This is the Belgium of today – and tomorrow – told through individual stories of people who inspire us. Their vision for their country embraces diverse ideas, opinions, cultures, races, genders, languages, and religions. They also share a common experience: participating in a U.S. Embassy-sponsored exchange or grant program.
Fatena Al Ghorra is a poet who believes in building networks that provide support and inspiration to a global community of writers. In 2017, the U.S. Embassy in Belgium nominated her to participate in the “International Writing Residency Program” at the University of Iowa.
Jasmine Del Monte is a young activist with an interest in both entrepreneurship and women’s rights. She has participated, in addition to serving as a coach, in the leadership program Women to Women (W2W) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Jasna Rokegem leads a team that designs clothing to improve the way people live and even communicate with one another. Through support from the U.S. Embassy in Belgium, she participated in the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in India.
Alexandra Smarandescu’s passion for politics and leadership is based in her belief that communities benefit from dialogue and a diversity of ideas. She met like-minded young leaders as a participant of the Women to Women Leadership Program (W2W) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Hendrikje Meyvis works to provide disadvantaged communities with opportunities to develop their talents and interests. Through a partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Belgium, she launched a program that provides professional development to refugee communities.
As a television journalist working on the foreign news desk, Romina Van Camp is dedicated to presenting accurate reporting that encourages audiences to develop informed opinions on world events. She participated in the 2018 International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Pili Verbinnen is a young activist dedicated to bringing positive change in such areas as the environment and education. As a teenager, she participated in the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Program (BFTP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
As an academic and activist, Michael Privot believes racial equality is possible through collaboration, open-minded dialogue, and ultimately through legal reform. He participated in the 2013 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
The Global Sports Mentoring Program provides one-month mentorship experiences. The experiences focus on empowering emerging leaders to serve their local communities by increasing access to sports and opportunities for sports participation.
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic institutes are intensive summer exchange programs hosted by a U.S. college or university. The programs are academic in nature, focusing specific theme relating to a global issue. Exchange typically last 4 weeks.
Each year, the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa offers various programs aiming to connect literary communities overseas with distinguished American writers. Past programs have conferences, reading and study tours, and writing workshops.
Make it your own story!
Are you someone making a difference in Belgium, just like these people? Then we would love to hear from you! Take a look at our U.S. Embassy programs and see which ones will help you do extraordinary things.