Who We Are and What We Stand For

Dr Rick Hathaway is a Co-Founder and Managing Director for Global Learning Lab International. Prior to joining GL2i Rick Hathaway served as a Vice President for Habitat for Humanity International, responsible for the overall success of Habitat's affordable housing activities in dozens of countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Over a 35-year career in community impact he has supported volunteer programming, board development, fund raising, and leadership development across 50 countries globally. During this period Rick and family lived in New Zealand, Korea, Philippines, Thailand, and Slovakia.

Robin A. Smith is the Co-Founder and International Programs Director of Global Learning Lab, where she leads the organization's global initiatives and faculty development. Prior to this, she served as the Nepal and India Country Director for the Habitat for Humanity Leadership Academy, overseeing leadership development programs across both countries.

Dr Roland B Smith is a co-founder and board member of Global Learning Lab International, with a career spanning leadership, education, and social impact across multiple regions and sectors. His expertise includes business, education, and community development, shaped by his experience living and working in Sri Lanka, India, Singapore, and North America.

I am the Country Coordinator and Legal Representative of Global Learning Lab Western Balkans, based in Skopje, with a strong professional focus on youth civic engagement, leadership development, and community impact. My work is driven by the belief that young people, when empowered with the right skills and opportunities, can become active agents of positive change in their communities.

Sushma B. Shrestha is a dynamic leader with over a decade of experience in youth empowerment, leadership development, and sustainable initiatives. She excels in training, facilitation, and resource development for international NGOs.

Based in Bratislava, Slovakia, Mia works with Global Learning Lab as a consultant, providing expertise in organizational strategy, and monitoring & evaluation.

Surindu Goonewardena is the Sri Lanka Program Coordinator and a Master Trainer with Global Learning Lab, bringing experience in business analysis, human resources, and leadership development across diverse industries. He has worked with organizations such as Unilever and Fortude, where he specialized in business process analysis, employer branding and talent development.

Aleksandar Stojoski is an international leadership trainer, trainers coordinator, and media manager at Global Learning Lab Western Balkans. His leadership journey began with his participation in the Youth Leadership Academy, where he showed strong interest and commitment to personal and professional growth. After the training, he volunteered at SOS Children’s Village for eight weeks, but due to his dedication, he continued volunteering for nearly a year. He later advanced by completing a Training of Trainers program and became a certified leadership trainer. Since then, Aleksandar has delivered more than 10 trainings in cities such as Skopje, Shtip, and Bitola, as well as internationally in Kosovo. Today, he actively works on empowering young people and contributing to the development of strong, successful communities of future leaders.

Prasun Rai is a development professional with extensive experience in youth leadership, gender equality, and partnership management across national and international organizations. Her work has centered on empowering young people - particularly young women and girls through gender transformative approaches, participatory learning, and community-driven approaches. Through her roles in various INGOs she has coordinated leadership academies, co-designed training curricula, mentored youth leaders and led capability strengthening of grassroots and civil society organizations. Her work consistently emphasizes collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and sustainable impact particularly for young people.

Shazna Shamil is the Social Media Manager at Global Learning Lab, where she leads strategic communications and digital storytelling to amplify the voices and impact of youth changemakers across global programs. Her work focuses on translating on-ground impact into compelling narratives, building a strong digital presence, and fostering meaningful engagement with diverse audiences.