Reach Alliance Alumni Delegation Shares Plans and Insights for 2025 AFS Youth Assembly in NYC Aug 8 to 10, 2025

The Reach Alliance is happy to announce that eight of its alumni will be representing the organization at the 2025 AFS Youth Assembly in New York City. These change makers are eager to connect, learn, and collaborate with global leaders as they explore pressing global issues and push for impactful solutions. Here’s what a few members of the delegation had to say about their excitement and pride in being part of this important event: 

Caroline Cheng Hui Xuan shared her enthusiasm about the upcoming assembly: “I’m incredibly excited to be part of the Reach delegation at the 30th AFS Youth Assembly! It’s a rare chance to connect with change makers from around the world, dive into tough but urgent global issues, and bring back fresh ideas to push our work, and each other, further.” Caroline’s dedication to tackling global challenges reflects the spirit of Reach Alliance’s mission to empower young leaders who are working to drive meaningful change. 

Alonso Muñoz Sanchez also expressed his excitement for the unique opportunity: “Whether defending democracy, advancing climate action, or advocating for marginalized communities, young people are leading global change. I’m excited to participate in the AFS Youth Assembly because it brings together a generation of leaders who aren’t waiting for permission to shape a better future. I look forward to learning from changemakers across the globe and empowering one another with the tools and strategies to create meaningful impact in our communities.” Alonso’s commitment to youth-led change underscores the collective power of young leaders to tackle the most pressing issues of our time. 

Kezia Doe Asare shared her thoughts on the importance of unity and building strong networks: “An Akan proverb goes ‘Prayɛ, sɛ woyi baako a na ebu; wokabomu a emmu’, which when translated means ‘One broomstick can easily be broken, but when many are put together, they do not break.’ In essence, resilience and unity are found in the coming together of many. A key reason for attending this year’s AFS Assembly is in partaking and developing a network of like-minded individuals pursuing the positive and upward progression of the African community. It’s imperative that I build a network of young leaders who are equally leading change albeit in other sectors or spheres of life.” Kezia added, “Being a part of the Assembly would enable me to do this and to learn from the journeys of changemakers who have gone ahead of me, understand the challenges they faced, how they overcame it, and how I can face similar situations that may arise in my journey towards change. I’m also equally excited to represent the amazing consortium of bright-minded individuals that make up the Reach Alliance and share the impactful work being done in several countries across the globe. Through our time at AFS and beyond, I hope that more students are encouraged to conduct meaningful research that shapes their communities in more ways than one.“ 

Abagail Contreras Hernández offered,”Being part of this year’s delegation at the AFS Youth Assembly feels like a transformative step in my journey as a global change maker. As a student of International Relations and Government, I’m eager to connect with young leaders worldwide to exchange ideas and collaborate on innovative solutions to global challenges. I hope to gain actionable strategies, expand my global network, and strengthen my leadership skills. This experience will directly support my goal of contributing to international policy-making and systemic change, while deepening my understanding of global collaboration and empowering me to drive equitable, sustainable impact.

As Reach alumni prepare to represent the organization at the AFS Youth Assembly, their voices reflect the organization’s core values: empowerment, unity, and the drive for positive social change. We are incredibly proud of these individuals and look forward to the inspiring conversations, collaborations, and growth that will come out of this extraordinary event.

Stay tuned for more updates from the AFS Youth Assembly as the Reach Alliance continues to elevate the impact of young global leaders working for a better tomorrow.