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From Rural Japan to Global Impact: Takeo Tokunari Took Risks to Follow His Dream
Now a consultant in Tokyo, Tokunari helped Aspire Institute during a pivotal summer and comes back to mentor Aspire Leaders Program alumni to share his story.
Howard Graduate from Rural Arkansas, Lamar Danley ALP ‘24 Hopes His First-Gen Journey Inspires Others
Danley hopes to secure freedoms and rights as a lawyer and educational advocate for all people in the United States while showcasing that folks like himself from low-income backgrounds and rural areas can achieve more than they ever imagined.
2025 Community Action Award Winners: Leading Local Change in Communities Worldwide
Learn more about Aspire Leaders Program alumni's Community Action Award projects driving social impact in 11 countries worldwide.
Sparking Innovation and Connection in the Heart of Kenya
At the Aspire Nairobi Alumni Gathering, 85 changemakers united to explore Africa’s entrepreneurial future, guided by global experts and fueled by community connection.
TK Hybrid Pod: Powering Possibility for Mali’s Next Generation
The TK Hybrid Pod is transforming lives in rural Mali by bringing digital access, education, and opportunity to communities where electricity and internet are still luxuries. Spearheaded by Aspire Leaders Program alum Adama, this mobile innovation hub is already gaining international recognition.
Texas College of Management and IT Partners with Aspire Institute to Expand Leadership Development Across Nepal
Texas College of Management and IT brings global leadership development to Nepal's youth through partnership with Aspire Institute.
Fadhrullah Yusop ALP ‘25 Gives Back the Gift of Belonging and Hope to Underserved Youth in Malaysia
A first-gen college graduate from a low-income family, Yusop lacked the guidance and confidence. Today, he provides underserved youth with hope through his full-time job, volunteer work, and entrepreneurial initiative
Angel V. Gallinal, Cuban Political Refugee and Inaugural Aspire Mentor, Values Reverse Mentoring
From humble beginnings as a Cuban political refugee, Angel Gallinal is now a successful leadership advisor and business professional motivated to “pay it forward” as a mentor to young leaders.
The Unwritten Rules of The Workplace: Navigating Internships and Early Career
Explore some unwritten rules of the workplace as you navigate internships and new careers after university.
Aspire Community Meetups Thrive Around the World!
Aspire alumni and current learners come together at in-person community meetups across five countries.
Championing Literacy: ALP Project Wins Accolades for Fadhrullah (ALP ’25)
Fadhrullah's literacy focused ALP project wins him accolades at international competitions.
Nigerian Entrepreneur, Rahmat Eyinfunjowo, Gives Back as a Mentor After Witnessing The Transformative Power of Mentorship
Nigerian entrepreneur shares how transformative mentorship inspired her to empower young professionals in Africa after leading a Mentorship Session for ALP alumni.
First-Gen Notre Dame Graduate, Raphael Banuelos ALP ’23, Finds Purpose Through Community Connection
Rafa Banuelos, 2023 Aspire Leaders Program alum, continues to give back to each community he is a part of and find the support he needs to continue to grow personally and professionally.
Mental Health Wisdom from The First Gen Madrina
Sara Diaz, Founder of The First Gen Madrina, shares advice on managing mental wellbeing.
Expanding Opportunities: Broadening the Aspire Leaders Program Eligibility Criteria
As we continue to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of young leaders worldwide, we are excited to announce an important update to our Aspire Leaders Program eligibility criteria. Beginning with Cohort 4 of this year, we are expanding our criteria to welcome learners from either limited-income backgrounds OR those who are first-generation to go to university in their family, meaning neither of their parents completed a bachelor’s-level degree.
Connecting Across Continents: Aspire Meets Learners in Colombia and New York
This month, Aspire team members traveled to Medellín and New York City, hosting in-person gatherings that brought alumni and learners together for the first time.
Global Women: Training a Generation of Changemakers Across Latin America
Designed to amplify women’s voices in decision-making spaces across Latin America, Global Women offers skills training, mentorship, and community to changemakers often overlooked in traditional leadership pipelines. In its first edition, the virtual event series reached 100 participants across 11 countries, catalyzing new grassroots initiatives and forging cross-border solidarity.
Asian University for Women Empowers Women Leaders and Builds Pathways for Global Leadership
AUW's Center for Leadership and Professional Development collaborates with Aspire Institute to bridge the gap between academics and workplace readiness.
Aspire’s Chief of Staff Organizes First Meetup in Colombia
Our Chief of Staff had the opportunity to gather with Aspire Leaders Program alumni and learners in the beautiful city of Medellín.
Nowshin Arafa ALP ‘25 Feels Inspired to Support Her Community in Bangladesh
A first-generation student from Bangladesh, Nowshin Arafa feels more driven to support her community after the Aspire Leaders Program.
First-Gen Financial Toolkit: From Tuition to Everyday Spending
Navigating finances in university can feel daunting, especially as a first-generation college student. We are sharing some tips to help!
Lighting the Path: Youth-led Conservation in Nairobi National Park
Discover how Evelyn (ALP '24) promoted conservation efforts at Nairobi National Park with her "Lion Lights".
Aspire’s Global Momentum in Türkiye and India
Aspire Institute global leadership is on the move, from Türkiye to India, its mission is igniting purpose, deepening connections, and empowering youth.
