Meet Wisney Sumalgy: Empowering Young People
Wisney at Pike Place Market
My name is Wisney Sumalgy and I’m from Maputo, Mozambique. Taking part in the SUSI program was a turning point in my career, awakening a critical awareness and broadening my vision of leadership.
I've always been dedicated to empowering young people, but before the SUSI program, I didn’t have a specific focus. SUSI deepened my understanding of climate change and its urgency, shifting my passion towards this critical issue.
Before SUSI, I was unaware of the severe social inequalities present in seemingly developed nations, like the U.S., which contrasted sharply with my view of Mozambique. This realization, though shocking, was enlightening and inspired me to recognize both the challenges and the potential within Mozambique, highlighting the importance of active community engagement.
The program taught me that by embracing our unique talents and passions, we can make meaningful contributions. Witnessing diverse efforts to strengthen communities inspired me to harness these learnings in my own leadership journey.
Wisney in Kansas City during the second portion of the SUSI program.
Inspired by the provocative discussions in class, I launched a community project that merged my passion for photography with environmental activism. This initiative not only raised awareness about local environmental issues but also played a crucial role in my selection for the Erasmus Mundus program in Poland this year. The experiences in Poland further broadened my perspective and enriched my network, reinforcing the leadership principles I gained from SUSI.
Today, I continue to apply these principles in my volunteer work with community mapping projects, empowering young people to use technology for positive change. These experiences have consolidated a vital realization: the knowledge acquired at SUSI is a versatile tool that I can adapt to face any challenge. I thank SUSI for revealing the strength that resides within me.
Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Global Student Leaders are sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and implemented in partnership with Meridian International Center.
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