Gunaldo Selected as One of 10 LSU Global Ambassadors
March 27, 2024
Our students strive to #GeauxChangeLives, and that’s exactly how Maya Gunaldo, LSU CHSE junior, spent her spring break.
Gunaldo, a Leadership & Human Resource Development major, was one of 10 LSU students selected to travel to Ghana with LSU’s Global Ambassadors Program (GAP).
The purpose of GAP is to seek out outstanding LSU student leaders to travel to Ghana over their spring break allowing them to dive into Ghana’s social and environmental organizations, cultural and artistic heritage, and diplomatic relations between the United States and Ghana.
Gunaldo states that her experiences in Ghana not only developed her understanding of varying cultures, but also allowed her to gain a first-hand perspective on current events happening internationally.
“As a Global Ambassador, I discovered that every interaction, no matter how small, has the power to shape perceptions and build bridges of empathy,” Gunaldo said. “Visiting El Mina Castle and Cape Coast Castle in Ghana was a profound and sobering experience, as it highlighted the dark legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and underscored the importance of confronting history to foster healing and reconciliation.”
Gunaldo is grateful for her experience as a member of GAP as it provided her the potential for growth, understanding, and knowledge which she has brought back to Louisiana to share among her peers.
“Gaining new perspectives from local leaders about topics such as Climate Change, Sustainability, LGBTQ+ advocacy, student VISA acceptance rates, and strategic development of a 3rd world country, has opened my eyes to the world’s diversity and fostered connections in abroad countries,” Gunaldo said. “Ghana challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace discomfort as an opportunity for growth and understanding.”
Gunaldo is a leadership & human resource development major with a minor in business administration from New Orleans, LA. Gunaldo has been a member of LSU CHSE Ambassadors for two semesters. In the future, Gunaldo hopes to receive her Society of Human Resource Management Certification (SHRM-CP) and begin a role as a Human Resource Generalist or Community Engagement Specialist.
GAP seeks to demonstrate to LSU students the role they can play in assisting in important global needs of the 21st century. LSU hopes that the continuation of this program will allow students to develop into globally minded graduates.
Gunaldo poses for a photo with members of LSU's Global Ambassadors program in front of the Centre for Climate Change & Sustainability Studies at the University of Ghana.
Gunaldo smiles while exploring Ghana with LSU's Global Ambassadors Program.
Gunaldo meets and has meaningful interactions with students during her time in Ghana.
About CHSE
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Information Studies, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, and the School of Social Work. CHSE has two model demonstration schools, the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool, enrolling birth to age four and the University Laboratory School enrolling Kindergarten through grade 12. The college also has four centers and institutes: the Early Childhood Education Institute, the Healthy Aging Research Center, the Leadership Development Institute, and Social Research & Evaluation Center. The college is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is committed to improving quality of life across the lifespan.