GILBERT SISTER CITIES YOUTH AMBASSADOR SELECTED FOR INTERNATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
- Shandiin Harrison to be First Gilbert Teen to Represent at Event -
 

GILBERT, ARIZ. (March 4, 2026) — Gilbert Sister Cities announced that 2025 Youth Ambassador Shandiin Harrison has been selected by Sister Cities International to represent Gilbert at the organization’s 2026 Youth Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., this summer.
 
“Leadership is not just about finding your own voice; it is about building bridges so others can find theirs,” said Elaine Kessler, President of the Gilbert Sister Cities board. “Shandiin’s selection for the Sister Cities Youth Leadership Summit is a testament to her commitment to a world where our differences are our greatest strengths. Shandiin understands that to lead a community, one must first understand the world. Her journey with Sister Cities is the perfect next step for a leader who values collaboration and unity. We are so proud of her initiative and integrity.”
 
The Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit brings together Sister Cities youth leaders from across the country and around the world to engage in dialogue on global issues, cultural diplomacy, and international collaboration. During the program, Shandiin will participate in leadership development workshops, collaborative strategy sessions, and global cultural experiences to address shared global challenges while fostering peace, mutual understanding, and cross-cultural collaboration.
 

As a representative of Gilbert Sister Cities, Shandiin will:

Harrison is a senior at Mesquite High School and is involved in the Gila River Healthcare Scrubs Program and serves as a Junior Auxiliary Member of the American Legion. She is also a member of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society and Girl Scouts. At school, she participates in the National Honor Society, FBLA, Culinary Club, Student Senate, Speech and Debate, and supports social media marketing for Sending Sunshine. Next year, Shandiin will attend the University of Arizona, where she will study business management.

Each year, Gilbert Sister Cities selects local high school juniors to serve as Youth Ambassadors, representing Gilbert through cultural exchange and leadership development opportunities. Applications for the 2027 Youth Ambassador program will open in September 2026. For more information, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @gilbertsistercities.

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 75 high school students abroad. More information is available at gilbertsistercities.org.