Emily Falconer

I grew up in Traverse City, MI, with my parents and two sisters. Living near the lake has given me a love for the outdoors and environment. Although I love TC, exploring the world is what really inspires me. Check out my blog where I write about my travels and what I learn: goglobalgoals.com

I love to share my story. Since August 2016, I gave a keynote at the AIESEC International Congress Summit in Poland, spoke at a high school assembly in Finland, facilitated a workshop at YouthSpeak in Helsinki, spoke on a panel at the Peace Institute in NY, and presented at a school board meeting.

I am a recognized ambassador of the Youth4GlobalGoals (Y4GG) campaign. I have traveled all over the world with my own project (GOGLOBALGOALS.COM) where I collected stories and blogged about how people around the world are accomplishing the SDGs. I also promoted the Y4GG campaign along the way.

I want the world to be a better place. When I travel, I engage and work with the local community. From orphanages in Kenya, rural farms in Peru, water campaigns in Indonesia, harvesting millet in Nepal, or working with disabled adults in Hungary, I am always excited to learn and help.

When I joined our schools Model UN team, my passion for international relations took flight. I've learned so much from getting involved with our team; from parliamentary procedure to problem solving. Our team has won best prepared school 12 years in a row. In addition I have received 3 awards.

My entire family has grown up playing tennis. Freshman year I played junior varsity singles, then sophomore year I played on our schools Varsity Tennis Team as a doubles player. I enjoy being part of a team, representing our school, and playing a sport I love!

During summer 2017, I attended a political policy camp where I learned an immense amount of information on the USA governmental system. This camp, running for office, holding mock elections, and serving as 'Mayor', has lead me to want to study political science.

Creativity is extremely important to me. I have always loved every form of art and have been teaching myself for 10 years and counting. I have a passion to express my ideas about my environment through art.

In summer 2015 I spent a month in China. It was my first time outside of the country alone and struggled a lot but learned so much not only about China, but myself as well. Since this trip I have taken every opportunity possible to see the world and experience new cultures.

I serve as a trustee with the Alabaster Family Foundation and am a member of Council of Michigan Foundations. I have learned to write grants, review applications, do site visits, measure impact, and project management. My mission is to give globally toward sustainable projects.