On December 6, 2024, two alumni of the Denver Young Ambassador program represented Denver Sister Cities International (DSCI) at a prestigious event at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. This opportunity, focused on youth exchanges between the United States and China, highlighted the critical role of young leaders in fostering cultural understanding and international cooperation.
This experience is one of many impactful opportunities offered to alumni of the Denver Young Ambassador program, which empowers Denver youth through leadership development and global engagement.
A Journey Rooted in Cultural Exchange
Daniela Arellano and Juan Diego, who attended the event, brought with them a wealth of experience from their participation in the Yunnan Youth Exchange Week in October 2024. During their time in Kunming, China—Denver’s sister city since 1986—they engaged in collaborative projects, cultural activities, and discussions with peers, deepening their understanding of global citizenship.
“The Yunnan trip gave us the confidence to step into this role,” Juan shared. “It’s amazing to see how what we learned there helped us contribute to this event in Washington.”
Representing Denver on an International Stage
The event, organized by the Chinese Embassy and supported by Sister Cities International, invited Daniela and Juan to connect with global leaders and peers in the spirit of cultural exchange. Key moments of the program included:
- Speeches unveiling plans to expand educational collaboration, including a goal to send 15,000 Americans to China in the next five years.
- Panels where educators and students shared stories of cross-cultural experiences, emphasizing the transformative power of exchanges.
- Networking opportunities, allowing the Denver ambassadors to explore ideas for future programs that could benefit Denver’s youth.
“The stories we heard at the embassy reminded me of the importance of exchange programs like ours,” Daniela reflected. “These experiences don’t just change individuals—they strengthen entire communities.”
Sacha Heppell
Daniela Shares Her Experience of Participating in an Exchange in Kunming, Yunnan, China
A Day Dedicated to Diplomacy
Daniela and Juan’s itinerary in Washington, D.C., began with a visit to the Sister Cities International headquarters, where they met with CEO Leroy Allala and Program Manager Alexa Storzinger. This preparatory session offered insights into global youth programs and highlighted the broader mission of Sister Cities International to foster peace through citizen diplomacy.
The Ambassador of China to the USA Spoke About the Importance of Youth Exchanges
At the Chinese Embassy, they took part in a program that included performances, inspiring discussions, and opportunities to share their perspectives on the importance of U.S.-China youth exchanges.
Building Future Leaders for Our City and World
The Denver Young Ambassador program, a cornerstone of Denver Sister Cities, equips youth with leadership skills, cross-cultural communication abilities, and global awareness. By participating in opportunities like the Yunnan Youth Exchange and the Chinese Embassy event, alumni like Daniela and Juan embody the program’s mission to develop future leaders who will make an impact locally and globally. By fostering connections between Denver’s youth and the world, we continue to build bridges that promote peace, understanding, and leadership for a brighter future. Denver Sister Cities is committed to expanding these programs and increasing scholarship opportunities to ensure accessibility for all students.
