Global Changemakers Symposium

Connect With Changemakers

Forge powerful connections with businesses, nonprofits, elected officials, and innovative individuals who are already creating waves in the world of sustainability. Rub shoulders with like-minded peers and gain invaluable insights from those who are turning their visions into reality.

Obtain New Tools & Best Practices

Equip yourself with cutting-edge tools and resources that will take your passion for change to new heights. Discover best practices from industry leaders, learn about innovative technologies, and gain practical skills to tackle the world's most pressing challenges.

Elevate Your Learning Experience

Dive deep into immersive workshops and thought-provoking discussions that will elevate your understanding of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Expand your horizons, challenge your perspectives, and be inspired by trailblazers who have already sparked meaningful change.

Ignite Your Passion For Causes

Reignite your passion for the causes you already care about, and explore new areas that resonate with your values and aspirations. Whether it's climate action, social justice, education, or any other cause close to your heart – this symposium will fuel your drive to make a difference.

Network With Experts & Influencers

Rise above the ordinary and network with esteemed experts and influential figures who have made significant strides in sustainability and social impact. Learn from their experiences, ask questions, and gain valuable mentorship that will accelerate your journey towards creating a ripple effect of change.

Capture Your Professional Journey

As you embark on this transformative experience, we'll help you capture the moment with a professional headshot photo that reflects the empowered changemaker you are becoming.

9:30 - 10:00 A.M.

Registration Opens
Professional Photo Headshots Available

10:00 - 10:45 A.M.

Welcoming Ceremony:

Keynote: Empowering Change: Project Embrace's Journey to Medical Inclusivity

15-Minute Networking Break

11:00 - 11:45 A.M.

Morning Breakout Sessions (Choose One Session):

Welcome to Utah: An Immigrant's Story
Advancing Women's Health and Rights
Write to Inspire: A Social Impact Workshop

11:45 - 12:45 P.M.

 Networking Lunch & Activities

1:00 - 1:45 P.M.

Afternoon Breakout Sessions (Choose One Session):

From the City to the Reservation: Homelessness and Poverty in the U.S
Youth Leaders Building Community

15-Minute Networking Break

2:00 - 3:00 P.M.

Closing Ceremony:

7 for 17 Award Recognition
Prizes Giveaway
Closing Keynote

Adjourn

Empowering Change: Project Embrace's Journey to Medical Inclusivity
Join us for an inspiring keynote speech by Mohan Sudabattula, the visionary leader behind Project Embrace, a Utah nonprofit dedicated to fostering medical inclusivity and acceptance in our communities. Mohan will share the remarkable story of Project Embrace's evolution, its profound impact on Utah and the world, and the powerful lessons learned along the way. Discover how simple ideas from young people can transform lives and create a more compassionate and united society. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and learn how we can all play a role in building a more inclusive world.

Mohan Sudabattula is the Founder and CEO of Project Embrace, a healthcare nonprofit that brokers medical supplies and is dedicated to increasing access to healthcare services and technology for all. Project Embrace has a rich and successful history working with low-resource and disenfranchised communities such as, but not limited to, the unsheltered, undocumented patients, refugees, at-risk women and children, indigenous and native communities, veterans, and the severely impoverished. As a healthcare entrepreneur, his work has been published and celebrated across numerous professional and academic stages such as our local state legislature, the University of Utah School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical School, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford Law School, the University of Oxford, the United Nations, and the TED stage. His business acumen and drive for social impact earned him a recent spot as one of Utah Business’ “20 in their 20’s”.  More recently, Mohan was invited to be a Maker Fellow sharing in a selective cohort of the world’s top Founders with members from Forbes 30 Under 30, Y Combinator, a16z, Sequoia Capital, the Founder’s Fund and the Thiel Fellowship.

Connect with Mohan Sudabattula through Linkedin. 

Join us for an enlightening panel discussion, "Welcome to Utah: An Immigrant's Story," featuring remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to supporting and advocating for immigrant communities. This event will provide a unique opportunity to hear firsthand experiences, insights, and perspectives on the immigrant journey in Utah.

Meet our distinguished panelists:

• Alexander Bybee: With a wealth of experience in supporting immigrant communities and policy development, Alexander Bybee has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to licensure for immigrants. As the son of an immigrant and married to a former DACA recipient, his passion for immigrant rights is deeply personal.
• Alex Pham (moderator): Alex Pham, a Vietnamese junior at Skyline High School and a Young Diplomats Participant, will lead this engaging discussion, ensuring that the voices of the youth are heard and integrated into the conversation.
• Jose Manuel: A doctoral student at Utah State University, Jose Manuel's research focuses on improving the psychological well-being of undocumented individuals. He is committed to making psychological interventions more accessible to this community, drawing from his own experiences as an undocumented Mexicano.
• Yaël David-Fiedel: Yaël's journey from France to the United States, coupled with her diverse background, has ignited her passion for working closely with people from all walks of life. Having navigated the complexities of the U.S. immigration and employment systems, she now dedicates her time to empowering immigrants through her work as a case manager.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, engage in meaningful dialogue, and celebrate the resilience and contributions of Utah's immigrant community. Whether you are an immigrant yourself, an advocate, or simply interested in learning more, this panel discussion promises to be an enlightening and inspiring event. Join us as we come together to celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and build a more inclusive Utah.

Join us for a powerful and insightful panel discussion on advancing women's health and rights, featuring two remarkable young advocates who are making a significant impact in the realm of women's health and rights.

Meet our inspiring panelists:

• Amira Kherrallah: Amira Kherrallah, originally from the Central African Republic and now a resident of the United States, is a social entrepreneur, audio-video specialist, and community health worker. She is the founder of PreventHer, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating refugee and immigrant women about breast cancer and women's health while advocating for increased screening opportunities. Amira's commitment to community service extends beyond PreventHer, as she actively participates in programs such as The New American Civic Academy and The New American Advisory Council.
• Eliza Hunter: Eliza Hunter is on a mission to combat period poverty in the state of Utah. As a Student Ambassador for the Utah Period Project, she has tirelessly worked with school administrators and Utah legislators to promote HB 162: Period Products in Schools. Her unwavering dedication led to the unanimous passage of this groundbreaking legislation, requiring all public schools in Utah to provide free menstrual products in restrooms. Eliza's impressive work earned her an honorable mention with the Period Project, and she is currently pursuing her education at Brigham Young University.
• Lola Obalana (moderator): Lola Obalana, a student at Brigham Young University will lead this engaging discussion, ensuring that the voices of the youth are heard and integrated into the conversation.

This panel discussion promises to shed light on crucial issues surrounding women's health and rights, showcasing the determination and passion of these young advocates. Gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by women and the innovative solutions being championed by the next generation of leaders. Whether you are a health professional, advocate, or simply interested in driving positive change, this event is an opportunity to engage with inspiring individuals who are making a difference. Join us as we empower and uplift women's voices and rights in our communities and beyond.

Unlock the power of words and harness your passion for change in our engaging panel discussion, "Write to Inspire: A Social Impact Workshop." Join us for an enlightening journey into the world of advocacy, intersectionality, and social justice through the art of writing, as we hear from two remarkable speakers who have dedicated themselves to making a difference.

Meet our inspiring panelists:

• Anika Rao: Anika Rao, a first-year student at The University of Utah, embodies the spirit of advocacy, social justice, and the written word. As a first-generation Indian immigrant to the United States, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her observations of systemic inequities in both developing and developed nations. Anika firmly believes that addressing multifaceted issues of inequity requires interdisciplinary knowledge, collaboration, and the clear articulation of complex concepts—an area where her passion for writing and journalism converges with her values. During her tenure as the Editor-in-Chief of her high school's newspaper, The Red and Black, Anika prioritized covering underrepresented communities, amplifying their voices, and sharing their stories. Her community engagement extends to volunteering with the Salt Lake City Public Library, where she has led projects aimed at increasing representation in literature. Anika has also served as a mentor for the Salt Lake Peer Court, a restorative alternative to the juvenile justice system. In addition, she tutors piano students in underserved communities and brings music to senior centers through The Mundi Project, a Utah-based music nonprofit. Anika's leadership roles in the National Honor Society and Key Clubs underscore her commitment to service and community betterment. With aspirations of a career in journalism, she hopes to cover global economic, social, and political development, using her writing as a tool for positive change.
• Gabriella Miranda: Gabriella Miranda, a senior at Rowland Hall, is a beacon of youth leadership and advocacy. Her commitment to creating positive change spans across critical areas such as reproductive justice, racial equality, gender equity, and education empowerment through intersectionality. Gabriella's influence within her community is profound; she serves as an educator for Planned Parenthood, where she is a member of their peer-led sex education council. She is also a valuable contributor to the American Institute of Research's national "Youth Engaged 4 Change" editorial board, crafting content to empower and inform her fellow youth advocates. Beyond her national involvement, Gabriella is a member of the United Nations' "Girl Up" Teen Advisory Board. Her impact extends into the political realm as well. Gabriella has been an active part of the Attorney General's Youth Advisory Committee, engaging directly with lawmakers to present and provide feedback on legislation. Her work with the Library of Congress has been instrumental in developing resources centered on activism for their youth-focused exhibits. Additionally, she has contributed her expertise to the "Alliance for a Better Utah" organization, where she reports on ongoing gerrymandering legislation in the state. Gabriella's journey is a testament to the power of youth voices and the written word in driving social change.

Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by the impactful journeys of Gabriella Miranda and Anika Rao as they explore the transformative power of the written word in advocating for social change. Join us for an interactive and thought-provoking workshop that will empower you to write, inspire, and make a difference.

Join us for a thought-provoking and informative panel discussion, "From the City to the Reservation: Homelessness and Poverty in the U.S.," where we will explore the critical issues of homelessness, poverty, and advocacy through the eyes of passionate and dedicated youth and young adult speakers.

Meet our inspiring panelists:

• Hailee Hernandez: Hailee Hernandez, a first-generation Mexican and Native American student, is pursuing a Master of Arts in Community Leadership with a specialization in Trauma Resilience and Restorative Justice at Westminster College. Hailee possesses a profound passion for amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals within her community. She is a former Global Leaders Scholarship Recipient and 7 for 17 award winner, embodying a commitment to making a difference.
• Jakey Siolo: Jakey Siolo is a Queer Sāmoan community and political organizer and advocate, leaving an indelible mark in the fight for equity and justice. Currently overseeing Case Management and Advocacy for PIK2AR (Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources), Jakey focuses on supporting NHPI (Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander) survivors of domestic violence and trauma, addressing these issues through a culturally sensitive lens. Jakey is also the Senior Engagement and Major Gift Officer at YWCA Utah, leading fundraising and events to support YWCA Utah's mission of Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women and all marginalized communities. As the Director of Nuanua Collective, Utah's only organization for LGBTQ+ Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders, Jakey is dedicated to creating an ocean of opportunities, support, and empowerment for LGBTQ+ Pacific Islanders in Utah. With a career committed to making waves of change and empowering communities, Jakey disrupts systems of harm and collaboratively works to create better systems of care for our communities.
• Matthew Koopman: As the Homeless Services Coordinator for Utah Community Action, Matthew Koopman plays a pivotal role in overseeing intake and diversion workers at homeless shelters in Salt Lake County. With over two years of experience in homeless services and a background in food service, he brings a unique perspective to addressing homelessness. Matthew holds a BA in history and philosophy from the University of Minnesota Morris.
• Ruby Vejar: An extraordinary student at Weber State University, Ruby is a first-generation student, and understands the unique challenges that many face when pursuing higher education. What makes Ruby special is her unwavering dedication to helping others. Her impact goes beyond campus boundaries. She actively participates in numerous clubs and organizations, offering free art classes, family photos, music lessons, and scholarships to those in need. Her generosity extends even to strangers she encounters. Having experienced food insecurity while growing up, Ruby is determined to prevent others from facing the same hardships. She collaborates with the Center for Community Engaged Learning, assisting students dealing with food insecurity and serving as a mentor to support their success. Ruby's commitment hasn't gone unnoticed. She holds leadership roles, such as being a board member of USHEAN, focusing on accessibility and poverty-related issues. Her expertise and passion have led her to serve on the UServeUtah College Council.

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with these exceptional individuals as they share their experiences, insights, and solutions to the pressing challenges of homelessness and poverty in the U.S. Gain a deeper understanding of these complex issues and learn how collective action and advocacy can create positive change in our communities. Join us for an enlightening discussion that inspires action and compassion.

Prepare to be inspired by the remarkable stories and leadership journeys of two dynamic young individuals who are making a significant impact in their communities and beyond. Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion, "Youth Leaders Building Community," featuring our distinguished speakers:

• Abukar Hassan: Abukar Hassan, a senior at the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business, embodies excellence in education, public service, and community engagement. As a two-time recipient of the U.S. President's Award for Educational Excellence and a 2022 recipient of the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, Abukar's commitment to academic and civic achievement is undeniable.His extensive experience includes roles as a Presidential Intern, Vice-President for the Student Alumni Board at the University of Utah, and E-commerce Lead at Ahmed Investments. Abukar's passion for community engagement shines through his leadership in a youth initiative against homelessness and his involvement with a non-profit that supported over 60,000 Muslims in voter registration.Currently serving as a partnership fellow with AIEDU, Abukar is dedicated to advancing AI education and understanding in marginalized communities. He also holds the position of President of the Student Alumni Board, where he fosters connections between current students and alumni, promotes philanthropy on campus, and cultivates a lifelong love and loyalty to the University of Utah. Abukar's commitment to the student community extends to his role as one of nine commissioners for the Student Advisory Council for the Utah Board of Higher Education, where he actively captures student voices on issues related to safety and equity at public Utah colleges and universities, finding solutions with key stakeholders.
• Hollis Hunt: Hollis Hunt's journey is a testament to the power of compassion, cross-cultural understanding, and community-building. With roots in both Utah and Thailand, Hollis has devoted himself to fostering connections and creating meaningful experiences that bridge cultural divides. Having served as a missionary in Thailand for two years and subsequently teaching the Thai language to service missionaries, Hollis developed a deep bond with the community. His dedication extends beyond language instruction, as he has led transformative trips for youth groups to Thailand and various other countries worldwide. Hollis actively shares his experiences as a professional speaker and advocate through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' media platform. Armed with a degree in Experience Design and Management from Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Business, Hollis excels at creating empathetic connections. His current initiative, Treehouse Talks, seeks to amplify marginalized voices and build an empathetic community among young adults. Additionally, Hollis is engaged in meaningful work with a faith-based international non-profit that sends youth around the globe for humanitarian missions.

This panel discussion promises to be an inspiring exploration of leadership, community engagement, and the power of youth in shaping a better future. Join us as we celebrate these exceptional young leaders who are making a tangible difference in our communities and exemplify the potential for positive change in our world.

Keynote details coming soon.

SDG #1: No Poverty

Jakey Siolo is a Queer Sāmoan community & political organizer and advocate. Currently, Jakey oversees Case Management & Advocacy for PIK2AR Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources and has made an impact working with NHPI Survivors of Domestic Violence & Trauma. They approach violence prevention from a cultural lens, navigating culture, gender, and identities as pathways to find healing. In addition to their work with the Pacific Islander community, Jakey is the Senior Engagement & Major Gift Officer at YWCA Utah leading efforts in fundraising & events to support  YWCA Utah's mission of Eliminating Racism & Empowering Women & all marginalized communities.  Jakey is also the Director of Nuanua Collective, Utah's only organization for LGBTQ+ Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islanders whose focus is on creating an ocean of opportunities, support, and empowerment for LGBTQ+ Pacific Islanders in Utah. Jakey has dedicated his career to making waves of change and empowering communities and is committed to disrupting systems of harm and working as a collective to create better systems of care for our communities. 

SDG #2: Zero Hunger

Ruby Vejar is an extraordinary student at Weber State University. Being a first-generation student, she understands the unique challenges that many face when pursuing higher education. What makes Ruby special is her unwavering dedication to helping others. Her impact goes beyond campus boundaries. She actively participates in numerous clubs and organizations, offering free art classes, family photos, music lessons, and scholarships to those in need. Her generosity extends even to strangers she encounters. Having experienced food insecurity while growing up, Ruby is determined to prevent others from facing the same hardships. She collaborates with the Center for Community Engaged Learning, assisting students dealing with food insecurity and serving as a mentor to support their success. Ruby's commitment hasn't gone unnoticed. She holds leadership roles, such as being a board member of USHEAN, focusing on accessibility and poverty-related issues. Her expertise and passion have led her to serve on the UServeUtah College Council.

SDG #3: Good Heath & Well-being

Gabriella Miranda is a Senior at Rowland Hall whose work with advocacy centers around reproductive justice, racial equality, gender equity, and cultivating empowerment through education and intersectionality. Within her community, she works as an educator for Planned Parenthood as a member of their peer-led sex ed council, serves on the American Institute of Research national "Youth Engaged 4 Change" editorial board creates content for other youth advocates, and is a member of the United Nations' "Girl Up'' Teen Advisory Board. She's served as a part of the Attorney General's Youth Advisory Committee, presenting and providing feedback on legislation to lawmakers, has worked for the Library of Congress, developing resources centered on activism for their youth-focused exhibits, as well as the "Alliance for a Better Utah" organization, reporting on ongoing gerrymandering legislature in the state.

SDG #4: Quality of Education

Anika Rao is a first-year student at The University of Utah studying Political Science and Quantitative Analysis of Markets and Organizations. As a first-generation Indian immigrant to the United States, she has observed systemic inequity in both developing and developed nations. Her interest in social and economic justice stems from these observations. Anika believes that solving the multifaceted issues of inequity requires not only interdisciplinary knowledge and collaboration but also a clear articulation of these complex concepts. This is where her affinity for writing and journalism intersects with her values. As the Editor-in-Chief of her high school's newspaper, The Red and Black, she prioritized covering underrepresented communities in her school. Anika also engages with her community through service. She volunteers with the Salt Lake City Public Library, where she has led projects aimed at increasing representation in literature. She was also a mentor for the Salt Lake Peer Court, a restorative alternative to the juvenile justice system. Anika tutors piano students in underserved communities and performs for senior centers with The Mundi Project, a Utah-based music nonprofit. She has served in leadership roles in the National Honor Society and Key Clubs. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in journalism and cover global economic, social, and political development.

SDG #5: Gender Equality

Daniel Romero-Guerrero is a trans-masculine immigrant individual from Guadalajara, Jalisco living in Salt Lake City pursuing Gender, Ethnic, & Disability Studies. Passionate about community service and community-facing efforts, he uses his knowledge and access to resources as a consultant developing Conexion Consulting. Daniel is also a community health worker with Alliance Community Services primarily serving the Hispanic/Latine population overseeing Covid Equity & Health Literacy programming through outreach, prevention, and client navigation. Partnering across multiple agencies he is developing connections targeting identified gaps in services. Additionally, Daniel sits on the Board of Directors for Utah's LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce as the Ambassador Chair where he serves LGBTQ+ and allied small businesses with a focus on leadership and economic empowerment. Formerly with Salt Lake County's Mayor's Office of Diversity Inclusion, he led the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Rising Leaders Network an initiative to enhance leadership, civic, and professional development opportunities for marginalized communities within Salt Lake County. He chooses to intentionally lead and collaborate with the communities he belongs to and interacts with. 

SDG #5: Gender Equality

Eliza Hunter fights to combat period poverty in the state of Utah, serving as a Student Ambassador for two years with the Utah Period Project. Working with school administrators and Utah legislators, she promoted HB 162: Period Products in Schools, requiring all public schools in the state of Utah to supply free menstrual products in restrooms, which passed unanimously. She received an honorable mention for her work with the Period Project and currently attends Brigham Young University.

SDG #10: Reduced Inequality

Jose Manuel Gonzalez Vera is a doctoral student at Utah State University, working under the mentorship of Dr. Melanie Domenech Rodríguez. His research interests involve improving the psychological well-being of undocumented people. Through his research, Jose Manuel plans to make psychological interventions more accessible to undocumented people. His passion for working with the undocumented community stems from his work with the Latine community, his review of literature on undocumented Latines, and his own experience as an undocumented Mexicano.

If you are interested in sharing information about your organization and would like to table at this event, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  Number of tables is limited.