Global Kids Chronicles | December 2025

Dear Global Kids Community,  

As the holiday season unfolds, our students, families, and staff are bringing the spirit of generosity and leadership to life.  

This season of giving was especially visible during Thanksgiving week, when our Parent Leadership Society partnered with P.S. 21 Crispus Attucks to host “Feed the 500,” providing holiday meals and resources to families in Bed-Stuy. Students are making an impact in many ways, from representing Global Kids at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, to celebrating the 20th anniversary of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) at Prospect Park’s LeFrak Center.  

Our staff are making a difference too: Antonia Brown, Global Kids Site Director at Transit High School, was honored with the NYCETC Opportunity Award for her leadership in workforce development, mentorship, and creating equitable opportunities for young people across New York City. 

Thank you for helping us empower youth, strengthen families, and spread hope throughout our communities. We look forward to another successful year ahead! 

Happy Holidays,  

Global Kids  

Youth Leader Yaretzi Vargas Represents Global Kids at COP30 

Yaretzi Vargas, a junior at Renaissance Charter School, is an emerging youth leader deeply committed to global and community issues. Since joining Global Kids’ Citywide flagship program last year, she has expanded her advocacy through leadership programs focused on environmental justice, global affairs and community engagement. 

Most recently, Yaretzi represented Global Kids at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where she participated in discussions, workshops, and volunteer activities focused on climate action and sustainability. She explored creative approaches to environmental challenges, learned from international youth leaders, and engaged with initiatives supporting sustainable development around the world. 

During her time in Belém, Yaretzi also explored the city’s rich culture and environment, visiting key sites such as Bosque Rodrigues Alves, Mercado Ver-o-Peso, and Mangal das Garças, broadening her perspective on how local communities connect with global challenges. 

Yaretzi’s experiences demonstrate the power of youth leadership in action. Through her advocacy, participation in leadership programs, and engagement with international forums like COP30, she has strengthened her skills, broadened her perspective, and inspired others to take meaningful action in their communities and beyond. 

Global Kids & P.S. 21 Crispus Attucks School Serve 500 Free Meals to Local Brooklyn Families 

During Thanksgiving week, Global Kids partnered with P.S. 21 Crispus Attucks to host our annual “Feed the 500” initiative, providing holiday meals and resources to 500 families in the Bed-Stuy community. Led by the Global Kids Parent Leadership Society, the event showcased the power of collaboration among staff, parents, and community members in making a meaningful difference. Generous donations from individuals and organizations reflected a shared commitment to Global Kids’ mission of empowering youth and strengthening community ties.  

Through this initiative, Global Kids championed the importance of collective action in addressing community needs and inspiring youth and families alike. “Feed the 500” served as a vibrant reminder that when communities come together, everyone can experience the warmth, support, and joy of the season. 

Global Kids Celebrates DYCD’s 20th Anniversary at Prospect Park 

Our students from Global Kids school sites had a thrilling day at Prospect Park’s LeFrak Center, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). Ice skating, laughter, and games filled the afternoon as our students connected, made new friends, and enjoyed a joyful break from the school day.  

We congratulate DYCD on 20 years of uplifting youth and strengthening communities, and we are thankful for our ongoing partnership in serving New York City students!  

Recognizing Excellence: Antonia Brown Honored with NYCETC Opportunity Award 

Global Kids is proud to recognize Antonia Brown, Site Director at Transit High School, for her outstanding contributions to workforce development and youth empowerment. With more than two decades of experience in talent acquisition, mentorship, and career readiness, Antonia has transformed opportunities for students and professionals across New York City. Her work exemplifies the values celebrated by the New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC) Opportunity Awards – collaboration, innovation, and leadership that create lasting impact. 

Before joining Global Kids, Antonia served as Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition at the MTA, where she led cross-departmental recruitment, launched the Transit Electrical Apprentice Program, and developed initiatives connecting young people to career pathways. At Transit High School, she has cultivated a culture of excellence and belonging, expanding student engagement, advancing faculty collaboration, and strengthening college and career preparation programs. 

Antonia was recently honored at the 2025 NYCETC Conference, which brought together the city’s leading policymakers and workforce development professionals. Her recognition underscores the vital role that leaders like Antonia play in shaping New York City’s workforce – through mentorship, creating equitable opportunities, and guiding the next generation of talent. 

A Holiday Message from Global Kids 

As we celebrate the holiday season, we are inspired by the power of community, generosity, and compassion. Across New York City, our community schools provide students and families with the stability, nourishment, and resources they need to thrive. In partnership with the New York Common Pantry, we operate food pantries at several school sites, serving hundreds of families and ensuring access to meals and community support essential for their wellbeing.  

This holiday season, we invite our partners and community members to join us in giving back. By donating to local food pantries and soup kitchens, you can help ensure that families have access to nutritious meals – supporting students and their loved ones as they grow, learn, and flourish in a caring, nurturing environment. 

To learn more, please visit New York Common Pantry.  

Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service - Mentors needed for career panel at GK HQ in Manhattan!

Mark your calendars and join us for a day of service in support of our youth on Monday, January 19th, 2026! Global Kids will be hosting a special Career Panel & Mentorship Volunteer Event at our headquarters in Manhattan. We are in need of passionate professionals to serve as volunteer panelists to answer youth questions about college and career pathways, and to speak a bit about what you do and how you got there, including any twists and turns along the way!

Please contact erin.mitchell@globalkids.org and submit the Volunteer Agreement Form to sign up.