The AFS-USA Emerging Leader Award recognizes a volunteer who shows the potential to be a future leader in an AFS-USA chapter, team, or on the national level. An Emerging Leader has demonstrated leadership in an AFS-USA chapter or team by playing a key role in initiating, steering, or fully participating in a specific task/project to a successful completion.

The 2019 Emerging Leader Award goes to Davide Pu of the San Francisco Bay Area Team. Nominated by his team’s TDS, Veronica Buxton, Davide is a reverse returnee from Italy who spent his exchange experience in China. After volunteering with AFS Italy for six years, Davide joined the San Francisco Bay Area Team.

During his volunteer service with the San Francisco Bay Area Team, Davide has brought great new perspectives and energy to the team. He consistently inspires and pushes the team to improve and do more than just the minimum. As the Sending Coordinator, Davide helped to overhaul and improve the content and format of the team’s PDO. In addition, he helps with NSLI-Y interviews, helps put together social meet-up events for students and families, contributes to the team’s diversity and scholarship initiatives, and is a member of the team Steering Committee.

Notably, Davide was instrumental in encouraging the team to develop scholarship sources to support students who might otherwise not be able to afford to go on program. Fundraising has become a key objective for the team. Davide is also on the committee that works with like-minded volunteer organizations in the area. Look for Davide to continue to make a difference with students, families, and volunteers.

Congratulations, Davide!