Programs: UN 2008

Then: Undergraduate, College of Saint Elizabeth, New Jersey

Since: MS in Organizational Learning and Leadership, Barry University in Florida

“Athgo had a tremendous impact in my decision to choose my Master’s Degree. My year of attending the program, the forum was titled “Global Governance – Who Lead: Technology or a Distinct Mindset?’ “Global Governance” in terms of governing together, globally or locally, team-building and community building. The forum was about working with people from all over the world with different cultures, different perspectives and values for one common cause which was to develop a strategy in theme of sustainable energy for the improvement and enhancement of our global environment.

I was in awe in the way different people with different political groups and cultures were willing to work together when there is a shared aim. The Athgo experience gave me a different perception as to what direction I wanted to take in my career. I learned some very important lessons, the most rewarding aspect of it all, is the relationship I formed while I was there. I have friends from many parts of the world as a result. I try to carry these lessons I learned from the program with me daily in everything I do. People I encounter and work with are different from me in so many ways, thus it is important to know how to interact both in a professional and personal level.“

Programs: UCLA 2008, UCLA 2009, World Bank 2011

Then: Student, Political Economy at Laval University, Quebec, Canada

Since: Entrepreneur, Co-founder, Innovation Quebec; President, Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Saint-Laurent and Mont-Royal, Montreal, Canada

“Since 2008 I’ve attended 3 Global Innovation Forums as an intern, a research fellow and an evaluator. Athgo programs helped me improve my research skills and taught me creative thinking. Thanks to Athgo programs I developed a broad network of potential business partners through North America and learned innovation lessons from many successful entrepreneurs who attended the forums as panelists.“

Programs: Armenia 2006, Geneva 2007

Then: Student, American University of Armenia

Since: Representative of Extension Program and English Language Instructor, American University of Armenia

“Honestly, participation in Athgo forum was one of the greatest achievements I have had in my life. It gave me a great opportunity to develop myself both personally and professionally, as well as to get up to date knowledge from the experts of ICT sphere, to participate in interactive discussions with young professionals and to give the solutions to real life problems, also to meet many wonderful people with whom I still keep in touch. Being part of Athgo forum made me feel more confident, allowed me to express my ideas and thoughts more freely and also gave me the feeling that young generation has the power to solve the problems that global community is facing nowadays.“

Programs: World Bank 2009

Then: Summer Intern/Litigation assistant at Orlow, Kaplan and Hohenstein Immigration Law Firm in Philadelphia, PA
Undergraduate, International Studies, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus

Since: Managing Director, ISAPhiladelphia

“The forum gave me the opportunity to experience first hand project management from the conception of an idea, brainstorming sessions, research, planning, presentation and projected outcome. When I was given the opportunity to manage a nonprofit organization in Philadelphia which involves leading a group of bright, inspired, and dedicated Indonesian high school students, I knew that the information and skills gained during the forum would apply to my new leadership role. It was exciting to be in place where young professionals who shared the same passion for creating a better future through the sharing of information and ideas were able to learn, gather and share resources at an event such as the Global Forum.“

Programs: UN 2006, Geneva 2007

Then: MA student, Brock University; PhD student, International Relations, University of Alberta

Since: Director of Legislative and Political Affairs for the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association; Adjunct Professor of Political Science at the University of Alberta; Member Scholar, International Institute for Qualitative Methodology

“It is impossible for me to distinguish between my work and passion for international affairs, youth engagement and education without my links to ATHGO. Having been able to connect with world-class minds at an early age, and to delve into the key issues facing our world, I saw and accepted the challenge of doing my part to make the world a better place. The impact of the ATHGO conference heavily influenced my MA work on United Nations reform and security theory, and also contributed to the beginning of my PhD in the fall of 2007. During the 2007 Athgo Scholars Summit in Geneva, I was a doctoral student at the University of Alberta in International Relations. The wealth of knowledge and experiences gained at the Summit led me to continue working on international political issues, ultimately leading to the completion of my PhD from the University of Alberta, while also serving as a political affairs consultant to various levels of government and corporations. Working simultaneously in international relations and education, my hope is that I can somehow inspire today’s youth to not only take a keen interest in the world around them, but to work tirelessly on behalf of change.“

Programs: UN 2006, Geneva 2007

Then: PhD student, Clinical Psychology, University of Ottawa in Canada

Since: Assistant Director of the Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Education Center at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut; Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of Connecticut

“My participation in Athgo had a profound impact on me both personally and professionally. Originally I attended the Athgo program out of a sheer interest in learning more about international development, not viewing it as a possible connection to my Ph.D. program in psychology or future career aspirations. However, the connections I made and information I learned at both the NYC symposium and as a 2007 Geneva Scholar definitely served as a catalyst to redirect my career path. As one of the only psychology representatives at these programs, I was drawn to explore the role that psychology could play at a systemic level both domestically and globally.

I continued to pursue these interests throughout the remainder of my doctorate program and eventually completed my predoctoral fellowship at The Consultation Center at Yale University. I believe that my experiences through Athgo also helped to significantly strengthen my application for this competitive fellowship. I now work to develop and implement interventions both at the individual and group/systemic level in the area of trauma and sexual assault which is an area I had focused on both clinically and academically throughout my doctorate program.“

Programs: World Bank 2011

Then: Student, Georgetown University

Since: Director of Social Innovation, The International Youth Council

“Before Athgo, I was not sure of what I wanted to study in college and what I wanted to do afterwards. After the Athgo forum in 2011, I developed a more comprehensive understanding of sustainable development and how entrepreneurship can be a means to further international development while creating green jobs. Athgo helped cultivate a passion for social entrepreneurship and international affairs. Since then, I have worked at Ashoka to help bring innovation and social entrepreneurship to higher-education. This led me to become the Director of Social Innovation at the International Youth Council. It is a global coalition of over 5,000 young leaders across 30 countries committed to sustainable development.“

Programs: World Bank 2007, LA 2009

Then: Student, Global and International Affairs, State University of New York, Binghamton; Internship, American Security Council Foundation in Washington, DC

Since: Marketing and Communications Specialist at Accenture, Turkey

“Joining Athgo for the first time in 2007 provided me with an immense network of students, academicians and business professionals from all over the world. Because of the invaluable experiences I had in 2007, I attended my second forum in 2009 “Global Clean Technology” in beautiful campus of UCLA. Through the forums I participated and brilliant network of people I met in ATHGO, I not only developed my academic knowledge, but also came up with business models of civic entrepreneurship to catalyze my enthusiasm to world problems with feasible solutions. In such a short period of time, I have learned to overcome challenges as a team to achieve a common goal. I will always be a proud alumna of Athgo, a unique conduit for forward-looking approaches for the good of the environment and others. Athgo is also a life-time school for great network and opportunities.“

Programs: World Bank 2007, UN 2008

Then: MBA student, International Business, New Mexico Highlands University

Since: Masters in Professional Accounting, University of Texas, Austin; Audit Associate, Deloitte & Touche, Houston Office; Certified Public Manager and Certified Fraud Examiner; Executive Member, Association of Government Accountants, Austin Chapter

“The ATHGO Forums enabled me meet other young and bright students and individuals from all over the country, enabled me build and sustain long lasting relationships. The resources, personalities and people I met at these conferences inspired me to always think critically, globally but act locally. I ever since then became even more motivated to succeed. During my time there, I kept in touch with ATHGO and its programs and was surprised when I got a call one day from the Chairman and founder, Dr. Orujyan asking whether I could help in an entrepreneurial project. This definitely made me feel special and ever since, Dr. Orujyan has been an inspiration and a mentor to me and many of my friends in their pursuit of success.“

Programs: Armenia 2006, World Bank 2007

Then: Student, American University of Armenia

Since: CEO, EmmAroma 

“The Forums had significant impact both on my future career and on my personal world vision. I realized how much it was important to work with skillful people, to meet with them and share experiences. I remember a breakfast meeting that Athgo founder Dr. Armen Orujyan organized at the World Bank’s café with me and other ladies from Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey. That was very useful meeting for all of us. We were very young and it was very important to show us that there are things much more important than politics. Person matters in this world still!!!“

Programs: World Bank 2008, Online Internship 2010

Then: Undergraduate student, University of the Fraser Valley, BC, Canada

Since: MBA and MS of International Business, Vancouver Island University in BC, Canada  

“What a great opportunity that other young people should take advantage of in order to get inspired! Prior to attending the Athgo Forum, I was naive in believing that one individual can create so much change. During and after the conference, I was inspired to make a difference. When I got home, I got together young people in my community, and helped to create Project World Citizen; a non-profit organization to help build schools in rural communities in Ghana. We were successful in building a school in Ghana after a year.“

Programs: UCLA 2007, 2009

Then: Undergraduate Student, Double BA International Affairs and International Economics, American University of Paris, France; Foreign Exchange Student, Politics and Business courses, University of California, Santa Cruz

Since: Political Advisor, Centre Party in Sweden  

“Athgo has always been an inspiring factor, due to its capability to see into the future. Athgo is aware of the great talent possessed by young people and use their creativity to find useful solutions to global problems. Their attention to “constructive entrepreneurship” is key to their success. This is also, what I have brought with me in my work today. Creativity and entrepreneurship is something that we encourage a lot at my work because it very often generates innovation and good results.“

Programs: World Bank 2006

Then: PhD, Instructional Technology Program, University of Virginia

Since: Founder and Executive Director, IVECA International Virtual Schooling

“Athgo helped me open my eyes towards people in disadvantaged communities and find how young people can change the world. My enthusiasm and commitment to improve international relations and economic capacity through globalized education systems have become stronger. I founded a non-profit organization, IVECA Center for International Virtual Schooling in 2009. IVECA began with schools in Virginia and Korea. Over the time, more schools and teachers in New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Panama, Bhutan, and Taiwan have been involved in the programs. “

Programs: UN 2006, 2007

Then: Legislative Director

Since: Innovation Policy Analyst  

“Athgo’s programs provided an excellent opportunity to network and share ideas with like-minded people. They also provided useful exposure to the workings of institutions involved in addressing important global problems. Many years after first getting involved with the group, I enjoy still following its initiatives.“

Programs: World Bank 2011

Then: 3rd Year Marketing Student, Georgia College

Since: Associate at GA Tech, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

“Athgo impacted my life in many ways. I am more driven and confident than I was before attending the conference. I was lacking an eagerness to learn new things. Now, I am constantly testing my boundaries and trying new things. I love every minute.“

Programs: UN 2007

Then: Undergraduate Student, Lesley University

Since: Master’s student, Responsible Management and Sustainable Economic Development, United Nations – mandated University for Peace, Costa Rica

“There are two things that the Athgo forum taught me. The first was how to bring an idea to fruition – how to go from talking about something to having a tangible product. The second thing I learned is that we cannot achieve great success alone. It is through others that we recognize our talents and weaknesses. It is the team that allows our unique, individual roles to shine – even for an “artist-economist” such as myself.“

Programs: World Bank 2008

Then: Interdisciplinary PhD Student, Dalhousie University

Since: Marketing Manager with the Government of Nova Scotia; Part-Time Instructor, International Business Strategy, Dalhousie University

“The program was informative and rewarding with meeting like minded people from around the world with a rich program and support from Athgo International and the World Bank. The international teamwork environment at the forum helped me in my academic and work duties working with an international multi-sector environments.“

Programs: World Bank 2008

Then: Undergraduate Student, Economics and Diplomacy and World Affairs, Occidental College

Since: Creative Director, Digital Media and Films

“The program first illustrated how important the convergence of public and private sectors can be in generating impact driven solutions to pressing global problems. It got me thinking in ‘social entrepreneurial’ terms even before I knew there was such a field.“

Programs: UN 2007, 2008

Then: Undergraduate Student, Columbia University

Since: Project Manager, UNICEF

“Athgo played an important role in my introduction to international affairs and international development. It is through Athgo that I learned the true meaning of Global Citizenship, one powerful concept that has greatly influenced me and my career path.“

Programs: UN 2006, 2007

Then: Undergraduate Student, Hamline University, Minnesota

Since: Programme Officer responsible for the North American Task Force, UN Environmental Programme’s Finance Initiative

“The Forums have heightened my skills of consensus-building and resolution writing, but moreover I met really interesting people who I am still friends with and who continue to challenge me to grow.“

Programs: UN 2008

Then: Student, Dowling College

Since: Masters, Communication, University of Gothenburg

“Athgo made me realize I really would love to work for the UN, either abroad or in my home country Finland.“