Where are they now! Teen Writer Nick Raczkiewicz

We caught up with one of our 2013 Teen Writers, Nick Raczkiewicz, to chat about his camp experience and to see what the future holds for this high school junior. Nick is beginning the school year by embracing new experiences because he believes, "There is so much opportunity in this world that I want to explore all of it. This past summer I enrolled in the Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW), a program that offers in-coming high school juniors and seniors a unique and challenging opportunity to see what it is like to run their own business.


What have you been up to since completing the program?

I've survived sophomore year, and learned a new coding language, Visual Basic, which is a College in High School course. I honestly haven’t pursued writing to the extent that I’d like, but I’m always coming up with new ideas. I have also enjoyed Chemistry this past year, and I hope to continue with it in my junior year.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?

I have primarily learned to become immersed with whatever I am working on at the time. If I don’t truly enjoy the project that I’ve taken on, my work will reflect that, and taking pleasure in my work is always important to me.

How would you describe the Teen Writer experience?

I really enjoyed the immersive aspect of the program. It really blew me away just how much writing can be incorporated in everyday lifestyle, and the way Gina taught us it was perfect. Her style of teaching; the hands-on aspect of it, such as walking through some of the city of Pittsburgh to gain ideas for stories was amazing. The other students I worked with were just as enthusiastic as I was, and that made the entire experience so much more enjoyable. The classroom, while restricting at some points when each of us were longing to be outside in the sun more, was a nice room, clean, and it was comfortable. If I ever get the chance to work with Gina again, I will snap it up in a heartbeat, as her class was such a great experience. I hope our paths will cross again.

What is your 6-Word Autobiography:

Who knows where life takes us?

Luminari Introduces New Ambassador Camp Director for 2015

LETTER FROM AMBASSADOR! DIRECTOR GINA CATANZARITE

I am thrilled to move into my new role as Director of the 2015 I Want to be an Ambassador! camp. While the Director role is new to me, the camp itself is not. I've been part of the Ambassador camp since its inception five years ago, both as a session presenter and as a supporter of Luminari and its mission to create ripple effects of positive change. I cannot wait to add a few ripples of my own, and to meet the next wave of aspiring young ambassadors who will join us in June 2015!

Those who know me from my "day job" as a writer and television producer are familiar with my love of inspiring quotations -- and I thought hard about just which one I'd like to include here to set the tone for next year's Ambassador! camp. My favorites range from luminaries in the world of politics to those in the arts, both modern-day and ones who made their marks in history.

So many wise words from which to choose... and yet the phrase that keeps playing through my head is this one: Diplomacy means handling the porcupine without feeling the quills.

I have no idea where that homespun little saying originated but it makes me smile. And it makes me think.

We live in a world filled with "quills" and day in and day out, citizens in our global community feel their sharp stabs of pain. Through improved communication, creativity, and collaboration, ambassadors of all kinds can ease suffering, promote peace, and find solutions to society's most pressing problems.

I look forward to spending the coming months working with community experts, teachers, and caring adults as we shape the Ambassador! camp curriculum and plan exciting elements for the Washington, D.C. excursion. Most of all, I look forward to spreading the word to our region's young people and encouraging them to join us in this exciting camp experience.

If you know a few teens with a tendency to lead the pack and solve the world's problems -- it's never too early to tell them about the I Want to be an Ambassador! camp. June 2015 will come around faster than we think. . . but then again, the future usually does.

All the best,
Gina Catanzarite

Rebecca Cataldi's work inspires diplomacy camp

Rebecca Cataldi, whose work inspired the creation of the I Want to be an Ambassador! camp five years ago, reflects on the camp's success and growth.

Rebecca is Program Manager at the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD). She is also Founder of the American-Islamic Friendship Project; was named an Ambassador for Peace by the Universal Peace Federation; and is a Conflict Resolution Specialist and Trainer, Language Educator, and Published Author.

1.  How did you first get involved with Luminari and why? Hilda invited me; she said she came up with the idea for Luminari from hearing about the work I do in international conflict resolution and faith-based diplomacy. I thought it was a wonderful idea to give young people an opportunity to start learning and thinking about these concepts and to decide if this is something they want to pursue in their future.

2.  Talk to us about some of the big successes in the last 5 years of Luminari. What moments stand out to you? What are you the most proud of?
I think what stood out to me was hearing about Luminari graduates who went back to use negotiations and other conflict resolution skills in their lives, their homes, and their communities. It's wonderful to know people are able to put into practice what they learn in a useful way.

3.  Who are some of the people that make the organization what it is, why?
Well I haven't had the opportunity to work closely with everyone, but it's been a privilege to work with Hilda. She is really an inspiration because she conceived this idea and turned it into reality and continues to make it grow.

4.  What’s next for Luminari? What will the next 5 years look like?
Hard for me to say, but I'd love to see it involve more international students who may be studying in Pittsburgh to really enhance the cross-cultural interaction and learning, and maybe more 'alumnae' programs to bring past Luminari participants together to share their experiences since leaving the program. That would help us to better understand how young people are using what they learned.

5.  For those just learning about the organization, what’s the one thing they should know to get them involved? How can they help?
It's a special program because it's focused on developing diplomatic skills in young people from a variety of disciplines--from cultural sensitivity to conflict resolution to economics to religion and much more--and it's interactive, so rather than just learning about topics, people are actually experiencing them and doing things hands-on. I would encourage anyone interested to learn more, to contribute if you can whether financially or by offering your expertise as a session facilitator or speaker, or to recommend the program to young people who may be interested.

The End of Summer

Ah, summer. The warm nights and sun filled days, when time seems to slow down just long enough for us to feel young and carefree. The nostalgia of summer runs through our collective psyche. With each passing season the signs of summers past can be recalled with warmth and wistfulness. Stargazing while lying in the grass, playing miniature golf, chasing the ice cream truck down the street, a first kiss, a last goodbye, all seem to hold more meaning because of three short months we casually refer to as the youthful season.

Then there are the camps and activities of the season. Made all the more nourishing by the people we meet. Summer camps hold a special place in the heart for most of us. Not because of the locations or the weather or arts and crafts, but it is the people we encounter there that forge friendships that create a lifetime of glorious, if not bittersweet memories.

In years to come, it is our hope that Luminari will hold a similar fondness in the hearts of those who shared their summers with us. The young people who participated in our I Want to be an Ambassador!, Teen Writer!, and Camp Delicious! programs will be forever tethered by a shared experience in the summer of 2014 – whether it be a desire to create solutions and improve the lives of others, or perhaps the skill to inspire and influence others with words, or the passion to grow, experiment and prepare with the universal language that is food.

For now summer is once again drawing to a close – with only about three weeks left until school starts, at Luminari we are encouraged by these young people who will be returning to their classrooms with new perspectives, experiences and purpose.

We will always look back on our summers past with fondness and nostalgia, however, we are also renewed and look forward to the global ripple effect created by the amazing teenagers who take part every year. Without a doubt, these teens are the champions of our future and we can take great comfort in knowing that we are passing on the reigns of leadership to such accomplished and inspiring young people.

On behalf of the entire Luminari staff, we thank the 2014 campers for sharing their ideas and demonstrating their passion for positive change. Many thanks to our educators, facilitators, sponsors and friends for their ongoing support and guidance. A special thanks to the Heinz History Center (and staff) for hosting our Pittsburgh portion of the I Want to be an Ambassador! camp; WQED studios (and staff) for hosting our Teen Writer! camp; and Rodef Shalom, Phipps and The Art Institute, Pittsburgh for hosting our Camp Delicious! program.

Written by Pilar Brown, Luminari Team Member

Board Member Ilene Schwartz Talks about Luminari Turning Five!

Luminari is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, and as an integral part of our organization, Ilene Hurwitz Schwartz,Treasurer, Luminari Board of Directors, shares some of her thoughts and reflects on the organization’s first five years and talks about the direction she sees Luminari headed. 

Ilene is Director of Marketing for BPU Investment Management, Inc., and has more than 30 years of experience in marketing communications and development.

1. How did you first get involved with Luminari and why?
   Hilda Pang Fu and I have known each other as friends and colleagues for many years.  When Hilda shared with me the idea for an organization such as Luminari, I knew immediately it would not only materialize but become a great success and most importantly have a positive impact on many lives. There was nothing like this in our region or anywhere else, for that matter. Most importantly, when Hilda is involved, her passion, intellect, motivation, and positive energy cannot be suppressed! So, my response to Hlida was, "What a fabulour idea!" Obviously she moved forward, and I was honored when she asked me to be a member of the Board of Directors, which I continue to be.
   
2. Talk to us about some of the big successes in the last 5 years of Luminari. What moments stand out to you? What are you the most proud of?
   
   There are many moments! But, when I saw the excited and passion in the eyes of the first group of the "I Want to Be an Ambassador!" camp that was amazing. Then, I found out that some of those same students when on to study international relations in college.  Wow! I am proud to be part of something that encourages individuals to be intellectually curious and see the world as a place where individuals embrace their respective differences as a way to grow closer and more peacefully together.
   
3. Who are some of the people that make the organization what it is, why?
   
   Everyone involved is terrific - like Hilda, they are smart, passionate and caring.
   
4. What’s next for Luminari? What will the next 5 years look like?
   
   It's my hope that it continues to grow and prosper. This year we are launching Camp  Delicious!, which I predict will be another successful program. Other such programs will follow with continued support from foundations and others.
   
5. For those just learning about the organization, what’s the one thing they should know to get them involved? How can they help?
   
   They should know that this is an organization that does something now - those involved don't just talk, they do! It's truly a "happening" organization and most importantly focuses on bringing out the best in anyone who gets involved - be they staff, board members, and especially the program participants.

Luminari Founder, Hilda Pang Fu, Reflects on the First 5 Years

What prompted you to create Luminari?

In the early 1970s, my husband and I came to Pittsburgh and soon later adopted it as our hometown. We decided to pursue our careers and raise our two children here, as Pittsburgh was friendly and continues to be a very livable city.  When other cities offered us opportunities throughout the years, we could not dismiss the kindness we experienced from other residents, as well as the close friendships and professional relationships we developed. Consequently, one of our greatest priorities has been to give back to Pittsburgh, so that it evolves over time as an even better place to live.

I strongly believe that for Pittsburgh to be vibrant, we need to actively harness the diversity of perspectives that exist throughout our region. This will help us to make better decisions, build stronger working relationships, and attract and sustain talent.  

In 2009, I founded Luminari, a nonprofit with a mission to broaden minds, inspire innovations and encourage community engagement.  My vision began with summer programs for teenagers, inspiring them to get into the habit of putting themselves in other people’s shoes when considering an issue. I also wanted to maintain a small and nimble organization that eventually will inspire people of all ages to experiment with different ways of doing things. 

For our teen programs, we go to great lengths to recruit participants from different school districts and backgrounds. In particular, we welcome young people who recently immigrated to this country. The built-in diversity of the participants, coupled with outstanding instructors and professional practitioners, creates enriching experiences that are not available in a typical classroom setting.

What are you the most proud of in the first five years?

Luminari is now offering four mind-broadening programs. They all offer opportunities for teens that they may not encounter in any other formal setting.   I am proud of ALL of them, but there is a special spot in my heart for the first program that we launched back in 2010, the IWant to be an Ambassador! summer camp. I wanted a program to focus on the art and skills of diplomacy, the age-old tool used for building and sustaining working relationships among countries, resulting in peaceful solutions rather than wars. This goes beyond leadership training. It’s about inspiring our young people to apply diplomacy in their immediate environment. Its daily application is critical to long term successful outcomes. 

I am proud of its success and ripple effect after the past four summers in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. I am thrilled with its totally original curriculum, format and inspiring delivery by instructors and business leaders, as well as international diplomats who participate each year. 

Our entire team is encouraged to see that all of our programs inspire participants to act and make a positive difference in their immediate environment. We believe this approach is a far reaching one that creates a powerful ripple effect.

Who are some prominent supporters? Who are some of the

people that make the organization what it is?

Our strength and originality are powered by the creative minds of our “luminari.” Luminari is a collection of people, experts in their professions, who are dedicated to sharing their wit and wisdom to make our little corner of the world a better place. We have created a team that truly enjoys working together and is energized by the creative process. You can see a partial list of our “Luminari” on our website. We are very grateful to the foundations and sponsors who have believed in us since our inception. Their support of our mission has been a critical endorsement.

What’s next for Luminari? What will the next 5 years look like?

Currently, all our programs are designed for teenagers. However, we are planning to offer some adult programs in the near future. I am looking forward to the next phase of Luminari’s journey with a great deal of enthusiasm. We have built a sound and quality foundation and now, we need to remember it is a creative process and not a race. My heart sings when I think about the far-reaching effects we are poised to create over the next five years.

4 reasons DIPLOMACY will help you succeed in life

Written by Luminari Staff

“Diplomacy,” the word often conjures images of politicians, prime-ministers, or presidents negotiating ways to create peace and economic stability. For teenagers who are dreaming of a future career in politics or international relations this vision of diplomacy is surely an exciting and gratifying view.

Yet, there are many young people who also dream of being entrepreneurs, teachers, physicians or technology specialists. Moreover, what about those young people who haven’t decided what career they want to follow? How will sustainable learning, meaningful dialogue and skillful diplomacy foster their dreams of the future?

Join Luminari during the 2014 “IWant to be an Ambassador!” camp for an experience of a lifetime. Skills learned throughout the week offer a unique opportunity for self-reflection and dynamic growth with long-lasting benefits in any professional field, here are FOUR:

1. Build public speaking & communication skills

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Whether you are giving a speech to a classroom of your peers or you have to organize a project for your career, good communication is essential in any profession. The I Want to be an Ambassador! camp encourages thoughtful and open conversations with people from different points of view. You will find the power of listening to be a powerful tool in understanding how to communicate with others who have a different opinion or world view than your own.

2. Gain confidence in self & others

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Whether you are defending a friend who is being bullied or discussing an opinion with a teacher, you will use skills from our Ambassador camp. When you are speaking with someone who bullies, or an authority figure, it is important to do so calmly and in a way that doesn’t offend. During our 7-day camp, you will acquire and practice techniques that allow you to speak in a manner that will keep everyone calm and respectful, but will also ensure that your voice is heard.

3.  Succeed in college

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While at college it can sometimes be difficult to attend long lectures while paying close attention and listening for important details. However, success is often measured by your ability to both listen and to perform exceedingly well in your courses. You will learn techniques that will make listening for key details and important information easier by focusing on what someone is saying, how they are saying it, and filtering what is critical to success.

4.  Great career opportunities

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In today’s workplace active listening and team-building are essential for fostering critical thinking and problem solving skills. It is giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking the time necessary to understand the points being made, asking questions when appropriate and not interrupting. Our hands-on summer camp teaches you how to understand and solve problems with people from difference backgrounds.

The I Want to be an Ambassador! camp focuses on the art of diplomacy to effectively accomplish goals in daily life. With exercises in Pittsburgh and Washington, DC, teens will visit embassies and talk with business leaders and diplomats to inspire a thirst for global knowledge, hone new skills and impact local communities – one person at a time.