“Character building is one of the primary attributes in leadership. As a role model for youth and other emerging leaders, being innovative has created a way for many to motivate and move the masses to highlight traditions of service.” -Irijah Stennett
Every month, Global Peace Youth USA features an exemplary student or young professional who demonstrates moral and innovative leadership in their community.
As the youth division of Global Peace Foundation, Global Peace Youth strives to build a network of leaders from all backgrounds of faith, culture, nationality, and ethnicity under common principles, values, and aspirations under the vision of one family under God. This understanding that all humankind regardless of race, nationality, or religion come from the same origin, making us brothers and sisters, allows leaders recognize our shared values which are essential to building social cohesion within their communities.
May Featured Leader Irijah Stennett
GPY member Irijah Stennett believes it is networks like this one that support young leaders in following their passions while contributing to the greater good of society. With a B.S. from Howard University as a Physician Assistant, Irijah is also a Program Coordinator at the Stuyvesant Gardens Cornerstone Community Center. She is also an active stakeholder in youth leadership initiatives like the International Youth Leadership Institute, Sista-2-Sista Youth Summit, and the Brooklyn CARES Mentoring Movement.
Irijah shared with GPY, “Leaders as moral and innovative role models are essential and very important. Character building is one of the primary attributes in leadership. As a role model for youth and other emerging leaders, being innovative has created a way for many to motivate and move the masses to highlight traditions of service. I’ve seen firsthand how innovative volunteering helps the spirit, while ethical technological advances engage global communities.”
When asked what advice she would pass on to other young leaders, Irijah stated that it can be discouraging to get rejected by grant providers or other institutions in the pursuit of your initiatives, however, she encourages them to, “Use what you have. Social media and technology will be a huge tool for sharing information and your messages, instantly. Creating local chapters, groups and communities around you will support your efforts while gaining you global attention over time.”
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