Research shows that children and youth who are exposed to global ideas at a younger age are more likely to be globally engaged and to study abroad as adults. Shaping global mindsets and global citizenship needs to begin early. This episode’s guest is David Janes, Executive Director of the Global Citizens Initiative, a nonprofit whose programs and resources empower young global citizens around the world. David has had a long career in international education, global affairs,
and philanthropy, with a focus on Japan and Asia. He came to GCI after serving as Chief Advancement Officer at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University
(OIST) and President and CEO of the OIST Foundation, which has a strong focus on education. This episode also focuses on David’s experience as a seasoned nonprofit founder and leader.
Episode themes:
The Global Citizens Initiative model and its grounding in research from Project Zero and the Harvard Graduate School of Education
David’s early exposure to global thinking in high school and how this led to a career in U.S.-Japan relations
David’s passion for building bridges between the U.S. and Asia through education and how this led him to found EngageAsia, a U.S.-based nonprofit that fosters cross-cultural understanding and builds community throughout the Asia Pacific region through innovative education programs
Key challenges and opportunities that nonprofit leaders face during this post-pandemic phase
Lessons and advice for those wanting to launch and lead nonprofit organizations
Episode resources:
Toward the 21st Century: Education for a changing world, by Edwin O. Reischauer
Follow David on LinkedIn and GCI on LinkedIn
During Asian American Heritage Month 2023, listen to Episode 23 with Neil Ruiz of the Pew Research Center, episode 24 with Yingyi Ma of Syracuse University, and episode 20 with author, Dori Yang
My book: America Calling: A Foreign Student in a Country of Possibility
Sign up for America Calling: my take on the intersection of education, culture and migration
