In 2016, the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth created “20 Under 20” as part of the Global Young Leaders Program. This initiative honors 20 exceptional high school students under the age of 20 who are active in their local Junior World Affairs Council club (JWAC). 20 Under 20 brings a spotlight to young people in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex who consistently give back to their communities and exemplify what it means to be a global citizen.

Based on JWAC educator sponsor nominations and student applications for 20 Under 20, a Council advisory panel will choose the top 20 students to represent the class of 2024. An event will be held in the late spring to recognize the 20 Under 20 class of that year and will feature a prominent keynote speaker. Students will also be recognized for their accomplishments by the Council to the great North Texas community.

Eligibility

There are no strict requirements for eligibility for 20 under 20, but JWAC sponsors should consider nominating students who meet some of these standards:

1. Active JWAC member.
2. Maintains at least a 3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale.
3. Is a leader in the school or community.
4. Attended several Council public programs during high school.
5. Completed at least 10 hours of community service during the year of application and can provide proof of service.

20 Under 20 – Class of 2026

• Carlos Carrasco, International Leadership of Texas Garland, International Leadership of Texas Charter Schools
• Diya Cham, Ursuline Academy of Dallas, Private
• Devin DeSilva, Cistercian Preparatory School, Private
• Shiven Diwakar, Flower Mound High School, Lewisville ISD
• Victoria Hernandez, International Leadership of Texas Garland, International Leadership of Texas Charter Schools
• Eliot Hong, Flower Mound High School, Lewisville ISD
• Leela Jenkins, Flower Mound High School, Lewisville ISD
• Lana Kamel, Martin High School, Arlington ISD
• Navya Kammend, Grapevine High School, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
• Rishik Kapoor, St. Mark’s School of Texas, Private
• Krish Kulkarni, Flower Mound High School, Lewisville ISD
• Maggie Li, Grapevine High School, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
• Anuraag Likki, North Hills Preparatory, Uplift Charter Schools
• Sunny Lin, Martin High School, Arlington ISD
• Spencer Morgenweck, R.L. Paschal High School, Fort Worth ISD
• Aashrita Mulpuri, L.D. Bell High School, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD
• Victoria Nguyen, Trinity Valley School, Private
• Jana Qaddura, Martin High School, Arlington ISD
• Kiran Shagrithaya, Alcuin School, Private
• Thrisha Sukesh, Trinity Valley School, Private

Watch the video below to see our 20 Under 20 students in action!