Peyton K

Ashoka Young Changemaker
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United States
Elected in 2018

About Peyton K

When new immigrant and refugee students started coming to her school, Peyton Klein saw the possibility for mutual learning and support.

Peyton is the descendant of Jewish refugees who faced cultural intolerance and discrimination when they immigrated to the United States. Given her family history, Peyton has always considered herself sensitive to the struggles immigrants face in America today. Peyton began Global Minds as a way to combat cultural intolerance and discrimination. Global Minds is an educational support system for English-as-a-second language students, while educating native English speaking students about other cultures, in order to create more inclusive globally minded young leaders. Global Minds offers opportunities for all students to come together and build friendships while gaining important social skills. “In Global Minds,” says Peyton, “we say there is no volunteering. It’s a two-way stream. I can learn from you about your culture, experience, and knowledge, and in return, I can support you in navigating the school system.” To date, Global Minds has impacted more than a thousand students from more than 50 countries.