Spring 2025
We Kids United Conference
On April 18, 2025, the UC Berkeley chapter of We Kids United hosted its first global virtual conference, welcoming over 80 high school students from around the world. Centered on the theme “Understanding Haiti: Challenges, Resilience, and the Future,” the event featured expert-led panels on global health, politics, and economics. Students also participated in interactive workshops on college preparation, resume building, and leadership — all led by UC Berkeley members. The conference empowered youth with the tools and insights to become globally conscious changemakers.
Our Guest Speakers
Dr. Jan Gurley shared a powerful first-hand account of her medical relief work in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. Through personal stories and on-the-ground observations, she highlighted the devastation of collapsed infrastructure, chronic resource shortages, and the unique health needs of women and vulnerable populations. Her reflections emphasized the importance of sustainable aid, trauma-informed care, and the long-term public health consequences of disaster response.
Dr. Jesilyn Faust explored the legacy of the Haitian Revolution and its impact on modern-day governance and inequality. She guided participants through thought-provoking discussions on colonial exploitation, international debt, and the classification of Haiti as a “failed state.” The session challenged students to consider whether reclaiming Haiti’s revolutionary roots could inspire future systemic change.
Dr. John Brown presented insights from over two decades of medical missions in rural Haiti with the Global Health Teams. He discussed the challenges of delivering primary care in resource-limited settings, including chronic disease management, infrastructure gaps, and cultural factors in patient care. His lecture offered a candid look at both the practical realities and the hope found in community-centered public health efforts.
Student Workshops
In the second half of the conference, attendees participated in a series of engaging, hands-on workshops led by UC Berkeley students. These sessions covered key topics such as resume-building, college and major advising, and how to start a We Kids United chapter at their own schools. Designed to be practical and empowering, the workshops gave students actionable tools to plan their futures and spark local impact.
Resume Workshop
Led by Grace Van Wyhe, Nathan Hahn, Maddie Piao
College Q&A and Major Advice
Led by Ariel Lee, Samantha Yawitz, Minjae Hur, Hanbin Yu
"I loved hearing the personal experiences of Dr. Gurley because it gave me a more comprehensive, nuanced perspective of the situation in Haiti. The college/major workshop was also very relevant to my own interests in neuroscience and medicine. I have been struggling with cold emailing professors for a few months now, so the speakers' help was much appreciated."
Rini Mitra, Junior, Brooklyn Technical High School