Message from the Founder

My multicultural path in life was carved out a long time ago. I was "made" in Japan, and while awaiting my late arrival into the world, my parents attended an African concert with Babatunde Olatunji in NYC. This planted the seed for my love of all things cultural and experiential learning. At 3 1/2, I asked to take piano lessons. At 6, my parents brought me and my sister to Europe. At 16, I lived in Spain and at 17, I lived in Japan as a High School AFS exchange student. After college, I helped produce a world percussion tribute for Baba Olatunji and was honored to meet him. These "coincidences" keep happening, so I suppose I am following my destiny to reach out and touch the world.

I was fortunate to have parents, an older sister and mentors early on in life. They gave me encouragement and the confidence to connect with other people and places globally. Not everyone has that good fortune, or ever will. I want to pass that gift along to others.

I believe in my heart that every person (especially children) deserves a chance to experience, explore and connect with the world -- whether they leave their own community or not. With those experiences, comes knowledge and power. Power to know who we are - power to tap into our potential and most importantly, power to pass along our gifts to others. I invite you to take this journey with me and see where in the world we end up! I wish you all safe travels and joy along the way.

Emi Gittleman, Founder & Executive Director

Read Emi Gittleman's Biography