{"id":21697,"date":"2025-07-23T15:38:16","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T20:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/blog\/uncategorized\/\/"},"modified":"2025-07-23T15:38:17","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T20:38:17","slug":"introduction-to-the-our-new-alumni-council","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/blog\/greenheart-club\/introduction-to-the-our-new-alumni-council\/","title":{"rendered":"Introduction to the our new Alumni Council"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"629\" height=\"354\" src=\"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/AC.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/AC.png 629w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/AC-368x207.png 368w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/AC-268x151.png 268w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/AC-80x45.png 80w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/AC-270x152.png 270w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/AC-153x86.png 153w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/AC-320x180.png 320w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/AC-1x1.png 1w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/AC-400x225.png 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 629px) 100vw, 629px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>By: Loiseirene Nyawira Maina \u2013 Vice Chair of Greenheart&#8217;s Alumni Council<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>In 2025, Greenheart changed the format and use of the Alumni Council (a stop in our Odyssey scholarship programming). Please read this blog from our Vice Chair, Loiseirene, a former Ambassador Scholar for Work and Travel from Kenya.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2025 Global Alumni Council brings together diverse voices from the Philippines, Kenya, Greece, and the United States \u2014 united by a shared commitment to connection, service, and global leadership. Over the coming months, this team will serve as ambassadors, advisors, and storytellers, working to strengthen the Greenheart alumni network and advance the organization\u2019s core values worldwide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Here are our 2025 members:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"433\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-433x433.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21703\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-433x433.png 433w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-207x207.png 207w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-151x151.png 151w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-80x80.png 80w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-270x270.png 270w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-90x90.png 90w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-177x177.png 177w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-1000x1000.png 1000w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-640x640.png 640w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-770x770.png 770w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-368x368.png 368w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-322x322.png 322w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-370x370.png 370w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-460x460.png 460w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-280x280.png 280w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-120x120.png 120w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-40x40.png 40w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-30x30.png 30w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-1x1.png 1w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/greenheart.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/01-Cleansing.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 433px) 100vw, 433px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we hear from the council, we asked the staff co-chairs to share what this chapter means for Greenheart and what excites them most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>From Greenheart Staff (and co-chairs): Why This Council Matters<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kacey:<\/strong> This council represents both inspiration and action\u2014it\u2019s a true honor to witness its formation. Beyond its mission of professional development, it builds meaningful connections among likeminded alumni who share a passion for positive global impact. With its early progress, the council is already laying a strong foundation for a supportive, engaged Greenheart alumni community\u2014one that fosters relationships, sparks collaboration, and drives real change.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Haldis:<\/strong> There\u2019s so much to be excited about with this year\u2019s Alumni Council. First, the potential is huge. The previous incarnation of the Alumni Council had a great impact around the world, but it didn\u2019t have direct connections with all 150,000+ of alumni. This new iteration is providing resources, events, information, and communication to our alumni from the past 40 years. That kind of reach could shape Greenheart\u2019s future in ways we haven\u2019t even considered yet. Second, I\u2019m truly impressed by this group. A driven, passionate group that\u2019s hit the ground running with little need for guidance. Looking ahead, the initial goals of the Council are modest but meaningful\u2014monthly newsletters, quarterly webinars, and general alumni resources. Once those pieces are in place and the Council finds its rhythm, I\u2019m confident they\u2019ll set their own goals and drive even bigger initiatives, like international events and more in-depth professional development offerings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, let\u2019s hear from the council themselves; sharing what drives them, what they value, and what they\u2019re hoping to create together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">The Journeys That Led Us Here<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jiro (Secretary):<\/strong> I joined Greenheart in 2014 as a KL-YES exchange student. That year taught me that real connection transcends borders and languages. It\u2019s this belief that now drives my passion to connect our alumni community through the Council.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Matias (Marketer):<\/strong> My turning point came during my exchange year, managing a school musical in New York. It was leadership, service, and creativity all in one. Today, I lead advocacy efforts with YES Alumni Philippines \u2014 and bring that same drive here.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Loiseirene (Vice Chair):<\/strong> Greenheart helped me realize that family and community aren\u2019t confined by geography. Being part of the Council is about building that extended family \u2014 one that\u2019s global, committed, and deeply connected.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stavroula (Researcher):<\/strong> At a Greenheart event in Washington, I saw someone give an Acknowledgement of Country \u2014 a non-Indigenous person paying tribute to Aboriginal custodians. That moment reminded me that leadership is about showing up with humility, awareness, and care. That\u2019s the energy I bring here.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Allyson (Treasurer):<\/strong> Teaching in rural Thailand through Greenheart\u2019s Teach Abroad program taught me to lead with adaptability and compassion. Years later, returning through a Science Fellowship expanded my global perspective. That journey fuels my commitment to mentorship and community growth on this Council.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">What We Hope to Build Together<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jiro (Secretary):<\/strong> Intentional inclusivity, where every alum, no matter their background or location, feels seen, valued, and uplifted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Matias (Marketer):<\/strong> A stronger, more connected alumni network that carries forward Greenheart\u2019s mission of people and planet, long after the exchange ends.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Allyson (Treasurer):<\/strong> A mentorship and professional exchange program that keeps alumni engaged, growing, and connected to global opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stavroula (Researcher):<\/strong> Support. Transitioning back home can be disorienting. I want the Council to be a steady, understanding presence, an anchor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Loiseirene (Vice Chair):<\/strong> Collaboration. A global alumni community where we share ideas and resources and support each other toward impact.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">A New Chapter Begins<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we welcome the 2025 Greenheart Global Alumni Council, we\u2019re excited to begin a year rooted in connection, collaboration, and community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve already hit the ground running with our first alumni newsletter, and this is just the beginning. In the coming months, you can look forward to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The launch of our dedicated Greenheart Alumni LinkedIn platform, where you\u2019ll be able to connect, network, and grow together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More monthly newsletters featuring alumni stories, opportunities, and updates from across our global community.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quarterly webinars, and general resources for alumni.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re building something meaningful \u2014 and we want you to be part of it. Let\u2019s stay connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s build together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With gratitude,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Loiseirene on behalf of Greenheart Global Alumni Council 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Interested in supporting one of Greenheart\u2019s programs? Please click&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/donate\/\">here<\/a>&nbsp;for more information.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By: Loiseirene Nyawira Maina \u2013 Vice Chair of Greenheart&#8217;s Alumni Council In 2025, Greenheart changed the format and use of the Alumni Council (a stop in our <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39451,"featured_media":21699,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[217,218],"tags":[261,507,51,214,61,353,508,50],"class_list":["post-21697","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-greenheart-club","category-greenheart-international","tag-alumni","tag-alumnicouncil","tag-global-leadership","tag-greenheart","tag-greenheart-club","tag-greenheart-exchange","tag-odyssey","tag-volunteering"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21697","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/39451"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21697"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21697\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21710,"href":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21697\/revisions\/21710"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/21699"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21697"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21697"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21697"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}