We were lucky to catch up with Sanja Jing recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sanja, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
As the founder of Global Visioneers, I hope our legacy will be a world where cultural barriers are bridges and language differences are opportunities for connection rather than division. We’re not just teaching languages but cultivating global citizens who see the world as their community.
I envision people saying, “Global Visioneers showed us that empathy and understanding can be learned, just like any language.” We want to be remembered for creating a ripple effect of kindness and cultural appreciation that spans generations and continents.
Our airplane logo isn’t just about travel; it symbolizes the journeys we take to reach out to someone from a different part of the world, understand their culture, and welcome them into our global family. We’re building a legacy where every young person feels empowered to be a ‘Visioneer’—someone who can envision and create a more connected, compassionate world. This is our mission, and we invite you to join us in this inspiring endeavor.
Ultimately, I hope people will say that Global Visioneers didn’t just teach languages but that we taught the world to speak the universal language of kindness and understanding. We’re planting seeds of curiosity and empathy that will grow into forests of global cooperation long after we’re gone, ensuring a lasting legacy of understanding and unity.
Sanja, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My journey is rooted in a nomadic childhood with a single mom, where airports and diverse cultures shaped my worldview. Living in the diverse city of Chula Vista, this background inspired Global Visioneers, a movement fostering global understanding among youth through innovative language and cultural exchange initiatives.
As a purely student-led service and advocacy nonprofit organization, our services include free language workshops, international pen-pal exchanges, cultural events, virtual exchanges, and youth leadership development. Our holistic approach creates immersive experiences that go beyond language learning, allowing young people to truly appreciate different cultures.
We address key issues like the lack of accessible language education, limited cross-cultural exchange opportunities, youth empowerment in global issues, and bridging cultural divides. I’m proud of our impact on over 10,000 young individuals across our 15 international chapters worldwide.
Global Visioneers is more than an organization – it’s a vision for a connected world. We believe in empowering youth to become ‘Visioneers’ who can create positive global change. We’re building bridges, fostering empathy, and making an international community of young people who see the world as their neighborhood, and we welcome partners who share this inclusive vision.
We’re always seeking partners who share our vision. Join us in creating a world where language differences are opportunities for connection and cultural diversity is celebrated. At Global Visioneers, we’re preparing to change the world, one language, one cultural exchange, one young ‘Visioneer’ at a time.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was that leadership meant having all the answers. Growing up, I often felt pressure to be the one with the solutions, especially given my unique background and experiences. To lead effectively, I needed to have everything figured out.
The backstory to this unlearning process began when we expanded our team and brought in students from diverse backgrounds, drastically different from the humble start of being the principal founder and primary person making things happen in GV’s early beginnings. I remember a planning session for one of our cultural fairs where I had a clear vision of how things should be done. However, as team members started sharing their ideas, I realized their perspectives brought richness and depth to the project that I couldn’t have achieved alone.
One particular moment stands out. A student from our Mexico chapter suggested incorporating a virtual reality component into our language workshops—something I had never considered. Initially, I was hesitant, thinking it might complicate our established format. But as she explained her idea, I saw the excitement in the team’s eyes and realized that I was limiting our innovation potential by holding onto my preconceptions.
This experience taught me that true leadership in a global, diverse organization like ours isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating a space where all ideas can thrive openly. I learned to step back, listen more, and embrace our team’s collective creativity. Now, our planning sessions are vibrant brainstorming sessions where everyone, regardless of their role or background, is encouraged to contribute.
Unlearning this lesson has transformed Global Visioneers into a more inclusive and innovative organization. It’s allowed us to tap into the full potential of our diverse team, leading to programs and initiatives that genuinely reflect the global perspective we aim to foster. This shift has improved our projects and created a more empowering environment for our young leaders to grow and flourish.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Since our organization began, we’ve faced numerous challenges that have tested our resilience. One particular story illustrates how determination and adaptability can turn setbacks into opportunities.
In our early days, we meticulously planned our first major language workshop. We’d spent weeks perfecting the curriculum, recruiting volunteers, and promoting the event. Everything was set except for one crucial detail—we didn’t have a venue. With just days to go, we scrambled to find a suitable location. It was disheartening to think that all our hard work might go to waste due to this oversight.
But this setback only fueled our determination. We contacted every community center, school, and library in the area. Despite numerous rejections, we refused to give up. This experience taught us the importance of building relationships within our community long before we needed them.
Our resilience was truly put to the test with our first community fundraiser. Initially, we struggled even to get our foot in the door. Many local businesses and organizations hesitated to support a new, youth-led initiative. It was discouraging to face rejection after rejection, but we knew we couldn’t back down. Our mission was very important to us, and we were determined to share our story with the world.
We changed our approach. Instead of just sending emails or making phone calls, we started showing up in person. We attended community events, city council meetings, and local business gatherings. We shared our passion for cultural exchange and language learning with anyone who would listen. It was exhausting and often disheartening, but we persevered.
Our breakthrough came when we secured a meeting with representatives from the City of Chula Vista and Mayor John McCann. We poured our hearts into that presentation, sharing not just our plans but our vision for a more connected and empathetic community. To our surprise and delight, they were inspired by our enthusiasm and commitment.
This meeting opened doors we never imagined. The City Hall became not just a supporter but a partner. They offered us a space for our workshops and helped promote our events. More importantly, they connected us with other local organizations and businesses who shared our values.
From that point on, our network of supporters grew exponentially. We collaborated with local schools, cultural centers, and even international organizations. Each new connection brought fresh ideas and resources to our project.
This experience taught us invaluable lessons about resilience. We learned that setbacks are not roadblocks but opportunities to reassess and improve. We discovered the power of personal connections and the importance of sharing our passion authentically. Most importantly, we realized that persistence pays off when you truly believe in your mission.
Today, when we face challenges—and we still do—we remember this journey. It reminds us that with determination, creativity, and a willingness to adapt. Our resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from setbacks; it’s about using those experiences to grow stronger and reach even further in our mission to foster global understanding and connectivity among youth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.globalvisioneers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalvisioneers/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-visioneers/
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalvisioneers
Image Credits
Photos by: Sanja Jing