– Youth Ambassador Program to Return to Leshan, China for the First Time Since 2019 –
GILBERT, ARIZ. — Following a rigorous four-month selection process, Gilbert Sister Cities has selected five high school juniors to serve as 2025 Youth Ambassadors. Elise Miner, and Emma Ferrer will spend three weeks with their host families in Antrim-Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, in June before returning home and hosting their visiting ambassadors in Gilbert in July. Emma Anderson and Shandiin Harrison will travel to Leshan, China, in July to spend time with their host families before returning to Gilbert with their visiting ambassadors.
“The 2025 Youth Ambassador candidates dedicated the past six months to a rigorous selection process, including essays, interviews, community engagement, and leadership clinics,” said Nikki McCarty, President of the Gilbert Sister Cities board. “Isabelle, Elise, Grace, Emma, and Shandiin have impressed us at every step. We’re especially excited to return to Leshan for the first time since 2019, and we’re confident these ambassadors will represent Gilbert with excellence, both at home and abroad.”
Anderson, who attends Campo Verde High School, is involved in the Biomedical Science and Culture clubs at school. She is President of the HOSA (Health Occupational Students of America) chapter at the East Valley Institute of Technology and is currently in the highly competitive Banner Occupational Health Observer program. She also works as a barista at her church and volunteers on the high school worship team.
Brice attends Williams Field High School and participates in many activities, including Key Club, Hiking Club, Earth Conservation Club, DECA, and AFJROTC. She recently served on Gilbert’s Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee and the Community Engagement Task Force.
Harrison attends Mesquite High School and is involved in the Gila River Healthcare Scrubs Program and is a Junior Auxiliary Member of the American Legion. She’s a member of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society and Girl Scouts. At school, she participates in National Honor Society, FBLA, Culinary Club, Student Senate, Speech and Debate, and social media marketing for Sending Sunshine.
Miner, who attends Higley High School, competes on the Varsity Cross Country and Track teams and is a member of the Best Buddies Club. She is also studying cosmetology at EVIT. In her free time, she volunteers as a Church Chorister and enjoys playing music and pickleball.
Oskoalee attends Mesquite High School and is involved in both the Arts and Crafts and Drama clubs. She is heavily involved with several groups at her church and enjoys volunteering at Midwest Food Bank in her free time.
Before beginning the student exchange, Gilbert Sister Cities Youth Ambassadors participated in the Gilbert Global Village Festival. After returning, they participate in the Gilbert Days Parade, visit schools and youth programs to share information about the program, and serve as mentors for the next group of candidates.
Gilbert Sister Cities will begin accepting applications for 2026 in the fall; any junior living in Gilbert or attending a Gilbert or Higley school is welcome to apply.
About Gilbert Sister Cities
Established in 1998 as a community-supported nonprofit organization, Gilbert Sister Cities brings the world together through cultural, educational, trade, and sports programs that promote international and intercultural knowledge and understanding. Gilbert has two sister cities: Antrim-Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland (1998) and Leshan, China (2002); as of this summer, it has sent over 70 high school students abroad. More information is available at gilbertsistercities.org.