We Are New York’s Global Shapers
The Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, is a community of extraordinary people in their 20s and early 30s (under 30 at the time of nomination). Shapers are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their communities.
The community was launched in 2011 in response to the absence of young people’s voices in global decision-making platforms and processes. In the words of Professor Klaus Schwab, World Economic Forum Founder and Executive Chairman:
“We are becoming increasingly aware that solutions to our global challenges must purposefully engage youth, at all levels — locally, regionally, nationally and globally. This generation has the passion, dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit to shape the future.”
The Global Shapers Community is diverse in demographics, geographical areas, and sectors, but united by a common desire to shape the future and build a more peaceful and inclusive world. Shapers run non-profits, work in the medical field, are creatives, and much more. Members of the Shapers community possess an entrepreneurial spirit, leadership potential, and a desire to improve the state of the world. The community is non-political, self-selected, and self-organized around issues facing the globe.
Shapers are organized in a network of local hubs based in major cities around the world, including New York.
About the New York Hub
New York is one of the most established and diverse hubs in the network. (And because New York has so many amazing people, there are two New York hubs. Hub II was launched in 2014.)
The hubs organize a range of local events and opportunities for Shapers and design projects and activities that generate a positive impact within New York. In 2012, we hosted the first annual SHAPE: an International Gathering of the Global Shaper Community. Today, SHAPE is replicated across the world to allow Shapers the opportunity to convene and foster meaningful connections and friendships with each other. And last year, we hosted City Series: New York in collaboration with the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders.
Our Hub meets officially once a month, with other optional events. We also work together on broader initiatives with other hubs from around the world.
I was invited to join the Shapers in August. Over the past four months, I have had the opportunity to learn more about the impact that the exceptional people in this community are having on the world through their own initiatives. I continue to be in awe of the projects my fellow Shapers are taking on within their communities and they continue to serve as supporters and cheerleaders of each others’ projects. I am proud to be a part of this community.
To continue these conversations and highlight the thought leadership of the Global Shapers New York Hub, we are excited to launch the “Global Shapers New York Hub” publication on Medium. Here you’ll learn more about who we are, what we’re working on as individuals, and the impact we are looking to make together in New York and the world. We hope you will enjoy reading the diverse perspectives of our community.
Want to learn more about New York’s Global Shapers? Follow us on Twitter at @GlobalShapersNY.
Global Shapers New York Hub I
- Adam Lowy (@MoveForHunger): Founder & Executive Director, Move For Hunger
- Anna Levine
- Anthony Concepcion
- Arthur Woods
- Ben Harrison
- Bianca Caban (@bianca_caban): Partner, Taino Capital LLC
- Brittany Ebendorf (@BrittEbendorf): Engagement Lead, Case Commons Inc.
- Cesar Francia
- Dan Keyserling
- David Burstein
- Elizabeth Davis (@eldavis8): Founding Partner of CCOP
- Eloy Oliveira
- Enrica Sighinolfi
- Erica Dhawan
- Frank Fredericks
- George Weiner
- Jack Po
- Jessica Minhas (@JessicaMinhas): Founder @IllGoFirst, Speaker, Author
- Jessica Taylor
- Jourdan Urbach (@JourdanUrbach): Senior Startup Executive
- Karim Abouelnaga (@KarimAbouelnaga): Founder @PMPUSA
- Lev Sviridov
- Lyel Resner
- Manuel Lewin
- Marah Lidey (@marahml): Cofounder Shine Text
- Marvin Matthew (@MarvinJMathew): Founder M/IG
- Morgan Silver-Greenberg
- Nicolò Pecchi
- Noa Gafni
- Pam Chan
- Sara Potler LaHayne
- Sarika Bansal
- Savneet Singh
- Zach Blodgett
- Thanos D. Papaïoannou (@TDPapaioannou): Investment professional
- Tiffany Yu (@ImTiffanyYu): Founder of Diversability
- TK Nkwe
Global Shapers New York Hub II
- Alexandra Meis
- Allie Mahler
- Asher Schechter
- Basha Rubin
- Brian Jay Rose
- Catherine Garcia
- Chris Giliberti
- Constantine Manda
- David Fu
- Ismael Cruz Córdova
- Jorge Escobedo
- Juan E. Chebly
- Kate Otto
- Khan Shoieb
- Koda M Wang
- Marc Appel
- Micha Weinblatt
- Michelle Cheng
- Neil Britto
- Niamh Hughes
- Rob Lehman
- Sabrina Aggarwal
- Sean Larry Stevens
- Sophia Yeres
- Thomas Rush
- Yaffa Fredrick
Tiffany Yu is a storyteller, problem solver, and social entrepreneur. She is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community.
Publication does not imply endorsement of views by the World Economic Forum and/or the Global Shapers Community as a whole.
Image: Group of young people pose for a photo on the back patio of a house in Cold Spring, New York.
