About this episodeThe I Am Cultured Gala celebrated the organization's resilience and impact on youth through cross-cultural tra…AI summary
The I Am Cultured Gala celebrated the organization's resilience and impact on youth through cross-cultural travel and mentorship, highlighting how the program adapted to pandemic challenges by pivoting to virtual services. Key speakers, including founder Carmia Berry and keynote Jessica Nabonge, emphasized the transformative power of travel for Black and Brown youth, the importance of community support, and the need for intentional, open-minded exploration of the world.
Key takeaways 5
I Am Cultured adapted to the 2020 pandemic by pivoting from in-person travel to virtual mentorship and digital college fairs, maintaining student engagement despite enrollment drops from 35 to 8.
The organization has traveled 16,246 miles across three countries, provided 170 hours of community service, and conducted 938 hours of development workshops over three years.
Travel is framed not just as leisure but as a tool for holistic mentorship, helping youth develop global citizenship, confidence, and career readiness through exposure to diverse cultures.
Jessica Nabonge, the first Black woman to visit every country, advocates for responsible storytelling and traveling with an open mind, noting that 90 of her 195 countries were visited solo.
Generational knowledge is as important as generational wealth; parents who travel are more likely to encourage their children to do the same, creating a cycle of cultural exposure.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“Our work is more than the surface idea of travel we are transforming the lives of young people through the power of travel.”
▶ 11:12Carmia Berry defining the core mission of I Am Cultured beyond simple tourism.
“Travel is a door that once opened can never be closed and on the other side of that door is discovery curiosity change challenge tenacity confidence community and most importantly growth.”
▶ 19:25Rich explaining his motivation for supporting I Am Cultured after traveling with them to Belize.
“You don't have to ask is this country safe for black people is this country safe for gay people is this country safe for women... just go everywhere that you want to go go with positive energy and the world will receive you in that way.”
▶ 1:01:47Jessica Nabonge's advice on traveling with confidence and positive energy regardless of identity.
“We are here to create and build with others we are here to cause good trouble because history has its eyes on us.”
▶ 13:25Carmia Berry's call to action for attendees to support the organization's forward movement.
“Pura vida means full of life... I only ask that you leave costa rica better than you found it take care of our nature and wildlife so that others can experience its beauty too.”
▶ 1:14:35Gustavo Segura, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica, welcoming students and emphasizing sustainable travel.
Chapters & Sections (46)▼
0:00Gia Peppers Hosts I Am Cultured Galachapter4
0:00Music Performance with Emotional Lyrics
2:32Shoutout to DMV and Brooklyn Community
4:00Appreciation for Frontline Workers and Community
5:49Celebrating Cultural Excellence and Youth Empowerment
7:33Gala Sponsor Recognition and Introductionchapter2
7:33Gala Sponsor Shoutouts and Event Introduction
9:43Overcoming Challenges through Cultural Exchange Programs
11:43Overcoming Challenges through Community Supportchapter3
11:43Overcoming Challenges in 2020 with Community Support
13:38Call to Action for IOM Culture Support
15:02Gratitude and Appreciation for Honorees
16:30Supporters Share Personal Stories of I Am Culturechapter3
16:30Supporter Shares Personal Experience with I Am Cultured
18:13Gratitude and Support for Iowa Culture
19:36Importance of Travel and Cultural Exchange
21:12Supporting Cultural Exchange and Youth Developmentchapter1
21:12Supporting Cultural Exchange and Youth Development
26:26Overcoming Adversity with Resilience and Adaptationchapter2
26:26Overcoming Adversity through Resilience and Adaptation
28:27Mother's Gratitude for Tutoring Services
30:54Perseverance in the Face of Adversitychapter5
30:542020 Reflection on Perseverance and Gratitude
32:39Alumni Success Story and Tutoring Program
34:44Kicks for the City Non-Profit Organization
36:00Collecting Shoes for Homeless Students
37:32Acceptance Speech for Cultural Philanthropy Award
40:31Importance of Exposure and Cultural Sharingchapter2
40:31Importance of Exposure and Cultural Sharing
44:36Personal Story of Overcoming Fear and Faith
46:10Childhood Memories of Cultural Heritagechapter3
46:10Nostalgic Memories of International Travel and Culture
48:22Personal Reflections on Travel and Mentorship
49:59Mentorship Opportunities for Student Ambassadors
52:49Future Career Ambitions and Inspirational Goalschapter2
52:49Future Career Goals and Inspirational Aspirations
56:51Personal Travel Experiences and Cultural Understanding
59:49The Importance of Open-Minded Travelchapter4
59:49Benefits of Open-Minded Travel
1:01:41Traveling with Positive Energy and Open Mind
1:03:13Adapting to Change and Appreciating Local Culture
1:05:04Importance of Freedom and Surrounding Yourself
1:09:43Founder and Executive Director Recognitionchapter3
1:09:43Founder and Executive Director Recognition
1:11:31Gratitude and Appreciation for Cultural Exchange
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