We’re a team of global news enthusiasts, comprised of a main high school-aged team, a 4th-8th grade youth board, and sponsors, in addition to national chapters run by driven high school students like us.

Meet 2024-2025 Administrative Team!

  • Sophia Craiutu

    CO-PRESIDENT

    Sophia is a senior at Bloomington High School North interested in sectors within law, public policy, and international accountability. Through leading policy research on Senate campaigns to helping pass legislation for issues close to her to developing educational pilot programs geared around international law, Sophia has always had a passion for justice and is excited to continue to expand youth education. As the co-founder of Global Learners, she noticed widening gaps within current events education and sought to remedy them through actual in-person visits and a set curriculum.

  • Iris Jones

    CO-PRESIDENT

    Iris is a junior at Bloomington High School North interested in sectors within the medical field. Alongside Sophia, she founded Global Learners as she noticed widening gaps within youth education.

  • Hank Tayloe

    NATIONAL CHAPTER PROGRAMS MANAGER

    Hank is a freshman at Bloomington High School North and the National Chapters Manager for the Global learners. He is involved in many activities, such as the swim team, Science Olympiad, and orchestra. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering in his community and staying physically active. He hopes to use his time in Global Learners to improve public awareness of current events and let people come to their own conclusions about the world.

  • Yashvi Tailor

    SECRETARY

    Yashvi is a sophomore at Bloomington High School North and plans to study Biomedical Sciences in the future. She is involved in multiple extracurricular activities, ranging from sports such as Cross Country and Tennis to educational pursuits like Science Olympiad. Additionally, plays the violin in multiple state level orchestras. She demonstrates her dedication to the community by volunteering at local businesses and aims to further her goal of providing service by joining the Global Learners team. Yashvi believes this organization will help her connect with others and contribute to their growth.

  • Carla Demeter

    CO-PUBLICIST

    Carla is a sophomore at Bloomington High School South, interested in education and business. She plays tennis for South, has an interest in learning new languages, and was previously a part of Global Learners. She hopes to help younger children to learners more about their community and the world this coming year.

  • Nikki Beshkar

    CO-PUBLICIST

    Nikki is a sophomore at Bloomington High School South, involved in debate and equity ambassadors at her school. She believes Global Learners is a positive outlet to spread knowledge about current events to others through a student-led approach. Through Global Learners, Nikki hopes to create a community that has a more comprehensive view of the world around them.

  • Joseph Shing

    INTERNATONAL AMBASSADOR DIRECTOR

    Joseph, a junior at Bloomington High School South, is planning to pursue a career in medicine. He plays piano, participates in South's marching band, and is active in his local church. Joseph plans to join Speech and Debate and Science Olympiad, while also starting a new club at school called the Brightening Lives Club. Through his involvement in Global Learners, he aims to develop leadership skills and contribute to the Bloomington community.

  • James Rhoda

    K-8 OUTREACH DIRECTOR

    James is a junior at Bloomington High School North who is interested in pursuing something in humanities, music, or both! He is involved in the BHSN orchestra and band. In his free time, James likes to play board games, watch competition reality TV, and hang out with friends. He hopes to use his time in Global Learners to help younger kids understand the current world around us, as he believes that in the present moment, education on these topics must be emphasized.

THE

YOUTH BOARD

Youth Board members attend monthly (remote) meetings with us to give advice on what content and activities they would like to see as we visit schools. They also provide us with valuable information about their current curriculum and learning habits as a school/class.

Meet our most recent members

  • Mila Sikinski

    6th grader @ University Elementary School

  • Shaivi Tailor

    4th grader @ Binford Elementary School

  • Caroline Lovejoy

    5th grader @ Binford Elementary School

  • Noelle Drake

    6th grader @ University Elementary School

  • Bree Livingston

    6th grader @ Marlin Elementary School

  • Olivia Loveless

    5th grader @ Binford Elementary School

Our Sponsors

Carla Garino
Carla is a practicing attorney in Bloomington, Indiana. She has interests in community engagement and is excited to work with the GL board.

Les Lenkowsky
Les is a professor with expertise in civic engagement and volunteering. He has served on two presidential administrations.