The story of One World is ultimately the story of the people who have been part of it.
Throughout our anniversary year, we’ll reconnect with students, parents, educators, and other members of the One World community from across the past two decades. We’ll hear where their journeys have taken them—from college and careers to classrooms, businesses, and community leadership—and explore the role writing, confidence, and finding their voice played along the way.
Twenty years. Thousands of voices. And many more stories still to be written.
Kamari Hunter Mayes
When Kamari joined One World Education as a ninth grader, she was looking for ways to strengthen her resume. She didn’t expect to discover a skill that would shape her future.
Through One World, Kamari researched and presented on issues that mattered to her, including social media’s impact on teenage body image and the school-to-prison pipeline. Along the way, she found her confidence as a writer and public speaker. “One World showed me that knowing how to communicate and present yourself is a skill that can generate opportunities,” Kamari says. “It helped me realize how powerful my own voice is.”
After winning One World’s presentation competition both years she participated, Kamari went on to graduate as one of two Black valedictorians in her high school class and earn a full scholarship to Hampton University. There, she plans to study Economics and Finance, with hopes of one day working in monetary policy.
Looking back, Kamari says One World gave her more than presentation skills—it gave her confidence in herself. Her advice to current students is simple: embrace every opportunity to learn. “The ability to communicate is very powerful,” she says. “It’s going to open so many doors—not just in school, but for the rest of your life.”
Ben Acquah
When Ben joined One World Education as a high school senior, he expected another school assignment. Instead, he was asked a question that changed his perspective: “What do you want to change?”
Ben chose to advocate for expanding financial aid opportunities for undocumented students, an issue that was deeply personal to him.
After graduating high school, Ben returned to One World as a Program Manager and later volunteered with the One World Academy, helping other students find that same sense of purpose.
“Once it clicks that they can actually talk about something they care about, you see the passion come alive,” he says. Seeing former students years later and hearing how the program impacted them remains one of his most meaningful experiences.
Today, Ben works on Nestlé’s Supply Chain Optimization team, where the communication and storytelling skills he developed through One World remain central to his work. Looking back, he describes One World as “a springboard and a catalyst”—an experience that gave him confidence to speak out and inspired him to keep learning, listening, and advocating for the issues that matter.
Matt Kaufax
As a high school student, Matt Kaufax never imagined that a One World scholarship essay would help launch his career.
After writing about animal cruelty, Matt was selected as a scholarship finalist and, through One World’s partnership with TEDx, transformed his essay into a TED Talk. He calls the experience “the catalyst” for much of what followed.
Today, Matt is the creator and host of Matt About Town for WTOP, telling stories about the people, places, and hidden history of the Washington region. His award-winning work combines journalism, digital storytelling, and a passion for connecting communities through stories that educate, inspire, and bring joy.
Matt credits One World with strengthening his writing and public speaking while giving him confidence that his ideas were worth sharing. Even when his career path became uncertain, he says the confidence and determination he developed through One World stayed with him. Looking back, he describes One World as a source of “lifelong encouragement” that helped him discover his voice and gave him the courage to pursue a career in journalism.
Santino Hebert
As Santino prepares to begin ninth grade at Friendship Technology Preparatory Academy, he’s focused on basketball, academics, and becoming a stronger leader on and off the court. His experience with One World helped give him the confidence to speak up—and showed him the power his words could have.
“It made me realize how much my voice had a meaning and a purpose,” Santino says.
That confidence has already opened new doors, including an opportunity to speak before the DC Council. This year, he’s looking forward to being a leader to his basketball teammates, which is something that One World has helped with too. “Communication is a big part of basketball,” he says.
Santino’s advice to current One World students is simple: trust yourself.
“You have to believe in yourself that you are able to do this.”
Quisan Adams
When Quisan Adams joined One World as a student at DC International, he initially saw it as a chance to earn community service hours and try something new. Giving his first speech on stage was nerve-racking, but he pushed through.
That experience stayed with him. Today, Quisan is studying information technology at the University of the District of Columbia, exploring cybersecurity, and pursuing professional opportunities in the field. He says One World helped him become more willing to step into unfamiliar situations and put himself out there.
His advice to current students reflects that growth: even when you’re unsure you belong, take the chance and show up anyway.