Outstanding AFS volunteers from around the world have been awarded scholarships to support their participation in the 30th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly (August 8-10, 2025 in New York City). These AFS volunteers underwent a competitive selection process to join the AFS Youth Assembly. They will play a key role in organizing the event and delivering a seamless experience to Youth Assembly Delegates.
This session of The Youth Assembly is the fourth one organized by AFS Intercultural Programs, a global non-profit that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS has 50+ national organizations worldwide whose work largely relies on volunteers—people of all ages and backgrounds who are committed to fostering global citizenship in their communities and the world.
Meet these outstanding young people below!
THE YOUTH ASSEMBLY IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS TO SUPPORT OUR EVENT THROUGH June 5, 2025. APPLY NOW!
Lucy Rapfogel
AFS USA, 22 years old
Lucy has been an active AFS USA volunteer for the past five years. She has taken on a bigger role within her local AFS team, organizing outreach efforts and conducting interviews for new volunteers. Her dedication to AFS extends beyond her local chapter, having supported the AFS Global STEM Academy for the past three years, where she has developed strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
Her passion for supporting AFS exchange program participants was reinforced when a former student attending the AFS Youth Assembly reached out to her for help with travel, logistics, and navigating New York City. This experience inspired Lucy to volunteer at the event, ensuring that participants feel supported and welcomed. She is particularly excited about the opportunity to connect with AFS volunteers from around the world and deepen her understanding of global education.
In addition to her work with AFS, Lucy has extensive experience coordinating large-scale events at NYU and non-profit organizations. From organizing the NYU London end-of-semester event for over 450 students to managing a high-profile speaker event featuring Pulitzer Prize winner Corey Johnson, she has proven her ability to handle complex logistics. Most recently, she supported UJA-Federation of NY’s Leadership Convening, assisting with pre-event planning and on-site logistics.
Álvaro Hermínio de Morais Marinho
AFS Brazil, 23 years old
Álvaro is an active and committed volunteer in AFS Brazil, with extensive experience supporting exchange students and coordinating international programs. For the past three years he has served as an exchange student advisor and chaperone for the AFS Global STEM Academy in Brazil, helping young participants adapt to new cultural environments. In this role, he has provided guidance, managed logistics, and ensured the well-being of students throughout their experiences. His responsibilities have included coordinating activities, overseeing accommodations, and handling real-time problem-solving.
Álvaro also plays a key role in the AFS Global STEM Academy Brazil Design Team, where he helps plan and organize the program. His strategic mindset and ability to align program objectives with on-the-ground execution have been essential to his work. Additionally, as the Alliances Coordinator for the Natal Local Chapter, he successfully helped secure a partnership with ENGIE, funding 10 exchange scholarships—a testament to his ability to negotiate, build relationships, and create opportunities for young people.
His dedication to AFS goes beyond program coordination; he has also participated in key national events and trainings, such as the AFS Brazil National Meeting and Formivate, further strengthening his skills in leadership, communication, and intercultural understanding. He thrives in multicultural environments, balancing organization and adaptability to create welcoming experiences for both exchange students and volunteers.
Nina Grmuša
European Federation for Intercultural Learning (EFIL), 30 years old
Nina has been a dedicated volunteer for the past 12 years, taking on multiple leadership and coordination roles across various initiatives. She has played a crucial role in the PEACE Program as a trainer, team coordinator and general coordinator demonstrating her expertise in event planning, logistics, and team management. At the AFS Volunteer Summer Summit, she has contributed as a trainer, support team coordinator, and trainers coordinator, further solidifying her experience in leading teams and facilitating impactful learning experiences.
Nina served as an European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteer at the EFIL office for a year, where she actively participated in organizing large-scale events, handling logistics, risk management, and communication. She was responsible for the logistics of the Governance and Leadership Seminar in 2022 and continues to contribute to EFIL as a member of the European Pool of Trainers. Currently, Nina serves as a Chairperson on the Advisory Council on Youth at the Council of Europe.
Nina’s contributions extend to multiple AFS organizations, where she has been involved in organizing local and national events, including orientations and general assemblies. Currently volunteering with AFS Sweden, she plays a key role in structuring training programs, organizing volunteer seminars, and supporting strategic initiatives as a board member. Since April 2023, she has focused on school relations, external partnerships, and the development of new programs, and she is currently leading the organization of AFS Sweden’s General Assembly.
Anoushka Anbhule
AFS India, 28 years old
2024 Young AFS Volunteer Award Winner
Anoushka began her AFS journey as one of the 20 scholarship recipients for the Asia Kakehashi Program in Japan in 2021-22. Inspired by her experiences there, she returned to her rural hometown of Nanded, India, eager to engage her community. Despite being the only active AFS alumna in her area and lacking a local chapter, Anushka took the initiative to organize activities and collaborate with AFS alumni nationwide.
After completing the AFS Student Learning Journey and the Global Competence Certificate (GCC), she launched Project GloRal (Global + Rural), focusing on education for underprivileged children. This initiative was part of the KL-YES Alumni project, where Anushka served as a co-facilitator for workshops promoting the AFS Student Learning Journey Curriculum and GCC courses. Project GloRal’s success led to her invitation to present at the AFS Youth Assembly’s Youth at the Frontlines: Action and Impact Hub, representing India as the youngest member of the Global Educators’ cohort.
Anushka became a vital link between her rural community and the AFS National Office, ensuring that underserved areas received attention and support. By connecting with neighboring chapters, she fostered relationships that facilitated the exchange of ideas and resources, significantly impacting volunteerism and education in her region.
Her innovative approach in Project GloRal engaged 150 students through workshops aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, covering topics such as self-awareness, health and hygiene, and mental well-being. Currently studying in Japan, Anushka is working on a research paper on global education in rural areas and plans to expand Project GloRal to Japanese communities.
Juan Sebastián Porras Chaves
AFS Colombia, 27 years old
2023 Young AFS Volunteer Award Winner
Sebastian, an AFS volunteer since the age of 14, has consistently demonstrated remarkable dedication to the organization’s mission. His journey with AFS began in 2012, driven by his passionate commitment. Initially, he assisted in preparing students for international journeys and actively contributed to promotional efforts. As he grew within the organization, Sebastian received training as a contact person, providing crucial support to host students and actively participating in monthly hosting meetings.
In 2017, Sebastian embarked on a scholarship-backed exchange program in Germany, further deepening his connection with AFS. Upon his return, he engaged in promotion. In 2018, he introduced a school visitation methodology, conducting informative tours of Popayán, a significant contribution to the organization.
One of Sebastian’s most impactful contributions lies in the realm of environmental education in local schools. He initiated ecological initiatives and conducted German language classes for sending participants, leaving a lasting impression on the community. Sebastian’s competence, honed through various workshops, enables him to effectively lead activities. At the age of 25, he now serves as the esteemed president of the Popayán committee, actively mentoring new volunteers and warmly welcoming participants into his home, considering them part of his extended family.
Sebastian’s dedication, commitment, and contributions as an AFS volunteer are truly exceptional. He embodies the spirit of AFS by shaping the intercultural experiences of students and engaging in promotions. His influence extends to globalizing educational institutions through school visitations and informative tours, exposing students to diverse cultures and perspectives. Furthermore, his involvement in projects focusing on recycling and environmental conservation highlights his dedication to expanding access to intercultural education, creating awareness, and making an impact on participants and his community.
Karin Gazdová
AFS Slovakia, 26 years old
Karin has been a dedicated volunteer with AFS Slovakia, taking on numerous leadership and coordination roles within the organization. She has served as a contact person for exchange students and coordinated multiple camps for both sending and hosting exchange participants, managing orientations and ensuring smooth event flow. Karin has organized international trips for hosted students in Slovakia, leading excursions to cities like Vienna, Prague, and Budapest, and has consistently demonstrated her ability to manage logistics and foster meaningful cultural experiences.
Her passion for intercultural exchange and youth development is reflected in her work as a trainer and member of the AFS European Pool of Trainers (EPOT) as well as her role representing AFS Slovakia at international events. Her experience extends to major European AFS events, including her role as Participant and Plenary Coordinator for PEACE Camp, where she oversaw communication between AFS partners, managed airport logistics, coordinated transportation, and prepared event materials for over 300 students and 50 volunteers. She has also contributed to the AFS Volunteer Summer Summit 2023, ensuring workshop and plenary spaces were set up for success.
Her recent leadership as Head Coordinator for the international project Promoting North Africa and Turkey as an Exchange Destination through Volunteer Study Visits underscores her commitment to expanding exchange opportunities and fostering collaboration among AFS partners.
Alexandra Fosser
AFS Sweden, 22 years old
Alexandra is an active and passionate volunteer with AFS Sweden, currently serving as a national trainer, national camp coordinator, and local chapter volunteer. Over the years, she has taken on numerous leadership roles, including producing and launching the AFS Interkultur Podcast and leading the marketing efforts for Sweden’s national host family recruitment campaign.
As Camp Coordinator and Camp Chief for several large national camps, as well as countless local camps, Alexandra has consistently received excellent evaluations from participants. She has also facilitated numerous workshops for both sending and hosting participants, further honing her teamwork, leadership, and public speaking skills.
Beyond her work with AFS, Alexandra has experience as a travel guide in Rhodes, Greece, where she welcomed hundreds of guests each week, managed check-in processes, led information sessions, and handled on-the-spot problem-solving. During a period of severe forest fires on the island, she played an important role in crisis management, supporting both guests and staff in challenging circumstances.
Haruna Inoue
AFS Japan, 29 years old
Haruna is a dedicated and compassionate leader with a strong background in event coordination and volunteer support. An AFS study abroad alumna to the USA in 2013, she continued her involvement as an enthusiastic volunteer in Tokyo for over two years, organizing events with hundreds of participants. She has also played a key role in organizing and facilitating pre-departure orientation camps, helping young participants prepare for their exchange experiences.
Currently, Haruna serves as an Ambassador for Columbia University, where she manages event registrations for groups of 50 participants, ensuring smooth logistics and excellent participant experiences. She has also successfully organized TED events, handling venue arrangements, catering, schedules, and correspondence with speakers—further demonstrating her ability to manage complex events with care and precision.
Haruna’s commitment to supporting others extends beyond her professional roles. She has provided pro-bono assistance to Ukrainian students in Japan, helping them navigate the job market by offering guidance on Japanese culture and work environments and providing one-on-one coaching to boost their confidence for job interviews.
Pavarisa Vinidpongpun
AFS Thailand, 21 years old
Pavarisa is a creative and dedicated AFS volunteer from Thailand, currently studying Communication Arts. With a background as both camp staff and Co-Camp Director for AFS, she has played a crucial role in selecting and mentoring returnees, evaluating their social and leadership skills, and ensuring a strong pipeline of future camp leaders. Her involvement extends to photography at AFS orientations, where she captured key moments to create impactful visual content.
Her academic and extracurricular experiences have further developed her communications and media expertise. As part of a thesis project team promoting train travel in Thailand, Pavarisa produced interactive Instagram stories, TikTok videos, and engaging content across multiple platforms. She has also conducted interviews and prepared content briefs, refining her storytelling abilities for social media.
Pavarisa’s early experience managing her own YouTube channel gave her a strong foundation in content creation, which she continues to build through her passion for photography and videography. She is particularly skilled in crafting authentic, engaging stories for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Gypsy-Rose Koteka
AFS New Zealand, 22 years old
Gypsy-Rose brings a rich multicultural perspective to this year’s team, with Māori and Cook Island heritage and deep roots in community leadership. Growing up around marae closely connected to the Kingitanga movement, she has been actively involved in organizing and participating in large-scale cultural events, equipping her with strong organizational and facilitation skills.
Her leadership role in Kapa Haka, a Māori performing arts group, has sharpened her ability to engage diverse audiences and ensure events run smoothly. As an AFS exchange student to Sweden, she enjoyed sharing her cultural heritage with her host community, while embracing new perspectives that further enriched her global outlook.
Professionally, Gypsy-Rose has developed strong customer service skills through her role at a recruitment and contracting company, where she managed client assignments and handled inquiries with efficiency and care. Her experience spans coordinating community events and facilitating orientations for AFS, where she confidently interacted with diverse groups and helped ensure smooth registration processes.