Global Visionaries

10/06/2025

It was with deep sadness that we share difficult news: Global Visionaries is closing. Like many nonprofits, we’ve struggled to recover from the pandemic’s financial impact and have not been able to fully fund the program. Despite fundraising efforts, staff reductions, and scaled-back planning, we cannot sustain operations.

As we close this chapter, the board will be hosting a closing celebration to honor the people, programs, and ideas that made GV so special. Please join us on Nov 7 from 6-8:30pm for an evening of shared stories, a meal, and gratitude. Click below for details and tickets (suggested price is $20 - pay what you can).

https://globalvisionaries.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/GlobalVisionariesClosingCelebration/tabid/1562489/Default.aspx

08/29/2025

To our community: Thank you for your support, understanding, and belief in Global Visionaries' work – promoting youth leadership, social and environmental justice, and global solidarity. Now, more than ever, we need your support.

Like many nonprofits, Global Visionaries has been hit by the current economic climate, while still digging out of the hole left by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we recently made the difficult decision to lay off our full-time staff. Now, we urgently need to raise $50,000 – and we need your help.

Please visit the link below, where you can make a tax-deductible donation to Global Visionaries. The most important thing is that as many people as possible make a donation - whatever the amount!

https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/c2867a6b-56d6-41bc-a567-3941c419878e

Thank you for standing with us during this moment.

05/15/2025

We are thrilled to announce Dr. Polo DeCano as our guest speaker for the 2025 Global Visionaries Gala! 🎤

A passionate psychologist, educator, and resilience expert, Dr. DeCano’s career has been dedicated to amplifying youth voices, nurturing leadership, and creating pathways for youth to step into their leadership. His groundbreaking work in resilience, mental health, and systems change has empowered thousands of young people to thrive, lead, and make a lasting impact on their communities.

Join us on May 17 to hear Dr. DeCano share his powerful message: When we believe in youth, we build a more just and inclusive world. 🌍

🎟️ Tickets to the Gala are still available! RSVP here: https://globalvisionaries.ejoinme.org/gvgala25

Event Program:
6:00 – 7:30 PM: Cocktails, Silent Auction, and Activities
7:30 – 9:00 PM: Dinner, Program Speakers, and Live Auction
9:00 – 10:00 PM: Salsa Lesson and Salsa Dancing!

05/12/2025

This Saturday, we celebrate 25 years of impact — and you’re invited! ✨

Join us for Global Visionaries’ 25th Annual Gala from 6–10PM in Seattle! 🌎

Enjoy an unforgettable evening in support of youth leaders in Seattle & Guatemala — with powerful stories, great company, and meaningful change.

A few tickets left—grab yours before they’re gone!

Let’s raise the roof (and some funds!) together!

Link in bio to RSVP

05/06/2025

BINGO, but with extra sparkle! ✨💃

Join us for Global Visionaries’ Drag Queen Bingo Fundraiser!

This Thursday, May 8th | 6:30–9PM at Michael Florentino Cellars

FREE bingo, great prizes, and 20% of all sales support GV youth programs!
(21+ only)

RSVP now: https://www.exploretock.com/michaelflorentinocellars/event/546798/drag-queen-bingo

05/05/2025

Join us this Thursday May 8th from 6:30-9:00pm at Michael Florentino Cellars for an evening of connection, celebration, and impact at Drag Queen Bingo. This free admission, 21+ fundraiser bringing together alumni, families, school partners, and supporters who care about building a better future. This is more than just a bingo night—it’s a chance to come together as a community, enjoy great wine and food pairings, cheer on talented performers, and support the next generation of youth leaders. With exciting prizes, meaningful conversations, and plenty of ways to give back, this event is all about showing up for one another, and for the young people in our Global Visionaries program who are learning to lead with purpose. 20% of all proceeds and 100% of tips go directly toward empowering youth to create a more just and sustainable world. We hope to see you there, because leadership starts with community, and community starts with you!

🍷 Happy Hour kicks off the evening! Join us for handcrafted wines, good vibes, and delicious pairings. 👑 Drag Queens Bingo takes center stage from 6:30-8:30 PM. Experience fabulous performances, playful competition, and the chance to win exciting prizes—all while supporting a great cause! .....

05/05/2025

We are thrilled to share a recent article highlighting the inspiring journey of Global Visionaries' Executive Director, Mila Sandoval. As an alumna of the program, Mila's transformative experiences in Guatemala ignited her passion for social justice and youth empowerment. Under her guidance, students are developing as changemakers through service, cultural immersion, and a deep commitment to social justice.

We’re currently accepting applications for our Early and Late Summer Programs, an incredible opportunity for youth to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and engage in meaningful service both locally and globally. If you know a young person who’s ready to grow their global leadership skills, we’d love to welcome them into our community!

Want to support youth leadership even further? Join us at our upcoming Global Visionaries Gala on May 17th at the Pacific Tower and help us continue building the next generation of changemakers. Register today at bit.ly/gvgala25

Read more: https://queenannenews.com/news/2025/apr/29/magnolias-mila-sandoval-inspiring-youth-at-global-visionaries/

Global Visionaries Executive Director Mila Sandoval helps work the land at a coffee plantation during their recent trip to Guatemala. Courtesy Tim Rivera

04/03/2025

Join us Saturday, May 17th for our 25th Auction & Gala! Register today for a celebration of community, growth and leadership: https://globalvisionaries.ejoinme.org/gvgala25

12/03/2024

🌍✨ This , join Global Visionaries in empowering youth to lead a more just and sustainable future! 💚

Since 1997, we’ve been making a lasting impact in our community at home and abroad:

🌟 Over 3,500 youth participants recruited in Seattle and Guatemala 🇬🇹
🏠 47 homes, schools, and community centers built in Guatemala
🌱 37,000+ new trees planted
💪 587,000+ hours of community service completed

Today, your support can help us continue this legacy by:

🌱 Providing financial aid to youth on immersion trips
🎨 Expanding our justice-focused programs into arts & culture
🌟 Preparing youth for meaningful community work, from reforestation to helping at hospitals in Guatemala

Help us reach our $10,000 goal today! Every contribution—big or small—empowers young leaders to transform communities and protect our planet. 🌎💪

Together, we’re building a better tomorrow! 🙌

https://globalvisionaries.org/donate/

10/20/2024

Join our online information night this Tuesday to learn more about Global Visionaries programs, financial aid and fundraising, and about going on an international experience of a lifetime! 🌎 sign up at https://linktr.ee/gvisionaries

05/15/2024

We’re still basking in the glow from all of the good vibes and support we received at our annual celebration and fundraiser on May 4th. Thank you to all the volunteers and event attendees who made this possible.👏👏

We raised 💰 for scholarships, local transportation for Guatemalan youth, and community service projects. For those who couldn’t make it, we’d love your support. https://globalvisionaries.org/donate/

04/22/2024

Each year over 100 Seattle-area students journey to Guatemala to grow as leaders and global citizens. This year, we're bringing elements of this experience to our annual celebration. Please join us on May 4th and discover delicious Guatemalan street food, shop in a mini Guatemalan craft market, practice your Spanish, participate in a live auction, and most importantly -- support Global Visionaries! Tickets & Registration: https://globalvisionaries.org/annual-event/