Tulsa Welcomes Youth Ambassadors from Canada
July 18-28, TGA welcomed 12 high school Youth Ambassadors from Canada, accompanied by two adult mentors from Canada. The program was funded by the U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by World Learning, and two staff from World Learning accompanied the group to Tulsa.
The group stayed with host families, and TGA is grateful to all the Tulsa area hosts who opened their homes to our Canadian guests. TGA arranged a schedule of meetings and activities to introduce the students to civic engagement in Tulsa, including meetings with Take 2 Café, author Clifton Taulbert, Deputy Mayor Krystal Reyes, members of the Cherokee Nation Youth Council, and Williams. The group volunteered alongside Tulsans at Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma and the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, and enjoyed cultural activities such as visiting Greenwood Rising, bowling at Andy B’s, a tour of the downtown tunnels, and watching Jurassic World: Rebirth at the AMC 20.
The Youth Ambassadors from Canada and their adult mentors spoke highly about their visit to Tulsa. Canadian Adult Mentor Melyssa Doornick said, “I extend my deepest gratitude to Tulsa Global Alliance and World Learning for hosting such a fantastic cross-border exchange to Tulsa and Washington from Canada. This experience highlighted the unique similarities and differences between the United States and Canada while fostering meaningful dialogue and connections. From engaging with Tulsa’s vibrant philanthropic community to participating in a variety of unique opportunities and excursions, every moment was met with genuine hospitality and warmth. Cultural exchanges such as this are invaluable in building understanding, collaboration, and lasting friendships, and the gratitude I feel for this journey continues to resonate long after my return.”
Canadian Youth Ambassador Nahla Mfinanga wrote on LinkedIn: “I never thought I’d say this, but I miss Tulsa. A city I hadn’t heard of just weeks ago became a second home through the Youth Ambassadors Canada program. From baking cookies with my host family, to learning about Indigenous culture in Tahlequah and confronting history at Greenwood Rising, Tulsa was full of moments that shaped me and challenged my perspective. Conversations with leaders like Deputy Mayor Krystal Reyes, the team at Take2Café, Changemakers Tulsa, and Clifton Taulbert reminded me that leadership is rooted in empathy and resilience—pushing me to think about my project through the eyes of strength and compassion.
What I’ll carry most, though, are the people—their generosity, stories, and spirit. Tulsa has left a mark I’ll never forget.”
