ABOUT
Born from the Surge Institute Fellowship. Built for the neighborhoods that have been waiting.
MISSION
To engineer a global infrastructure that cultivates the next generation of systems-thinkers. We bridge the gap between local genius and international opportunity, building resilient social and environmental solutions led by those closest to the challenge.
VISION
A future where global competency is no longer an extra. It is a necessity. We envision a world where the most impactful innovations are led by those with the lived expertise to scale change across borders.
HOW WE STARTED
GLE was conceived during Kimesha James's year as a Surge Institute Fellow in Chicago (CHI24). The Surge Fellowship asks its leaders to articulate a Freedom Dream, a vision of education rooted in their lived expertise and the communities they serve.
Kimesha's conviction was simple: the most effective architects of change are those closest to the challenge. Young people from under-resourced neighborhoods are not problems to be solved. They are the problem-solvers who have not yet been given a passport.
GLE became the answer. A nonprofit subdivision of Journeyz Travel, built to take the next generation of leaders out of their neighborhood and into the world, then bring them home to build.
Surge Institute Fellow, CHI24. Educator. Global Strategist. Entrepreneur.
THE BOARD
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Educator · Global Strategist · Entrepreneur · Life-Learner
With a career rooted in transformative education and strategic program management, Mesha is dedicated to bridging the gap between classroom learning and global leadership. As an entrepreneur and the visionary behind Journeyz LLC, she brings a unique blend of operational expertise and a passion for life-long learning to the Global Leadership Experience.
BOARD PRESIDENT
APSW, MSW · Author · Mental Health Advocate · Strategic Leader
Emily brings a powerful combination of expertise and literary insight to her role as Board President. As an Advanced Practice Licensed Social Worker and published author, she ensures that GLE's leadership development is grounded in emotional intelligence, wellness, and ethical integrity.
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
Ph.D · Educational Consultant · Community Builder · Fundraising
Tamika is a powerhouse of strategic connection and community impact. With her extensive background as a Director of Partner Accounts and Educational Consultant, she leads GLE's fundraising and partnership efforts, building the bridges necessary to sustain and scale our mission globally.
BOARD SECRETARY
MAT, MSW · District SEL Lead · Fitness Enthusiast · Organization Expert
Ashley serves as the guardian of GLE's organizational integrity. As a leader in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) for public schools, she ensures our programs are built on a foundation of empathy and resilience. Ashley brings a high-energy, disciplined approach to maintaining the records and transparency of our mission.
BOARD TREASURER
M.A. · Financial Strategist · Educator · Global Voyager
Jasmine blends her sharp financial acumen with her background in education to safeguard GLE's mission. By overseeing the organization's fiscal health, she ensures that every resource is maximized to empower the next generation of leaders.
CHIEF PROGRAMS OFFICER
M.Ed, PEL, LBS-1 · Educator · Youth Advocate · Global Citizen
As a dedicated special education teacher and youth advocate, Kaylah combines her classroom experience with a deep passion for youth advocacy. She designs immersive, experiential programs that empower students to become confident global citizens, ensuring every GLE journey is both educational and safe.
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