OUR AMBASSADORS
Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert captivated the world in 2006 with her best-selling memoir, Eat Pray Love. In the ensuing years, people worldwide have sought her advice on how to lead a bold and inspired life, and she dedicated herself to exploring the mysteries of creativity and courage. Out of this period of investigation, Elizabeth has written a brilliant nonfiction treatise, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, in which she digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective on creativity. She worked in a Philadelphia diner, a western ranch, and in a New York City bar before Eat Pray Love catapulted her into what Oprah Winfrey called “rock star author” status. She is the author of the memoir Committed and the novels The Signature of All Things, and Stern Men. Her latest novel, City of Girls, is a rollicking, sexy tale set in the New York City theater world of the 1940s. Elizabeth divides her time between New York City, rural New Jersey, and everywhere else.
Photo credit: Deborah Lopez
Sarah, Duchess of York
Sarah, Duchess of York is a global humanitarian, businesswoman, bestselling children’s book author, producer, and wellness advocate.
For over 30 years, the Duchess of York has been committed to supporting children’s causes with a focus on education. She founded Children in Crisis in 1993 to provide education to forgotten children around the world, and the charity has educated over 1.4 million children. The Duchess has travelled the globe to witness the projects first hand and has personally raised significant donations for causes that share her passion for change. The Duchess also champions Humanitas, the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust, Teen Cancer America, Children’s Air Ambulance, the British Heart Foundation, Julia’s House and Key to Freedom. The Duchess’s passion for these causes and people is cemented at the very core of Sarah’s Trust. Her energy and charitable heart will enable Sarah’s Trust to provide vital support to the world’s most forgotten children, and to broaden her support to more charities working in the field.
Dr. Li-Rong Lilly Cheng
Dr. Li-Rong Lilly Cheng is the Director of the Chinese Cultural Center at San Diego State University. She served as Professor in the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Executive Director of Chinese Studies Institute at SDSU. Professor Cheng served as a member of the board of trustees of the Campanile Foundation of SDSU. She is the past chair of the Multicultural Issues Board for the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and the chair of Education Committee for the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP). She is a Fellow of ASHA and received the Honors of ASHA. She served as the past president of IALP (International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics). She was the founder of the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus of ASHA. She has dedicated her life to education with a focus on the children, women,underserved and unserved. She has provided professional and humanitarian assistance and resources to individuals, schools, clinics and groups with special needs including deafness, autism spectrum disorders, speech and language disorders and disability across the lifespan across the globe
Dr. Cheng served as the Chair of the Medical Assurance Board of the State of California and Board Member of the California Health Foundation. She served as the Chair of the International Affairs Board of the City of San Diego and the Chair of the Asian Pacific Historical Thematic District. She serves on the Board of Jewish Family Service of San Diego and the Historical Resource Board of the City of San Diego.
Professor Cheng was the past President of the Phi Beta Delta Chapter at SDSU. She has received many awards from SDSU and professional organizations. She was selected as the outstanding alumnus of Michigan State University. She is also a Fellow of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Dr. Cheng is the recipient of the 1997 ASHA Award for special contributions to Multicultural Affairs and the recipient of the 2002 Diversity Award from the California Speech & Hearing Association. She is on the editorial board of several major professional journals. She has numerous professional publications and has lectured all over the world. In 2007, she received the best research article award from Council of Exceptional Children. She has taught Chinese to individuals across the life span in a multitude of settings. In 2010, she received the Humanitarian Award from the Asian Heritage Foundation. She received the 2012 Monty’s Award from SDSU. She received the 2013 Diversity Award from CAPCSD. She served as consultant for Sesame Street and Tiffany and Company.
Currently, Dr. Cheng serves as the Chair of the Board of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
Dr. Cheng has published numerous articles and books on Communication Disorders and Language Learning focusing on the development of an optimal language learning environment (OLLE). She is a frequent keynote speaker on the various topics of speech language pathology and language learning around the world. She advocates for diversity and inclusion and believes strongly that education is a human right.
Dr. Sarifa Alonto Younes
Dr. Sarifa Alonto Younes, a dynamic serial Edupreneur, International Speaker, TEDx Speaker, Best-Selling Author, and devoted Philanthropist, radiates inspiration across the globe.
Sarifa’s educational journey is nothing short of remarkable. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Education & Training, and a Doctorate in Education. A respected leader and philanthropist at heart, Sarifa is known for her attentive support to those in need. Fueled by her passion for education and love for humanity, she envisions a world where women, young girls, and orphans are empowered to lead fulfilling lives through quality education.
As the President and Founder of the International Academy of Marawi (I AM) in the Philippines, Sarifa exemplifies her resolute dedication to transforming lives through education. Leading and founding additional educational institutions like the Training College of Australia and Arndell Park Early Childhood Learning Centre, she acts as a catalyst for positive change.
A visionary Co-Founder and Director of impactful initiatives, including Authors Book Launch & Expo (ABLE), Entrepreneur and Business Leader & Expo (enABLE), and ABLE NEXUSPHERE, Sarifa extends her influence worldwide. Serving as the Australia Country Chair for Business Networking under ALL Ladies League, she exemplifies leadership that transcends borders.
Sarifa’s exceptional accomplishments have earned her prestigious recognition both locally and globally. She received the Australia 2018 AusMumpreneur Multicultural Business Excellence Award, the 2020 Mother Teresa Award in London, and the 2021 Philanthropy Award in the USA. As the second alumnus to receive the 2022 AHAS-IRKHS IIUM International Alumni Award in Malaysia, she continues to garner international acclaim.
In 2023, Sarifa’s impact reached new heights with the Woman in Education and Woman Changing the World Awards in London. She became the first alumnus recipient of the IIUM International Alumni Icon Award in Malaysia and earned the Australia bronze recipient title for AusMumpreneur of the Year 2023. Embraced in the WAW Honorary Award Hall of Fame and an Honorary Life Member of ALL Ladies League, Sarifa embodies inspiration on a grand scale.
Sarifa’s #1 Best-Selling book, “Love Your Obstacles,” transcends literary triumph—it’s a beacon of resilience. Recognized with a Bronze Medal at the Golden Door-REX Karmaveer Truth-Writer Fellowship & Chakra Awards in collaboration with the United Nations and iCongo, and an Honorary mention at the Golden Door 2021- Truth & Integrity of the Written Word, the book is a testament to Sarifa’s unwavering commitment to wisdom, compassion, and inspiring others to overcome obstacles with love. Her influence extends beyond accolades, as she has been featured on various magazines, newspapers, television, and radios both locally and globally, showcasing the widespread recognition of her impactful contributions.