# 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.

![Image](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/l7zsu2bs/production/e133bc5f7f5a5bb406679e704484c238a1e4d2ec-2720x1394.png)

## Our Story

World Studios launched in 2026, and brings together decades of international education experience.

It’s supported by the [Watson Foundation ](https://watson.foundation/)who has backed thousands of young adults through its  experiential programs for over 55 years, and integrates Design for America’s award-winning studio model that has produced over 1700 student-led projects over 15 years.

![Image](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/l7zsu2bs/production/58aeeabe78812c2213783d8f9837331ec1c60ba6-2044x1144.jpg)

## 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.

![Image](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/l7zsu2bs/production/e2067483e08fc46d503afd9b743ff63966d7fc26-1352x1352.png)

## Our Beliefs

### What comes next is yours to shape.

Wherever you’re starting from, choosing what’s worth pursuing is where confidence begins.

### You learn best by doing.

An idea takes on meaning when you put it into practice, and that kind of learning lasts.

### You need room to try, and to try again.

In a studio you can follow an idea, change course, and start over—here, missteps are an intentional part of your learning.

### You go further with others.

Your idea gets stronger when you build it with people from different fields, cultures, and points of view.

## Who stands behind us

- Amy Stefanski — Program Director
- Charles Collins — Advisor
- Chris Kasabach — Executive Director
- Emily Welty — Advisor
- Erika Wang — Senior Project Manager
- Jon Iwata — Advisor
- Kira Clingen — Advisor
- Lincoln Ajoku — Advisor
- Olivia Otsuka — Program Coordinator
- Oliver Hirshland — Operations Coordinator
- Zach Bubolo — Director of Operations
- Christian Shaboo — Senior Program Manager

## Our Board

- Dr. Elizabeth Gerber
- John N. Irwin III
- Chris Kasabach
- Jeanne Olivier
- Stuart H. Watson
- Kristin Wisnewski