In the News

University of Wisconsin-Platteville News

Students transforming vulnerable communities in Panama through pilot program

February 24, 2025

One of the main goals is to help rural businesses expand into new avenues, such as agritourism, while adopting more efficient organizational practices. During the pilot trip in January, one group of students collaborated with a local farmer in the rural community of Membrillo. They assisted in developing plans to attract visitors and promoting sustainable farming practices.

“They understood my ideas and helped bring my vision to life.” said Demetrio Martínez, owner, Finca La Bendición. “They worked so hard to organize a project that is now beginning to take shape in the way we hoped and envisioned. We’re now working on aspects to satisfy both locals and tourists, while also making connections with international organizations. I’ve already received calls, and local organizations are reaching out for visits. We’re moving forward with this long-awaited project, and it’s truly extraordinary.”

Through this collaborative effort, the team created a foundation for long-term business expansion, while building a bridge between both cultures.

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The Breeze

JMU Global Medical Brigades 3rd Annual Shamrock 5k

Feb, 2025

James Madison University Global Medical Brigades 3rd Annual Shamrock 5k is a 5k with a deeper purpose. Global Medical Brigades is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that connects people in developing nations to healthcare through the establishment of clinics, facilities, and resources. Here at James Madison University, a chapter of this organization was created two years ago by Elizabeth Manning and Kayci Carrier, now our former President and current Vice President. Two years ago, with the help of the fundraising team and their efforts to start the tradition of a 5k fundraiser for the organization, they were able to send over 20 volunteers on a week-long brigade to Honduras to volunteer and serve in the community through medical care.

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UC News

UC faculty member works to buck ‘voluntourism’ trend in global health

Feb 13, 2025

A University of Cincinnati College of Medicine faculty member is working to buck a trend by creating sustainable funding models for global oral health initiatives.

Priyanka Gudsoorkar hopes to help organizations consciously move away from what is referred to as “parachuting” and “voluntourism” trends and to instead create impactful global cooperation with sustained funding that also utilizes knowledge exchanges, skill transfers and meaningful volunteering.

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Augusta Free Press

Mary Washington medical, dentistry students volunteer skills for underserved in Panama

Feb 7, 2025

Several University of Mary Washington students spent a few of the first days of 2025 in Central America helping individuals of Panama with essential health care services.

Katrina Zaki, a senior biomedical sciences major and vice president of UMW’s chapter of Global Medical Brigades (GMB), and several fellow Eagles collaborated with the international nonprofit to provide sustainable medical solutions and education in remote and underserved communities.

“I found my GMB experience humbling and am so grateful to be able to help individuals and be surrounded by others who care just as much as I do about health care,” said Zaki, who is also in UMW’s pre-physician assistant program. “The Panamanians are some of the most kindhearted people and I cannot wait to go on the next brigade.”

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UMW News

UMW Students Spend Winter Break Week Delivering Health Care in Panama

Feb 3, 2025

University of Mary Washington senior Katrina Zaki spent some of the first days of the year in Central America, thousands of miles from home, helping people she’d never met.

Zaki, a biomedical sciences major and vice president of UMW’s chapter of Global Medical Brigades (GMB), was part of a group of Mary Washington students who kicked off 2025 in collaboration with the international nonprofit to bring essential health care services, sustainable medical solutions and education to remote and underserved communities.

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The O'Colly

Student Involvement Fair showcases diverse array of organizations

Jan 24, 2025

What do K-pop and the Global Medical Brigades have in common?

They are both organizations at Oklahoma State and were featured at the Student Involvement Fair on Wednesday.

The fair happens once a semester and showcases many different organizations and clubs on campus to students. For a couple of hours, the Student Union Ballroom overflows with tables, posters and students ready to share what sets them apart.

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Hotty Toddy

Ole Miss Students Sharing World Leadership

December 15, 2024

Ole Miss Global Brigades students Keerthin Karthikeyan (left) and Hunter Peoples (right) and about 20 other Ole Miss students left the Memphis Airport this morning for Belize City in Central America to serve a needy population during Christmas break. Keerthin is an honor student and Eagle Scout. Hunter Peoples is the chapter president. The Ed and Becky Meek Foundation is honored to provided support to Keerthin on this Global Brigades trip.

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Ghana Web

GBO Ghana Limited by Guarantee (Global Brigades) Empowers Kwamankese Communities with Essential Infrastructure

December 18, 2024

The people of Nyamebekyere and Brenyi can now enjoy access to clean drinking water, thanks to the installation of pipe-born water systems by Global Brigades.

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The Gateway Online

Global Brigades U of A supports communities around the world

January 7, 2025

Global Brigades (GB) is an international non-profit organization consisting of students from different universities around the world. The organization takes a holistic approach to meeting the health and economic needs of communities across South America, Ghana, and Greece. The Global Brigades University of Alberta Chapter (GB U of A) is one of several university chapters around the world.

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Northeastern Global News

How Northeastern international business students solved a small business challenge in Honduras

January 8, 2025

In Paula Caligiuri’s international business class, a group of students used consulting and cultural skills to help a Honduran small business owner, demonstrating creativity, adaptability and real-world problem-solving

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