Who we are
Our purpose, our story, and the people behind World Studios
Our mission
World Studios exists to close the gap between who young adults are and who they want to become. We do that by building a global community of student-led studios on campuses, where members take on projects and turn their ideas into something real. One method, one connected community, in many places.
Our Story
World Studios launched in 2026, but it brings together decades of work.
Watson, the international education foundation, has backed thousands of young adults, internationally, through its fellow programs for over 55 years. Design for America's award-winning studio model has produced over 100 studios, and over 1600 student-led projects for over 15 years. The Design Leadership Initiative, a three-year international leadership project (2023-26), with over 350+ student and professional participants helped validate the need and model.
World Studios combines these three efforts into one.
In consultative status with the United Nations
In 2026, World Studios was granted special consultative status with the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council, joining a global network of over 6,000 NGOs across 193 countries, a constellation of organizations the UN has built since 1946.
Who stands behind us
Amy Stefanski
Program Director
Chris Kasabach
Executive Director
Erika Wang
Senior Project Manager
Olivia Otsuka
Program Coordinator
Oliver Hirshland
Operations Coordinator
Zach Bubolo
Director of Operations
Christian Shaboo
Senior Program Manager