Outstanding AFS volunteers from around the world have been awarded scholarships to support their participation in the 31th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly (August 12-14, 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland). These AFS volunteers underwent a competitive selection process to join the AFS Youth Assembly. They will play a key role in organizing the event and delivering a seamless experience to Youth Assembly Delegates.
This session of The Youth Assembly is the fifth one organized by AFS Intercultural Programs, a global non-profit that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS has 50+ national organizations worldwide whose work largely relies on volunteers—people of all ages and backgrounds who are committed to fostering global citizenship in their communities and the world.
Meet these outstanding people below!
THE YOUTH ASSEMBLY IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS TO SUPPORT OUR EVENT THROUGH June 17, 2026. APPLY NOW!
Baltazar Nicolás Salvatierra Costas
AFS Argentina & Uruguay, 22 years old
Baltazar has served as a key volunteer supporting major binational events across AFS Argentina and Uruguay. Last year, he coordinated logistics for two key activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary: the Annual Leadership Convention, the organization’s most important annual gathering for over 300 volunteers, and the Global Education Symposium.
His consistent performance and reliability have made him a staple of high-level AFS operations. He was also selected for the High Impact Coordinators Meeting in October 2024 and specifically recalled for the October 2025 edition due to outstanding performance, overseeing logistics for 50+ top coordinators. Additionally, from 2022 to the present, he has executed logistics for several large-scale student arrivals in Buenos Aires, managing transportation and ensuring safe transfers to their host families.
Callan Shanks
AFS NEW ZEALAND, 23 years old
Callan’s journey as an AFS alumnus and volunteer has helped him thrive in diverse, intercultural settings, connecting with changemakers through the Zhi-Xing China Young Leaders Fellowship in China and recently collaborating on a teaching role at an international school in Malaysia. In 2025, Callan served as the Relations Officer for the New Zealand Model Parliament, a flagship civics education event for UN Youth New Zealand. Beyond this national role, Callan has demonstrated sustained leadership as the Vice-President of his local UN Youth chapter, a position to which he was recently re-elected for 2026.
Callan’s expertise lies in high-level stakeholder engagement and event logistics. He has successfully managed relationships with former cabinet ministers, mayors, and sitting Members of Parliament, chairing panel discussions and ensuring a seamless experience for guest speakers. His background in legal education has honed a detail-oriented approach, allowing him to multitask effectively and remain adaptable in the high-pressure environment of large-scale conferences.
Carina Börries
afs portugal, 50 years old
Carina’s history with AFS is a lifelong journey: she first joined the organization as a 1992 participant in the USA, and has since served as a Hosting and Sending Mother, Contact Person, and the Aveiro Chapter Coordinator.
Carina brings a solid blend of professional expertise and long-standing volunteer commitment in AFS Portugal. With a professional background in Marketing and Corporate Communication and endless dedication to AFS, she’s more motivated than ever to help drive the AFS movement forward, having won national recognition for her excellent work at the local level, strengthening the Aveiro Local Chapter in all areas.
Carlton Kojo Amegashie
AFS ghana, 26 years old
An active leader of the AFS Accra local chapter, Carlton approaches every task with energy, reliability, and a genuine desire to make experiences enriching and meaningful for everyone involved. Currently serving as an Administrative Coordinator for the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and formerly the Office Manager for the British High Commission in Accra, he has built a professional career centered on high-level event execution.
Carlton thrives in multicultural environments, coordinating logistics with teams and partners based in Pretoria, London, and Germany, while supporting delegates and speakers from across Africa, Europe, and other regions. His ability to adapt to changing circumstances, maintain clarity, and sustain group morale has been a consistent strength.
Federico Cigolot
AFS USA, 24 years old
In high school, Federico went on an exchange in the US and upon returning home, volunteered with AFS Italy. Federico then went back to the US for college on a scholarship and graduated from Dartmouth in 2024 with a degree in International Economics, subsequently moving to Washington, DC, where he now works as a public affairs consultant.
Upon arriving in DC, he became actively involved with the Capital team there as a way to give back to an organization that fundamentally changed his life. Over the past year, he has supported multiple student orientations, led workshops, and organized community-building events. Federico possesses a remarkable track record of managing high-level logistics and foreign delegations. While at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), he supported policy roundtables involving U.S. policymakers and South Korean ministry officials. His experience extends to the Woodrow Wilson Center, where he facilitated complex research presentations, and to his time at Dartmouth, where he served as a Residential Advisor and International Student Mentor.
Flavio Cappelletti
AFS ITALY, 22 years old
Flavio has been a dedicated volunteer with AFS Italy since 2021, building a strong foundation in participant support and event management. Currently serving as the President and Sending Coordinator for his local chapter in Rome, he’s always available to support in activities and help every participant feel supported, oriented, and comfortable from the very first moment they arrive.
His experience extends to international events, where he has demonstrated a high degree of responsibility and logistical oversight. In 2023, Flavio served as a supporting member at the EFIL Peace Camp in Brussels, directly assisting with registration procedures and participant guidance for a diverse global cohort. Additionally, he served as a group leader for a group of Italian students attending a semester program in Australia, where he was responsible for coordinating arrivals, managing group movement, and supporting participants throughout the program.
Franziska Ninaus
AFS austria, 23 years old
Currently a member of the National Board of AFS Austria, Franziska has continuously invested her time and energy in creating meaningful intercultural experiences for others and brings a wealth of leadership and organizational experience to AFS. This background is complemented by a professional traineeship at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce in Stockholm, where she regularly coordinated high-level events, managed venue logistics, and supported international speakers and guests.
Franziska’s expertise lies in creating inclusive and well-structured environments. She has organized and led specialized sports camps for children and adults with disabilities, and through AFS, she has experience supporting educational programs and group activities: She organizes events, facilitates group sessions at camps, and supports young people from different backgrounds in their learning journeys.
Gabriela Alejandra Alarcón Catalán
AFS chile, 42 years old
A former exchange participant in Belgium Flanders, Gabriela’s dedication to the organization is lifelong: she has held key roles in sending, hosting, and institutional promotion across the Valdivia and Castro local chapter. Currently residing in Belgium, she continues to serve the AFS mission remotely as a strategic volunteer for AFS Chile, focusing on social media management and outreach for her local committee.
Professionally, Gabriela is an expert in high-end hospitality and large-scale event management. A graduate in Hotel and Restaurant Management, she brings experience leading teams and coordinating major conventions in the hospitality industry. Gabriela uniquely combines technical excellence with an unconditional vocation for service, placing all her skills at the disposal of the optimal functioning of any AFS activity she takes part in.
Jorren Almey
european federation for intercultural learning and AFS low lands, 22 years old
Jorren is a prominent young leader, serving as co-president of his local chapter in AFS Low Lands, a member of the EFIL Youth Advisory Committee, and currently interning in AFS Sweden. He has shown enthusiasm and constant commitment in all his roles, at the local, national, and European levels. His background in youth work, international programs, and student leadership has helped him develop strong communication, organization, and group facilitation skills.
Jorren thrives behind the scenes, supporting logistics and participant facilitation. His experience ranges from managing audience flow and speaker support to guiding delegation groups through complex international programs. Known for his reliability and enthusiasm, Jorren is dedicated to youth development and intercultural engagement.
José Ángel Sánchez Benzal
AFS SPAIN, 63 years old
José Ángel currently serves as a member of the National Board of AFS Spain, bringing a strong professional background in finance and a reputation for being highly dynamic and proactive. His transition into national leadership follows a dedicated journey at the local level, where he was consistently present in student and family orientations, creating relations that ensure an amazing AFS experience for everyone in his local chapter.
His expertise in large-scale event operations was demonstrated last year during the first Chapter Leadership Summit in Málaga, where he served as a vital member of the logistics team. In this role, he proved his ability to handle the complexities of a major gathering with efficiency and a solution-oriented mindset, approaching every task with a huge, welcoming smile and commitment to the success of the event.
José David Miron Turcios
AFS HONDURAS, 25 years old
A dedicated volunteer in AFS Honduras, José David combines social commitment, communication skills, and practical experience to amplify youth voices and generate real impact. With a background in Law and International Business, he possesses a solid understanding of institutional processes and civic responsibility. Professionally, he has excelled as a digital content creator and photographer.
Beyond his professional work, Jose David is a seasoned entrepreneur and community leader. As the founder of an event photography startup, he has extensive experience in real-time event coverage and coordinating under pressure. His commitment to social impact is demonstrated through his annual volunteer work with Samaritan’s Purse, where he supports humanitarian aid and food delivery initiatives in rural Honduran communities. These experiences have deeply reinforced his dedication to community service and global solidarity.
Juliana Anita Macêdo Pereira de Paula
AFS BRAZIL, 25 years old
Juliana is a final-year Law student and a distinguished advocate for Human Rights and Sustainability, currently serving as an Alliances Coordinator and Facilitator for her local chapter in AFS Brazil.
As the former President and Vice President of major International Model United Nations (MUN) simulations, she managed events for hundreds of delegates and a staff of 110. Beyond coordination, Juliana brings specialized experience in delegation facilitation. She served as a Chaperone for the Global STEM Academies for two consecutive years, acting as a cultural and linguistic bridge. She is a master at keeping groups safe, happy, and inspired to change the world.
Maria Skamnelou
AFS GREECE, 20 years old
Maria is a central figure in the Thessaloniki local chapter, serving officially as Communications Coordinator while effectively co-managing the chapter’s operations. Her leadership was instrumental in planning the Open Intercultural Day of AFS Greece, an event gathering dozens of families, participants, volunteers, and alumni.
Her consistent performance has earned her the trust of the EFIL, where she was twice selected for the support team at the PEACE Camp (2023 & 2024) and the Volunteer Summer Summit (2025). With just a few years of volunteering, she has quickly developed a lot of experience, always leading with empathy and being appreciated by her fellow volunteers and staff for her commitment and positive and constructive attitude.
Marie Catanese
AFS usa, 27 years old
Marie’s journey with AFS began as a Kennedy-Lugar YES Abroad scholar in Malaysia, an experience that ignited a lifelong commitment to intercultural dialogue. Since her return, she has become an enthusiastic member of the AFS Baltimore area team and taken part in the Scholarship Review Committee.
As a Program Analyst working in the regulatory and Congressional liaison space, she thrives in fast-paced, high-profile environments. Marie is a strategic thinker who excels at finding cost-effective solutions under tight constraints. Whether she is coordinating bus logistics for YES arrivals at Dulles Airport or managing supply chains for international workshops, Marie’s approach is defined by maturity and meticulous preparation. She is dedicated to providing the behind-the-scenes excellence that allows participants to shine, ensuring they have every resource needed to tackle the world’s most pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges.
Neider Samir Caceres Celis
AFS COLOMBIA, 25 years old
Neider Samir joined AFS Colombia in 2022, quickly establishing himself as a dedicated advocate for volunteer development and social service in the Cúcuta local chapter. His commitment to the organization’s mission led to his appointment in 2025 as a national member of the Ethics Committee. With years of experience in customer service, Neider knows exactly how to make everyone feel supported and listened to.
He’s passionate about contributing to building a better society with the tools he’s developed. As a teacher, his goal is to educate and inspire; and as a volunteer, to give visibility to the causes that need it most.
Sorami Ikoma
AFS japan, 25 years old
Sorami is a bundle of welcoming warmth from AFS Japan, serving as a contact person for the Nara local chapter. She has a extensive experiece serving as an intercultural guide, from helping the Greek delegation at the Tokyo Olympics to guiding guests at the Osaka Expo, and serving as a Resident Assistant at an international dormitory during college.
Sorami remembers feeling anxious about her own English skills during her AFS exchange, and the kindness she received from volunteers changed her life forever. Now, she’s on a mission to pay that kindness forward, committed to welcoming people who are challenging themselves in an unfamiliar environment with a warm smile and a positive attitude, doing her utmost to create a safe space where they can deepen their learning.
Tianyi Zhang
AFS CHINA, 24 years old
Tianyi is a volunteer leader from the Shanghai Chapter, recognized for his experience in supporting intercultural programs. He has twice served as a Team Leader for the STEM Academies in China, and has supported several Arrival Orientations, where he was responsible for the safety and well-being of participants, fostering deep cross-cultural connections and ensuring a productive environment for all delegates.
He is known for his exceptional coordination skills, having led students on multiple cultural explorations around Shanghai, seamlessly managing complex transportation, dining, and scheduling requirements. Tianyi is dedicated to the mission of youth development and is eager to apply his intercultural skills to support an incredible experience for all delegates.
Jhony Abreu
AFS BRAZIL, 37 years old
With a massive heart for learning and an endless spark of curiosity, Jhony is a true champion of youth development as the President of the Manaus local chapter.
Blending his deep love for the AFS mission with incredible expertise in neuropsychopedagogy and school management, Jhony is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Education and Emerging Technologies. Plus, he’s the founder of the startup EduMaker and CEO of EduSapiens, he loves making learning magical through educational robotics, creative teacher training, and innovative learning methodologies. He is absolutely passionate about strategic people management and empowering the next generation with the tools they need to change the world. With his bright, forward-thinking energy and deeply nurturing spirit, Jhony can’t wait to bring his warmth to the international stage, making sure every single delegate feels supported, valued, and ready to shine!
Priya Jadav
AFS CANADA, 26 years old
2025 AFS Young Volunteer Award Winner
Priya’s AFS journey began as an exchange student from India to Czechia in 2016. She returned home inspired to give back, and has since become an outstanding volunteer leader across the AFS Network, being recognized by the 2025 AFS Young Volunteer Award.
In India, Priya served in several local roles while leading community service projects that reached thousands of students. Her volunteerism expanded to Czechia, where she became a trainer at the country’s largest volunteer event, Megavikend, and joined the European Pool of Trainers. With AFS Canada, she has transformed volunteer operations and created the “Alumni Project 2025,” a program mobilizing alumni to deliver intercultural workshops in Canadian schools.
Priya’s profession is now in the construction industry, as well as teaching. Through her experience, she’s been able to reach youth and stay connected to AFS’s mission to promote education and STEM as key aspects of personal development.
Congratulations to these outstanding AFS volunteers!