The Young Diplomats Program empowers Arizona high school students with the knowledge and skills to succeed and lead in a globally interconnected world.

Global Ties Arizona invites rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in the Greater Phoenix region to join our Young Diplomats community! Throughout the year, we offer programs and events that provide opportunities for local youth to engage with international and local professionals, connect with like-minded students from across Greater Phoenix, and attend workshops that teach essential skills in diplomacy, leadership, and more.

Young Diplomats Summer Institute

This week-long program introduces high school students to essential concepts in diplomacy, leadership, and international affairs.

Over the course of five half-day sessions, students will engage in interactive workshops, group activities, and discussions led by local professionals and international experts. Together, they’ll explore current global challenges, practice cross-cultural communication, and build foundational skills for future leadership in international spaces.

Participants will learn in a collaborative and dynamic environment, connecting with peers who share a passion for global issues and civic engagement.

Meet the Young Diplomats Summer Institute Team

Rachel Yanof, Program Director

Rachel moved to Arizona in 2003 after graduating from Georgetown University and joined Teach For America, teaching 8th grade in the Roosevelt School District. She went on to found Phoenix Collegiate Academy, a charter school that grew to serve over 650 students across three campuses. Rachel later led Achieve60AZ, the statewide goal to increase postsecondary attainment. With experience spanning early childhood to workforce readiness, she now supports education initiatives that benefit Arizona students and families. She and her husband Joe have three elementary-aged children who keep them on their toes.

Victoria Dowers, Community Engagement Coordinator

Victoria is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Brazil with a passion for international relations and cross-cultural exchange. She brings her marketing background and global perspective to her work with Global Ties Arizona, where she supports programs like the Young Diplomats Summer Institute. Committed to citizen diplomacy, Victoria values creating spaces where youth can explore global leadership and build meaningful international connections.

Tino Mavunga, Programs Assistant Intern

Tino Mavunga is a Global Management Master’s Candidate at Thunderbird School of Global Management, specializing in Digital transformation. With a proven background in Project and Program management she brings a cross-cultural perspective and a results-driven approach to operations. As a Summer 2025 Programs Assistant Intern at Global Ties Arizona, Tino is excited to support international exchanges and contribute to Arizona’s growing role as a global technology hub and future of work center.

Program Curriculum

During the program, students will enhance and expand their:

Knowledge of global issues & how they impact Arizona
Cross-cultural communication & collaboration skills
Critical thinking and problem-solving in global contexts
Understanding of diplomacy and international career pathways
Ability to engage with and learn from global leaders

Special Guests & Speakers

Orlando Cazarez, Director of Global Cinservation & Sustainability Learning Initiatives, Arizona State Univristy Learning Enterprise

Suzanne Lawrence, Former U.S. Diplomat. U.S. Department of State

Michael L. Zirulnik, Ph.D. Assistant Vice President for Phoenix Development | Associate Professor of Medical Humanities, Creighton University Health Sciences Campus

Program Dates:

Monday, June 9th to Friday, June 13th

Program Times:

Monday-Thursday: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Friday: 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

Location:

Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU

401 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 | Room 301

Upon entering the school, take the elevator to the third floor. There will be a volunteer and signage to direct you.

Parking Information:

If any student plans to drive themselves to the program, please notify us by replying to this email so we can arrange for validated parking. Students that require daily parking will use the 200 EVB Garage (Taylor Street Garage) located at 460N N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Also indicated on the map below.

Discover how cultural identity, diversity, and international collaboration shape diplomatic relations and global communities.
Learn about conflict resolution, negotiation strategies, and the role of diplomacy in maintaining peace.
Examine global environmental challenges and explore solutions for a more sustainable future.
Understand the impact of public health on international relations and how global cooperation addresses health crises.
Gain insight into international trade, economic policies, and how financial systems connect the world.

As Director of Global Conservation & Sustainability Learning Initiatives at ASU’s Learning Enterprise, Orlando leads the development of innovative, accessible educational programs and strategic partnerships that advance global conservation and sustainability efforts. His work supports ASU’s Global Futures Laboratory by creating scalable learning opportunities designed to inspire and equip diverse learners worldwide. This role focuses on expanding ASU’s impact through learner-centered solutions, global collaboration, and thought leadership in conservation and sustainability education.

A U.S. Army veteran and community leader, Orlando has held leadership roles in both corporate and nonprofit sectors, including IBM and the Center for the Future of Arizona. He holds degrees from Arizona State University and Thunderbird School of Global Management. Orlando serves on various sustainability and conservation boards and lives in Laveen, Arizona, with his family. He’s also the creative force behind @CarverMountainShop, a recycled-material art venture.

Suzanne Lawrence retired from the U.S. Department of State following 32 years as a Foreign Service Officer ending her career as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Prior to that assignment, she led the Office of Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands. Previously Ms. Lawrence served as the Special Advisor for Children’s Issues. In that role, she resolved emerging problems related to intercountry adoptions and international parental child abduction. Prior to her position as Special Advisor, she served as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece.

Other assignments include Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, Senior Level Division Director in the Office of Career Development and Assignments, Director of the Office of Policy Coordination and Public Affairs, and Country Consular Coordinator for Australia. Ms. Lawrence also served in Sydney, Jerusalem, Dublin, and Caracas. Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. Her graduate studies include a master’s degree in international management from the American Graduate School of International Management (“Thunderbird”) and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the National War College at the National Defense University.

Michael Lee Zirulnik, PhD specializes in working with high-stakes, high-risk industries, including healthcare and aviation. He serves as Assistant Vice President of University Relations for Creighton University Health Sciences Phoenix Regional Campus, and Associate Professor of Medical Humanities in the School of Medicine. His work and research spans intersecting industries of higher education, healthcare, aviation, and the arts. His writing has appeared in numerous publications including The Hill, VICE, The Howard Journal of Communications, and Curator. Zirulnik's art and design has been exhibited on the runways of South Africa Fashion Week, the lobbies of public buildings, and museums. Among his prior posts, Dr. Zirulnik served as Sr. Fellow at The Center for Nuclear Arms Control and Non-Proliferation in Washington, D.C., and the Consortium for Science, Policy, & Outcomes at Arizona State University.