The return of Ambassador Corps at Lynn University

After a four-year hiatus, the Social Impact Lab and the International Programs and Services team are re-introducing the Ambassador Corps program to Lynn University. Four students with different majors ranging from marketing, elementary education, communications and media, and social innovation management, will share a common goal during the eight-week program: to engage, connect and create a long-lasting global impact in two culturally distinct communities.

Ambassador Corps was brought to the university in 2017 by the late Jerry Hildebrand, former Social Impact Lab director at Lynn. Hildebrand's vision was to build a program dedicated to making positive change—his dream in life was to make the world a better place. Antonella Regueiro, the lab's current director, is ensuring that dream stays alive. 

"We couldn't be more excited for our students heading abroad this summer," said Regueiro. "Throughout their journey, they'll discover the value in providing impact globally and will become more well-rounded individuals in the process."

Regueiro worked closely with Carol Stax Brown, director of International Programs and Services, to introduce Cultural Connections and Volunteers—a new global collaborator for Lynn. With over a decade of experience bringing impact across the globe, the organization focuses on providing the ideal international volunteer environment that can spark the catalyst for real-world change. Stax Brown and Regueiro analyzed the organization's mission and alignment with Lynn's goals and the Ambassador Corps program. 

"We're thrilled with Cultural Connections and Volunteers," said Stax Brown. "We want to see how else we can work with the organization to get Lynn students abroad and participating in impactful projects." After the collaboration was solidified, Regueiro immediately recruited potential candidates for the program's comeback. At the same time, she campaigned to generate donations to fund the program and researched which countries and programs would best align with Lynn. In the end, four lucky students were selected to embark on journeys to Ecuador and South Africa. 

Before the departure, students participated in rigorous orientation sessions, diving into topics like safety and security abroad, sustainable development goals, social media and public relations tactics and more. To ensure proper safety abroad, various Lynn staff members took trips to the sites where students will be staying during the eight-week program, immersing themselves into the environment while vetting the safety and overall experience of the program.

Stax Brown and Caroline Mertins, study abroad advisor, visited Quito, Ecuador.

While overseas, the four chosen students will focus on initiatives that address ecotourism, sustainable restaurants, reforestation projects, micro businesses and more.

Alexandra Escobar '25 and Nyana Chillous '26 will head to Quito, Ecuador, with the Ecuador Coordinator Organization. The organization focuses on social and conservation volunteer programs in Quito and the Galápagos Islands. 

Chillous, an elementary education major, will work with Escobar, a social innovation management major, to help Cristóbal Colón Spanish School students develop their English language skills. Chillous looks to be as helpful as possible for students learning the language and hopes to push them to the next level of learning. Escobar also hopes to develop a deep understanding of social innovation management by addressing real-world challenges in Quito. 

"This program will provide me with practical experience in implementing sustainable initiatives and fostering community development, which are central to my career aspirations in social innovation management," said Escobar. "By engaging in hands-on projects and building relationships with local communities, I'm laying the foundation for a future career dedicated to creating positive social and environmental change."

Kynda Green '24 and Tonya George '25 will head to Melkhoutfontein, South Africa, to work with the Dreamcatcher program. Established in 1991, Dreamcatcher's vision is to innovate and develop a sustainable solution to break the mold of recurring poverty. 

George, a marketing major, talks about how growing up in Trinidad sparked her desire to create positive change. "By volunteering with Dreamcatcher, I'll not only gain practical experience in social impact initiatives but also deepen my understanding of global issues and diverse cultures," said George. "This firsthand exposure will shape my future endeavors, guiding me toward a career dedicated to making a meaningful difference in communities worldwide."

Green, a communications and media major, looks forward to helping the Dreamcatcher program in any way she can. She will create a visual documentary of her experience and use the video footage to help expand reach and find more volunteers. 

The group sets off on their journeys on May 7 and May 9 and will return at the end of the Summer I semester. 

The Social Impact Lab always seeks passionate volunteers to change the world. To learn more about their flagship program and apply, please visit lynn.edu/ambassador-corps.