JA Worldwide Announces the First Cohort of AI Ambassadors
September 1, 2025
This year, JA Worldwide launched the AI Ambassador Program, a groundbreaking initiative that equips selected JA staff to bring artificial intelligence into JA learning experiences at the member and regional levels.
As AI Ambassadors, these JA staff will . . .
Collaborate with a global peer cohort
Develop and showcase AI-related projects
Receive expert guidance, training, and resources
Beginning in June 2025, Ambassadors will participate in weekly cohort activities to deepen their AI literacy and apply it directly to JA programs. Those who complete the program will earn a scholarship to attend GLC Rio in November 2025, where their final outputs will be featured on a global stage.
The JA AI Ambassadors represent a new wave of innovation across our network, helping ensure that young people everywhere gain the skills and confidence to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
Africa
Adewale Orebanwo, JA Nigeria
"I am deeply passionate about human capital development, and I believe incorporating AI into the learning curriculum of one program I love will help transform the educational structure in the country. My motivation comes from giving young adults the opportunity to live life to the fullest by accessing their innate potential. I look forward to learning with colleagues worldwide—from ideation to integration—and applying these ideas into the curriculum we already have."
Tricia Kwizeera, JA Uganda
"As a JA Company Program alumna, I was motivated to join this cohort to help bridge the gap between entrepreneurship and emerging technologies like AI in ways that make sense for students in low-resource settings. This is a huge opportunity for me to learn, co-create practical approaches to AI, and connect with peers across the network."
Foluso Gbadamosi, JA Africa
"I believe AI is a powerful tool to unlock opportunities for Africa’s youth, especially girls. I want to help shape inclusive, future-ready learning experiences that empower them as creators and leaders. I look forward to collaborating with like-minded peers, gaining insights on AI integration, and bringing scalable ideas back to JA Africa to amplify our impact."
Americas
Lucila Bonifacio, JA Argentina
"I’m motivated by the potential of AI to make education more personalized, accessible, and meaningful—especially for young people facing big life decisions. I look forward to collaborating with global peers to explore how AI can transform learning, empower students to navigate the job market, and open new opportunities in Argentina and beyond."
Jessica Rangel Silva, JA Brazil
"Since 2024, I’ve been focused on updating JA Brazil’s programs with relevant impact, immersive experiences, and accessible language. I’m motivated to join this cohort to deepen that work and excited to learn new strategies to enhance diversity, inclusion, and financial viability in our teaching resources."
Lucas González, JA Uruguay
"I’m excited to join this cohort because I believe AI has the power to transform how students learn and engage with the future. It motivates me to explore how we can integrate these tools in meaningful, responsible, and creative ways. Being part of this community shaping transformation is both inspiring and energizing."
Middle East North Africa
Khawla Al Ansari, INJAZ Bahrain
"I want to learn how to better integrate AI into student learning, especially as it becomes a common and widely used tool."
Alan Al-Ahmad, INJAZ Saudi Arabia
"Ten years ago, I learned that advancement is my biggest motivation. I can envision how this experience will bring advancement not just personally, but also for youth and communities. My project’s success will have a positive impact on millions of lives around the globe."
Sumaya Barakat, INJAZ Al-Arab
"As an Education Officer, I’ve seen students rush through courses just to earn certificates, without truly connecting. I believe learning should be personal—it should make you feel seen, grounded, and emotionally aware. This course bridges education, emotional intelligence, and creative therapy through art, and I’m excited to explore how these human elements can connect meaningfully with AI tools."
Europe
Asli Karabenli, JA Germany
"I’m motivated by the opportunity to actively shape how we integrate AI into education in meaningful and responsible ways. I’m especially looking forward to learning from peers worldwide, sharing ideas, and exploring how AI can enhance student agency and creativity in our programs."
Aoibheann Doyle, JA Ireland
"At Junior Achievement Ireland, we’re committed to ensuring all students are equipped to thrive in the future of work. Joining this program is part of our Strategy 2028 to upskill our own team in digital and AI competencies. I believe in empowering young people with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly digital world, and I’m excited to explore how AI can be used ethically and creatively to solve real-world challenges."
Francesca Mazzieri, JA Italy
"I’m excited to explore how AI can meaningfully enhance entrepreneurship education for teachers and students. A key goal is reaching as many students as possible in inclusive, high-quality ways, even with limited resources. I’m looking forward to exchanging ideas globally and co-designing learning experiences that are innovative, ethically grounded, and pedagogy-driven."
Europe
Vanessa Carolina Mercado Rivero, JA Europe
"Generative AI can collapse the distance between imagination and impact, especially for young people with limited resources. I want to be part of this movement, because I would’ve loved to receive this knowledge when I was younger. I’m most excited to refine scalable models for AI literacy, test prompt-engineering strategies, gather comparative data, and feel part of OneJA."
Asia Pacific
Retna Widiyasrini, JA Indonesia
"Leading STEM initiatives in Indonesia has strengthened my passion for coding and AI education. Witnessing limited resources in schools has deepened my commitment to bridging this gap. I’m excited to join the AI Ambassador Program to expand my knowledge, collaborate with peers, and develop impactful AI literacy initiatives."
USA
Monica McNerney, JA of South Florida