Through great achievement and innovation the 2011 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World are leading by example and creating positive change across the globe.
JCI (Junior Chamber International) honors ten outstanding young people under the age of 40 each year. These individuals exemplify the spirit of the JCI Mission and provide extraordinary service to their communities. Whether through service, innovation, determination or revolutionary thinking, these young active citizens create positive impact in their communities. Get to know the 2011 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (JCI TOYP).
Marta Fidela Gladys Cruz Cerón, Bolivia Cultural Achievement
Born blind, Cruz Cerón has made it her mission to use her first-hand experience as a way to raise awareness for others who are disabled. Cruz Cerón founded the Center for Counseling and Training in Special Education of the Blind and Integral. Through this center, she promotes the socialization of blindness, provides instruction and offers resources for the prevention and treatment of blindness.
Meilleur Derek Murindabagwi, Rwanda Personal Improvement and/or Accomplishment
After witnessing genocide in his home country, Meilleur Murindabigwi wanted to provide a fresh start for the youth of Rwanda. Murindabigwi and 12 other student volunteers started igihe.com, which publishes Rwandan breaking news and other daily information in the form of articles and videos. It is now published in three languages and has a full-time employed staff. The website has also expanded into an entire IT company, Igihe Ltd.
Dalilah Kalla, Mauritius Humanitarian and/or Voluntary Leadership
After being diagnosed with lupus at the young age of 13, Kalla embarked on an arduous journey of perseverance and survival. In 2000, she founded Lupus Alert, a nonprofit organization providing patient services, community awareness and support to people living with lupus. Kalla’s goal is to provide lupus education to others including teachers, friends, family members and even health and government professionals who are not aware of its symptoms and complications.
Dr. Miia Karita Kivipelto, Finland Medical Innovation
Valedictorian of her medical school class, Dr. Miia Kivipelto started as a research doctor investigating lifestyle-related and vascular risk factors associated with impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. She leads research teams studying memory loss and developed the Nordic Brain Network, which has increased the utilization of resources for and improved the exchange of information about aging. Dr. Kivipelto’s medical work has helped shed light on effective ways to reduce the risk of falling ill with age. Dr.
Serge Michel Kodom, Togo Humanitarian and/or Voluntary Leadership
After obtaining a doctorate in medicine as well as special degrees in internal medicine, health education and infectious disease management of HIV/AIDS, Dr. Kodom set out to provide health services for those who need it most. Dr. Kodom is the Founder and President of AIMES-AFRIQUE, a nongovernmental organization consisting of volunteer doctors, specialists and surgeons who bring free hospital services and health education to remote villages across Africa.
Bongiwe Petronella Mlangeni, South Africa Business, Economic and/or Entrepreneurial Accomplishment
Bongiwe Mlangeni’s innovative ideas and commitment to sustainable business practices have helped employ hundreds of artisans and crafters. She is a production coordinator at Africa! Ignite, a local nonprofit working with more than 600 crafters using fair trade practices to produce items for community campaigns and projects. Her latest endeavor is the Shake the World campaign, which hopes to raise awareness of the UN Millennium Development Goals.
Safak Pavey, Turkey Contribution to Children, World Peace and/or Human Rights
Growing up in Istanbul, Pavey was surrounded by writing and the arts. Her early interests grew into a career in international communications. However, a tragic train accident left Pavey with only one arm and one leg. Her time in the hospital motivated her to look past her disability and continue with her education and career. After earning her doctorate, she began humanitarian relief work for the United Nations in the Middle East and Africa.
Dato Sri' Edmund Santhara Ramanaidu, Malaysia Business, Economic and/or Entrepreneurial Accomplishment
When first introduced to Masterskill School of Nursing & Health in 2004, Santhara realized the worldwide shortage of healthcare personnel. Through his hard work and visionary leadership, he helped Masterskill evolve from a college to a full-fledged university. He also revolutionized the healthcare education system in Malaysia by negotiating arrangements for in-hospital training for all of his students. Masterskill’s student population increased from 200 to more than 18,000 across six campuses throughout Malaysia.
Abra Tenu, Togo Academic Leadership and/or Accomplishment
At age 14, Abra Tenu realized many children in her town were unable to continue receiving education due to lack of funding and support from their families. In response, she founded the St. Therese de l’Enfant Jesus association to raise funding for school supplies and continue to support the children’s education. With the help of community partners, her association constructed a small school and community center, helping area children continue to learn and grow.
Riku-Heikki Virtanen, Finland Contribution to Children, World Peace and/or Human Rights
Riku-Heikki Virtanen was diagnosed with eye and ear nerve degeneration in kindergarten. After earning his law degree, he hoped to help people in similar situations and show others that a disability cannot stop someone from accomplishing their goals. Virtanen shares his experiences with schools, decision makers, health professionals and the media and collaborates with both the UN Convention of Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the World Federation of the Deafblind.
Meet these 10 inspirational individuals face-to-face at the 2011 JCI TOYP Ceremony at JCI World Congress in Brussels, Belgium on November 2.
Learn more about Congress and register today.