A La Jolla Country Day School junior is a silver award-winning finalist in an international competition honoring excellence in internet programming.
Evan Estrada was selected as an Anthem Award finalist for Young Leader of the Year in Anthem’s awareness categories. He is being recognized for his contributions as a youth ambassador doing a podcast titled “The Peace Studio Through Evan Worldwide – Global Youth Perspectives.”
Estrada’s podcast episodes are bringing awareness to global youth concerning conflict, culture, and cuisine.
“As a youth leader I’m trying to advocate for peace and for prospects for a better future full of prosperity,” said Estrada. “I try to promote peace by infomercials on social media and on podcasts about different countries, as well as postings on Instagram and TikTok.”
Added Estrada: “I have enjoyed being an advocate for peace by interviewing young leaders across the globe who share their culture, international perspectives, and traditional cuisines. My goal is to provide a platform to increase awareness of global cultures to embrace our similarities and bridge divides.”
The Anthem Awards are the newest initiative of The Webby Awards honoring internet excellence in websites, advertising and media, online film and video, and mobile sites and apps. The Webby Awards are presented annually by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a judging body composed of more than 2,000 industry experts and technology innovators.
The Anthem Awards were developed to recognize the breadth of social good work (online and offline) around the globe by honoring the organizations, brands, and people creating long-lasting impact. Award categories include diversity, equity and inclusion; education, art and culture; health; human and civil rights; humanitarian action and services; responsible technology; and sustainability, environment and climate.
Estrada is trying to refute stereotypes associated with some countries, citing the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan as just one example of a country that is not as bad as some people perceive it to be.
“I have a friend from Jordan whom I’ve interviewed and yes, there have been some difficulties with social issues in her country,” Estrada said. “But the hospitality and welcoming nature of the Jordanian people is known worldwide, which I think is quite amazing.”
Estrada talked about his website, evanworldwide.com.
“I’ve had it for a few years now and this is a place where I show off a little bit, talk about my podcasts, and you can see some of my recent posts and videos,” he said talking about one of his recent entries.
“Last year I traveled to Panama and France,” he said. “I have different videos of me cooking in Panama with an indigenous chef. I also went to France and did two videos of me trying and enjoying food from all over the world made by refugees in Paris.”
For the purpose of his podcasting, Estrada said: “I believe the youth of the world want to become more connected and more informed about different cultures. And one of the best ways to start that conversation is to ask questions. It’s a great opportunity to learn from the people answering those questions. My dream is to turn this podcast into a docu-series to share with a global audience.”
Estrada attends an independent, college preparatory day school serving students age 3 to grade 12. The school’s mission is to prepare students for a lifetime of intellectual exploration, personal growth, and social responsibility.
“I came to this school in kindergarten and next year will be my 12th year and I’ve been with some of the same students since I was age 5,” noted Estrada. “Going there has given me amazing opportunities I wouldn’t have had if I went to a different school, like meeting people from 30-plus countries. It’s had a huge positive impact on my life.”
