Becoming a Global Leader, Recent Experiences from Inspirational Graduates

Being a Leadership Fellow with Global Language Network is a chance to make a difference while building your skills professionally in a non-profit environment working directly with GLN’s Program Coordinator, Yaa Nti and GLN’s Executive Director, Andrew Brown. 

Krista Westerlund, Mission Advocate, interviewed three outstanding Leadership Fellows and Interns as they shared candidly about their positive experiences in the program and how they will go forward as global changemakers thanks to directly supporting GLN’s mission of, “Using language as a tool to help fix our world.” The piece that follows is a spotlight of the talents and skills of each of these capable young professionals. They were asked the same series of questions in order to share their experiences with the community. Each of them praised the guidance of Yaa Nti as Program Coordinator and the dedication of the team as a whole.

Lara Garrity, Intern, Operations and Administration

“I learned everything.”

What brought you to Global Language Network?

I am majoring in Criminology and Korean at George Mason University and I am very interested in East Asia and in languages. The unique classes at GLN drew me to the organization. I found GLN while searching the internet for language internships because of my strong interest in linguistics.

What professional skills have you gained during your experience in the program?

So many, I became proficient in Excel, in databases, and in professional email communications. I learned flexibility, organizational skills, how to help people and how to be culturally-sensitive in any customer service situation. It developed my previous customer service skills in a new way.

Yaa Nti shared how Lara is both flexible and capable, rising to any challenge.

Were there any special moments?

There were lots of little moments with the team. We became more like friends than simply coworkers. Fitting the items from a very generous donation into my small vehicle with the Program Coordinator was very special.

How did your experience in the program help you to go forward with GLN’s mission? That mission is, “Using language as a tool to help fix our world.”

I gained a more global worldview as I learned to interact with those whose native languages are different than English. I thought a lot more about other cultures.

What is in your future?

I will be applying to government internships and to positions in the field of criminology. I will stay connected to GLN.

Yezhou Hu, Leadership Fellow, Marketing and Communications

“Here is a place where you can generate tasks independently.”

What brought you to Global Language Network?

I am in an international leadership fellowship program at Pepperdine University. I chose GLN based on prior recommendations, support for the mission, and based upon my international educational background. I speak the Suzhou dialect of Mandarin with interests in Chinese literature and poems as well as knowledge of many languages including French, Korean and Japanese.

What professional skills have you gained during your experience in the program?

I developed many skills in social media posting and the management of social media content. I also developed skills in answering phones and in email communications. I became more comfortable with communications in English. I also enjoyed creating posters and captions for social media. Additionally, I worked in GLN’s database. 

Were there any special moments?

My experience was brilliant. I had a great experience with Yaa. 

How did your experience in the program help you to go forward with GLN’s mission? That mission is, “Using language as a tool to help fix our world.

By being familiar with diverse languages, I can see the greater inspiration of humans to do their best.

What is in your future?

This was my first experience with an NGO. The concept is not as common in my country, China. This experience combined my interests and widened my perspective. I used to think of art and philosophy, but now, I have discovered new interests in communication and in public health.

I will continue my education with a focus on communication with the young. I want to be a bridge with the younger generations.

Li Lin, Leadership Fellow, Marketing and Communications

“I gained so much wisdom.”

What brought you to Global Language Network?

I found this program through The Washington Center. I am interested in different languages, backgrounds, cultures, and in being part of a big community. I am also a university student in Japan from China.

What professional skills have you gained during your experience in the program?

I was very drawn to social media and marketing. At GLN, I learned that my interest is in marketing and in understanding global consumer behavior. I became a leader in producing social media content. I enjoyed engaging people with the materials that I created.

I became better at professionally communicating through emails and through phones. I also became more confident in my use of English. 

Were there any special moments?

I had many moments with my colleagues. Another Leadership Fellow, Emma, made me a cake. I also enjoyed learning languages. Additionally, I assisted a teacher in the Mandarin language which I found to be very special.

How did your experience in the program help you to go forward with GLN’s mission? That mission is, “Using language as a tool to help fix our world.

Language is a tool in a global world. I am an international student who wants to work in the international community. I must think about different cultures. I can now connect with different people. I am also interested in the Spanish language and in Korean. At GLN, I became more comfortable with many languages.

What is in your future?

I would like to continue living in Japan. I want to work in marketing and to communicate with customers. I hope to attend graduate school, but my focus is on my profession.