THE KOREA SOCIETY

is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) organization with individual and corporate members that is dedicated solely to the promotion of greater awareness, understanding, and cooperation between the people of the United States and Korea. Learn more about us here.

2023-2024 NYC PROJECT BRIDGE YOUTH AMBASSADORS



2023-2024 NYC PROJECT BRIDGE YOUTH AMBASSADORS





Ayomide Adamu
 
Brooklyn Ascend High School
  I was born and raised in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents who are from very different tribes which has broadened my horizons concerning cultural differences and traditions. I was attracted to this program to explore more countries and cultures aside from my own. My aspiration is to become an international lawyer and work my way through other countries' healthcare systems and laws to apply them in less privileged countries. Currently I am a senior at Brooklyn Ascend High School where I am the Anime & Manga Club president and co-captain of the Track & Field team. I am also vice president of the Family Association Council and an honoree of the National Council of Negro Women. I’ve been a ballet dancer for almost a decade.



Zoe Browner
 
Columbia Secondary School for Math Science and Engineering
 

Born and raised in Harlem, I witnessed lots of misconceptions about my community. Through Girl Scouts, to which I have belonged for 10 years, I was able to recently create a Harlem online tour that promotes more cross-cultural understanding. I also often volunteer at Convent Avenue Baptist Church and at scouting events and am also a Sea Scouts member. A love of culture, foreign interactions, and learning led me to co-create the Cultural Immersion Club at Columbia Secondary School where I am a Junior. I led a unit on South Korea and fell in love with the culture. I hope to continue my 6 years of language learning and pursue a career in foreign affairs.




Jade Capellan
 
The Young Women's Leadership School of The Bronx
  I am a senior at The Young Women's Leadership School of The Bronx. I have many passions, but being civically engaged—with a particular interest in voting access and voter turnout that continues to remain stubbornly low in The Bronx—is one I prioritize. As a Youth Ambassador for NYC Votes I have worked to change this pattern for the next generation by hosting voter registration drives and presenting on the importance of voting at various schools and community centers. Also, as a former Student Body president I have learned first-hand the power of networking and social interactions. Living in New York City I meet people from many cultures and learn about differences and similarities. Through this program I want to gain insight on what it means to be Korean.



Elycarlos De los Santos
 
Flushing International High School
 

I am from a small town called Rio San Juan, Dominican Republic. I now live in Queens and, as a senior at Flushing International High School, my American dream is coming true. I have led my school’s chess club for two years and also interned as a teaching assistant. I plan on majoring in political science because I am interested in how government works. My parents created this opportunity for me and my sibling to find a future in New York City, a city filled with utopic dreams, where dreams are everywhere. But, because we might not see them we shouldn't rest in our search for them. That is how I found out about this amazing opportunity. I love to learn about people and their culture and look forward to learning about Korea.




Carina Fu
 
Susan E Wagner High School
 

I was born and raised in Staten Island, New York, and I am a senior in the Scholars Academy at Susan E. Wagner High School. In school, I am secretary of National Honor Society, coordinator of my school’s student teaching program, and section leader of the wind ensemble. Outside of school, I have worked in various levels of government and currently work at a non-profit. In my free time, I love practicing flute, making Spotify playlists, and hanging out with my friends. I have always been passionate about education and how it can empower others, and I hope through the experiences and connections I make as a Project Bridge Youth Ambassador, I can strengthen this passion.




Edith Garcia
 
City College Academy of the Arts
  Born in Manhattan, I am currently a junior at City College Academy of the Arts. Raised by two Mexican parents who did not speak English, my life has had ups and downs, both socially and academically. Despite these challenges, I can confidently say that they have had a positive impact on my personal growth. Ever since I can remember, I have maintained a deep connection with my culture. Through Project Bridge my goal is to gain insight into how Korean people are connected to their culture. Also, I hope to meet individuals with similar interests and, together, develop leadership skills that can benefit our community. I am particularly excited about participating because this is my first extracurricular activity. Even now, I wonder how I managed to convince my strict parents to let me be part of this program.



Alexander Langman
 
CSI High School for International Studies
 

Born in Brooklyn, but raised in Staten Island, I am a senior at the College of Staten Island High School For International Studies. I am a part of my school’s tennis team and the Staten Island Shockwaves Wagner College’s swim team. I love to learn about space and astronomy and constantly participate in student-led competitions hosted by NASA. I come from a family of immigrants; my dad is from Ukraine and my mom is from Russia. Growing up, I have always maintained a strong connection to both of these cultures and understand the differences between their traditions, customs, and practices. I am passionate to learn more about other countries’ cultures and traditions and am very excited to learn more about Korean culture.




Lizbeth Ramirez
 
Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics
 

Born and raised in the Bronx, I am a senior at Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics and am on the varsity bowling and table tennis teams. As the president of the crochet club, I fuse artistry and compassion to bring comfort and joy to young cancer patients by donating cancer caps to Crochet for Cancer. A new passion is exploring graffiti, reshaping it as an advocacy art form focused on combating gun violence and encouraging community engagement and social awareness. I have learned the importance of building connections and using my voice to enact change. As a Mexican-American, I take pride in my heritage and seek to help my community grow empathetic towards other cultures. As a Youth Ambassador, I want to learn about the beauty of Korean culture as well as the varied cultures of my peers.