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.
Wietse Van Ransbeeck’s work as a social entrepreneur focuses on supporting people’s right to have a voice in their government. He participated in the 2018 Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellowship 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.
Youssef Kobo applies his entrepreneurial talents to programs for social action, and in particular, to the empowerment of young leaders. He has participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Kimia Anousheh is a young activist committed to positive social change and to motivating others to join her in that mission. She participated in the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Program (BFTP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Taoufik Amzile applies leadership talents, entrepreneurial experience, and dedication to social change to empower others facing challenges in their professional goals. He has participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
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.
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.
This program engages young women leaders in an intensive action-oriented leadership training and conference held annually in Boston, Ma.
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.
KARAMAH’s Law and Leadership Summer Program (taking place in Washington DC) brings together a select group of Muslim women from around the world to learn from each other and from distinguished professors.
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.