A collage of photographs showing various youth activities and events around the world, including group photos, presentations, and award ceremonies, with labels of different countries at the top.

Vision and Mission

A world where every young person, regardless of background, has the knowledge, confidence, and opportunity to shape global solutions and lead meaningful change.

EMBRACE Youth International empowers the next generation of leaders by equipping underserved youth with global awareness, critical thinking skills, and the academic support needed to thrive in an interconnected world. Through education, mentorship, and access-driven programs, we transform potential into impact, locally and globally.

Learn more
Group of schoolgirls in school uniforms posing for a photo in a classroom with colorful decorations and educational posters.

We work through…

Four young women sitting at a table with various craft supplies, in a room with colorful artwork on the wall and computers in the background.

Global Education

that builds critical thinking, civic awareness, and systems-level understanding

Academic Empowerment

through mentorship, resources, and skill-building for under-resourced students

Leadership Pathways

that turn education into action and purpose

Indonesia United States Canada Mexico India Nepal Uganda Japan Singapore Morocco Tanzania Nigeria Egypt Thailand Sweden Trinidad and Tobago

Indonesia United States Canada Mexico India Nepal Uganda Japan Singapore Morocco Tanzania Nigeria Egypt Thailand Sweden Trinidad and Tobago

A classroom with students dressed in uniforms standing on either side and facing a woman at the front. The woman is wearing a sash and appears to be giving a presentation. An Indonesian flag is behind her. The classroom has tiled floors and posters on the wall.

1,300 youth, 25 countries

Assisted and provided education resources to 1.3 million individuals

First student-led organization to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Indonesia

EMBRACE Youth International

Six women are gathered around a table with wrapped gifts and snacks, celebrating together indoors. Some are making peace signs and smiling at the camera.
A group of children standing in a circle with their fists extended inward, wearing colorful bracelets, and standing on a dirt ground.
A group of fifteen diverse students wearing masks, indoors in a classroom or school setting, with some holding a colorful certificate or award.
A young boy is lying on a patterned carpet, holding a book titled 'Once Upon a Dragon and a Tiger,' and smiling at the camera.

Meet the Team

  • Two men standing side by side in a classroom with chalkboards in the background. One man is dressed in a suit with a tie and the other is wearing casual clothes with a jacket.

    Ryan Joseph

    FOUNDER

    Currently studying government and public policy at Dartmouth College, Ryan is an advocate for education and human rights. He is a 2023 Diana Award recipient and has served as an advisor to UNICEF.

  • A group of people at an indoor event. One woman holding a microphone and a notepad, smiling and speaking. Two men and one woman, some holding microphones or notes. There is a drum set and musical equipment in the background. Wooden slatted wall behind them.

    Jesslyn Pearl

    CO-FOUNDER

    Jesslyn is deeply passionate about environmental sustainability and has represented Indonesia at three Caretakers for the Environment International conferences. She is a full scholarship recipient at Methodist Girls’ School Singapore and serves as a 5 Rights Ambassador.

  • Three young women smiling and making peace signs while standing together indoors against a plain background.

    Nicia Bastiaan

    PRESIDENT

    Nicia is the first woman President of EMBRACE Youth International. She is a passionate advocate for cultural heritage preservation and environmental protection. Previously, she co-founded The Green Plate Foundation and represented Indonesia at the Caretakers of the Environment International conference.

  • Young women sitting at a conference table, some taking notes or using laptops, with one woman in the center listening attentively.

    Shereen F. Johan

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Shereen is dedicated to bridging educational gaps in underserved communities by making digital literacy more accessible. She is a 5 Rights Ambassador and serves on the Board of Advisors at Bridging The Gap, alongside Nobel Peace Prize nominees.

Advisory Board

A smiling woman with brown hair wearing a light blue blazer and a white top outdoors with green trees in the background.

Rochelle Prasad

Rochelle is an educator and policy advisor, serving as a faculty member at the University of Canada West and the University of California, Berkeley. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the SPARK Foundation, which focuses on democratising youth education. Rochelle was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women Executive Network in 2024 and was also recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 United States honoree for 2026.

Canada
A woman with glasses and a leather jacket standing in front of a large outdoor advertisement featuring a woman with dark hair, freckles, and jewelry, holding a paddle near water.

Iyan Moon Yang

Iyan Moon Yang is a model and content creator who has spoke at the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and Duke University. She is also one of the youngest and shortest models to walk for Dior. With a combined following of 1.3 million across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, Iyan uses her platform to inspire and influence audiences worldwide.

United States
A woman with long brown hair speaking into a microphone at an indoor event, wearing a black jacket with decorative white patterns and beige pants.

Pear is the founder of Her Period Dignity, a Thailand-based nonprofit working to make menstruation safe and dignified. She is also the founder and CEO of Foundess, a platform dedicated to supporting women and female founders. A Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia lister, Diana Award recipient, and UN Women 30 for 2030 honoree, Pear is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree at Stanford University.

Manyasiri (Pear) Chotbunwong

Thailand
Full Advisory Board

Follow Us on Social

Promotion for December HIV/AIDS Awareness Month by EMBRACE Youth, featuring a gradient background and a logo with vertical lines and text.
Screenshot of a virtual meeting titled "EMBRACE Youth Ghana Volunteers' Introductory Meeting" with eight participants visible in a grid, and a message at the bottom indicating volunteers from Ghana attended to learn about EMBRACE Youth's vision and mission.
Smiling young woman with long, wavy hair, wearing a dark top, with text overlaid that says "Forbes Under 30 United States 2026."
Instagram

Contact Us

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