Naveed Hussain, Pakistan

‘A wide range of interests with a dream to meet people with diverse backgrounds’
Naveed Hussain is a young, enthusiastic fellow who has majored in Aeronautical &
Astronautical Engineering and graduated from Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad
Pakistan in 2018. He has a deep interest in Creativity and Innovation, Cross Cultural Sensitivity,
Rural Development, Human Rights, Education, Sports, Volunteering activities, World Peace and
Youth Empowerment. He has great passion to learn different languages and loves to be with
international people to know about different cultures and norms of life.
Naveed has been working with a welfare society for a few years to promote educational
awareness and community building. Naveed being a part of this society gives assistance in
natural disasters, repair and maintenance, school renovations, establishment of computer labs,
clean drinking facilities and poverty eradication. He is also a co-founder of a tourist club, The
Hawks Adventures, that since 2015 aims to promote peace in Pakistan through sustainable
activities. Naveed has been selected as Delegate of Future Leader Congress 2018 held in
Bangkok, Thailand. He has a dream to meet people with diverse backgrounds from different
parts of the world to share modern ideas, contemporary discourses, and innovative ideas. He is
very excited to experience and be part of the diversity of ideas and liberal discourse that the AYF
Fellowship offers.
Nicholas Lloyd, United Kingdom
‘Enabling individuals and countries to create better business opportunities’

Nicholas graduated from the Univerity of Hertfordshire majoring in Philosophy with a focus on
language and linguistics. Since then, Nicholas has gone on to start his own business and develop
his skills as a writer and communications advisor by working in emerging markets such as
Fintech. While involved with "Distributed Ledger Technology" projects, Nicholas worked
globally in locations such as China, France, Kenya and London with organisations like the
United Nations, the OECD and the Haiti government.

Being biracial, Nicholas grew up in a multicultural household which sparked interest in

examining different cultures and ideologies. Nicholas’s interest in Japan stems from his father,
who competed in the 1994 Japan Karate World Championship and shortly after, became the
coach of the England team.

By participating in AYF Nicholas plans to improve his language skills and learn more about
Japanese culture and communication. In doing so, he hopes to become a bridge; enabling future
individuals and countries, such as the United Kingdom and others, to create better business
opportunities and develop lasting relationships with Japan.
— at Awaji Youth Federation.
Marcos Irribarra, Chile
Turning your dream into your lifestyle’

Marcos is an innovation and entrepreneurship professional, with a bachelor’s degree in Business

Administration, specializing in entrepreneurship skills and abilities acquisition. At first, he
worked in the stock-market industry, but decided to focus on finding his passion and turned his
career around, developing innovation models for micro and small businesses in Viña Del Mar,
Chile. His experience in growing, managing and supporting small businesses has allowed him to
truly understand the value of ideas and the volition of people as a central axis for success in
business.

With his motivation to become a polyglot and a strong belief in the notion of “only giving up is
impossible”, Marcos joined AYF to act as a bridge between cultures. He has decided to come to
Japan in order to know and understand the Japanese entrepreneurship ecosystem, to support
locals on their business ideas, to apply his method of “make your dream your lifestyle”, and to
develop a network of contacts between Japanese and Chilean entrepreneurs.
— at Awaji Youth Federation.
Matteo Ghisalberti
‘A passion for marketing and intercultural understanding’

Matteo graduated with a master’s degree in Language, Economics and Institutions at Ca’ Foscari
University of Venice in November 2018. During his bachelor’s degree, his studies were mainly
focused on Japanese language and culture; during his master’s degree, he concentrated on
management and economics.

As a student, Matteo developed a passion for marketing and in the future, he wishes to seek an
international career in this field. He believes his study of Japanese culture has played a vital role
preparing him for realizing this aspiration as he considers intercultural understanding an essential
requirement for future business and human progress. Moreover, he feels strongly that learning
from a non-native culture and language enriches a person and makes him a more valuable
resource for tomorrow’s society.

While studying at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Matteo had two internships: one at the
Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan and another as an e-commerce manager for a local online
luxury retailer. Both experiences, together with a 6-month exchange program spent at
Momoyama Gakuin University in Osaka, Japan have played a central role in shaping Matteo’s
understanding of Japan and business.
— with Matteo Ghisalberti at Awaji Youth Federation.
Naomi Shibatani, Japan
‘Creating a society of mutual respect and without prejudice’

Naomi Shibatani graduated from Waseda University with a degree in Social Sciences. Having
been interested in other cultures since she was a child, she had a life-changing moment when she
heard someone say, “the 21st Century will surely be the African Century.”
With a passion to contribute to world peace, Naomi tried to get as many opportunities as
possible. She joined a peace march held by students from Korea, China and Japan. Also, as a
member of the Japan-Rwanda Youth Cooperation, she planned events for mutual-understanding
and eliminating prejudice in Rwanda and Japan through academic discussions and study trips.
Naomi has been to the University of Washington, where she focused on African History studies.
Afterwards, she started volunteering as an English TA at an organization which promotes
integration and self-sufficiency for refugees and immigrants in the United States.
During these experiences, Naomi often encountered boundaries because of people’s stereotypes
toward each country. But at the same time, she learned that it is possible to overcome those
boundaries by sharing “a common purpose” and with mutual respect. The key, she found, lies in
dialogue. Dialogue through which we can create a society of mutual respect and without
prejudice.
Sharing the philosophy of "Solutions to Society's Problems" and with an emphasis on dialogue,
Naomi is sure that the youth in AYF, gathered from around the world, can create a microcosm of
world peace and become pioneers. She is looking forward to creating new values, not yet found
elsewhere, with brilliant and enthusiastic leaders in Awaji.
— with Naomi Shibatani at Awaji Youth Federation.
Rina Suzuki, Japan
‘Promoting Awaji while working in a global environment’

Rina Suzuki was born and raised in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. She graduated from Nagoya
University of Foreign Studies majoring in British & American Studies. She became interested in
foreign cultures and languages as a junior high school student and her desire to travel overseas
became stronger as time went on. When she was 18 years old, she travelled abroad for the first
time, visiting the Philippines. There she met children in the slums who, despite their
circumstances, treated her with kindness and walked around with smiles on their faces. She
realized how different reality was, or can be, from her own imagination. This inspired her to see
more of the world, which she has done by visiting nearly 20 different countries until now.
Rina entered Pasona after graduating from university, which assigned her to the Innovation Team
on Awaji Island. Since coming here a year and a half ago, she has been working in, among
others, agriculture, recruitment and event promotion.
Joining AYF is a dream come true for Rina as she gets to work in a global environment. During
this year she would like to promote Awaji Island both inside and outside of Japan, make the
island a livelier place and make it a well-known location around the world. All in all, the beauty
of Awaji is something she hopes to share with the world.
— at Awaji Youth Federation.
Rosakebia Estela Mendoza, Peru
‘Combining the creative power of Art, Science and Humanities’

Rosakebia Estela Mendoza (Peru, 1990) is an outstanding young writer and scholar who holds an
interdisciplinary academic training in Biological Science, Creative Industries and Higher
Education Teaching and Management. She has represented Peru in international events
combining the creative power of Art, Science and Humanities.

Rosakebia follows activities that involve innovation, creativity and sustainability. She wants to
establish viable networks, stimulate collaboration, enhance market access and promote both
Japanese and Latin American expertise.

This unique experience as AYF Fellow will strengthen her leadership skills and support her work
as a young leader to provide international experience to a local public and work as a mentor for
those who embody a strong sense of responsibility and are prepared to meet global challenges.
By incorporating a multidisciplinary approach, the AYF will be enriched with philosophical,
ethical and moral concepts for its sustainable integration in our days.
 — at Awaji Youth Federation.
Santiago Martinez, Columbia
‘Making science and technology more approachable and fun’

Santiago Martinez is a Colombian with a passion for learning and traveling. He received a degree
in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in the United States. He has
multiple years of experience doing research in university laboratories and in industry. His last
job was at the R&D Department of AGP, a multinational security glass manufacturer. After
graduating from college in 2016, he volunteered with WorldTeach for a year in Micronesia.
There he taught high school students English, geometry, and chemistry. This experience ignited
his interest in making science and technology more approachable and fun to people.

Santiago has had the opportunity to live in multiple countries on different continents as a result
of which he has learned to appreciate the value that diversity can bring to any project. He has an
insatiable desire to learn from different cultures and find creative solutions that people develop
for all kind of problems. He is always looking for a good story. Santiago wants to take advantage
of the opportunity with AYF to learn firsthand of the work ethic and sense of community in the
Japanese culture and from the experiences of every member of the AYF community.
— at Awaji Youth Federation.
Saurabh Nanda, India
‘Software engineer turned career consultant’

A curious problem solver, Saurabh Nanda comes from Punjab in North India. He has studied
Computer Science and Engineering at the National Institute of Technology in Jalandhar and has
worked as a Software Engineer for two and a half years. That was when he realised the lack of
career guidance he had had. He left his job to find solutions for this social problem of a lack of
good career guidance. He completed his master’s in Clinical Psychology and has been travelling
across India, addressing and consulting more than 12,000 students and parents over the past 6
odd years. He has worked with dozens of schools, colleges and education-related organisations.
He has provided career-related expertise for major Indian media channels, newspapers and
websites. He also runs a personal career consulting company helping young professionals figure
out the next move in their career.

Saurabh intends to use the amazing opportunity that AYF provides, for self-growth and
rejuvenation, for imbibing the Japanese language and culture and to connect with bright young
minds and amazing mentors at the AYF. AYF shall provide him an opportunity to learn from
others, bring ideas to reality and possibly contribute in his peers’ growth. He firmly believes in
the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means ‘the world is one
family’. He also has no doubt that the AYF fellows’ efforts for Awaji Island’s revitalisation can
form the basis of finding solutions for various problems faced by the world today.
— at Awaji Youth Federation.
Sevgi Bozdemir, Turkey
‘A Marine Science Engineer with a love for Japan’

Sevgi Bozdemir is from İstanbul, Turkey, and is a Marine Science Engineer by trade. After
graduating from Istanbul University, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences (Fisheries Faculty), she stayed
in Japan for one year as a Student-Researcher. Being fascinated by this country and its unique
culture, Sevgi spent several months travelling and learning about Japan and its rich culture upon
finishing her studies.

Her dream is to study and work in Japan, where she hopes to set up her own business.

She is looking forward to experiencing life in one of Japan’s more rural parts, Awaji Island, and
contributing to AYF’s revitalization efforts of the island. At the same time, she is excited by the
opportunity to learn even more about the Japanese culture as well as the numerous cultures that
this year’s AYF Fellows can introduce her to.
— at Awaji Youth Federation.
Ankit Tomar, India
‘Architect by trade, musician at heart’

Ankit is a 25-year old architect, singer/ songwriter and a visual thinker from Dehradun, a city
located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the northern part of India. He holds a bachelor’s
degree in architecture from University School of Architecture and Planning, New Delhi.
As an undergraduate, he has worked on the documentation and design intervention of two small
towns, Orchha and Bundi, by understanding their existing fabric, culture and heritage.
He also co-founded the college music society – The Tessellate – and has performed in various
charity and community events, including gigs for IMA Blood Bank, Doon Youth Centre and a
concert for the victims of Leh floods.
Ankit has been interested in music since childhood trying to figure out melodies on his own. He
has since been on a solo career and working on numerous songs based on his past, experiences
and his reflection on society and self-righteousness.
He describes his music as an intuitive experience: “I hear sounds; arrangements inside my head.”
Through AYF, he aims to establish a connection with the people and wants to empower them by
working on projects that create a starting point to a big picture.
His previous role as an architect and his experience as a musician has given him much clarity
and thoughtfulness, believing in a selfless and humble environment around which he looks
forward to contributing positively to the community and hopefully enhance the art and culture of
Awaji Island.
— at Awaji Youth Federation. Catherine Mwangi, Kenya
‘Reduction of poverty, improvement of livelihoods and contributing to development’

Catherine graduated from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, with a degree in Business –
Marketing major - in 2012. Driven by her desire to travel, she pursued further studies in
Australia, where she obtained a graduate certificate in marketing, and she later completed a
Master’s in International Hospitality and Tourism in the United Kingdom, in 2016. She then
went on to work in operations for both Hilton and InterContinental hotels for over three years,
and relocated to Dubai, where she worked before joining AYF.

Her interest in AYF is driven in large part by her interest to learn about other cultures, and her
fascination with the Japanese culture. Participation in the program will allow Catherine to
experience the culture by immersion and to learn the Japanese language. The program provides a
unique opportunity to further develop skills acquired in her academic and work background, and
to explore creation of business in the tourism industry as a tool for development, with the extra
advantage of incorporating different disciplines. She hopes to use the skills acquired through the
program to create businesses in an international scope that help in reduction of poverty,
improvement of livelihoods and contribute to development in a sustainable way.
Diliara Garafova, Russia
‘Inspire people to be the better versions of themselves’

Diliara graduated from the Kazan Federal University (Russia) in 2018 with a PhD in
international climate change law. Coming from a multicultural and multi-ethnic country, she has
always been interested in international communication and foreign languages. She has been
involved in numerous international research projects on climate change law and policy as a part
of her PhD studies including a one-year long stay at the University of Tsukuba (Japan) as an
exchange research student (tokubetsu kenkyugakusei). She has also participated in more practical
initiatives in teaching English, translation and environment preservation during the last 5 years.
Diliara has been working in the Chamber of Commerce as a lawyer helping foreign companies to
operate in Russia as well as assisting Russian companies with expanding their business abroad.
Recently she has co-founded a start-up company called WorldAbroad, which is a platform
focused on international academic mobility. The project aims to help people get quality
education abroad without letting their financial circumstances stand in the way.
Diliara’s motto is “Think global, act local”. Her life dream is to inspire people to be the better
versions of themselves, broaden their horizons and to be a person who can change the world
(even by small steps). By joining the Awaji Youth Federation, she hopes to learn new skills in
regional revitalization and business development, share the experience she has and apply the
knowledge in practice.