharing her private journey as a teen having an eating disorder. You will be inspired by Hana's conversation with this amazing youth. Yasma's Charity - Feel 2 Heal: https://bit.ly/3JWd46a  All proceeds benefit: the Children's Cancer Center of Lebanon @ccclebanon and the Middle East Eating Disorders Association, @meedassociation.

Sevyn, age 14, is an aspiring basketball player and a top student. Growing up in a neighborhood with violence, he share some of his wisdom on how to stay focused in this environment. He also shares his experiences and knowledge gained through his participation in youth activities at the Hustlers Guild. The Hustlers Guild (HG) is a 501 (c)(3), social impact organization founded by policy experts with over 15 years of experience to educate and expose students of low-income households to careers in sports and entertainment. Since 2017, HG has provided free services to over 250k middle, high school, and college students across the country. Website: https://www.hustlersguild.org/

Yasmeen shares her passion for the environment. She is a recent Cum Laude/Dean's list graduate from the University of Maryland in environmental science and policy and is beginning her master's at Columbia University for Climate Studies in the fall. As a teenager, she was diagnosed with serious spinal disease that eventually required surgery, involving a difficult recovery and rehabilitation. Her story is one of sheer will and determination conquering adversity and then reaching success.   Visit her website at: https://www.yasmeen-nekoo.com/

Cateo and David met at an organization called Life Pieces to Masterpieces in Washington DC when they were both only in elementary school. LPTM uses artistic expression to develop character and leadership and prepare African American boys and young men to transform their lives and communities. https://lifepieces.org/ Now college students at Delaware State University, they make time to serve as Junior Mentors at LPTM, giving back to the group that helped shape their futures. Additionally, they started their own program called Brothers In Power for mentoring High School students in Delaware" The hand sign in the photo is a symbol for the program representing brotherhood and togetherness.  Cateo also spoke and introduced President Joe Biden at a White House event celebrating African History month in 2022. Watch here: https://bit.ly/412Y2ld  His portions begins at: 49:13.