About Us

Our mission statement is to build a community of leaders through mentorship and service.

Our Heart

NextGen was started by Christian mentors and students whose faith shapes our mission. But you don’t have to share the same background or beliefs to be part of what we’re building.

If you care about serving others, making a difference, and growing in the process, you belong here.

Why join?

At NextGen, service isn’t just about impact—it’s about transformation. As we serve together, we grow together, and you’ll experience:

Building friendships with peers and mentors that last

Expanding perspectives beyond our own

Gaining experiences that shape who we are becoming

Developing leadership and teamwork skills that stand out on a resume

Receiving hands-on training and mentorship from professionals that will prepare you for life beyond campus

Practicing real-world problem-solving, communication, and project management in a supportive environment

Impact

NextGen Global Impact - Filter of Hope: Mar 2026

Our NextGen team partnered with Filter of Hope in Belize to distribute 40 water filters, providing clean water to 320 people while building relationships and sharing hope with local communities!

NextGen Local Impact - Valentine’s Day of Compassion: Feb 2026

NextGen served the Baltimore community by spending time on Valentine’s Day with residents at Saint Mary’s senior living community through conversations, games, and meaningful connections!

NextGen Spring Launch - Play for Purpose: Jan 2026

Our Spring semester kicked off with a night of games, food, and fellowship while raising awareness and support to help provide clean water in Belize!

NextGen Christmas Party: Dec 2025

We celebrated the Christmas season through fellowship, festive activities, and a service project where we created hygiene packages for a local shelter to serve those in need!

AYM X NextGen Leadership Youth Camp: Nov 2025

NextGen partnered with AYM in order to serve local high school students through mentorship, leadership activities, a college panel, and a keynote that encouraged the next generation of leaders!

NextGen Friendsgiving: Nov 2025

Our Friendsgiving celebration brought us together around a delicious Thanksgiving meal, meaningful conversations, and activities that strengthened friendships and built community!

NextGen First Meeting: Sep 2025

Our first board and general meeting established the foundation for the year through leadership development, team-building, vision casting, and introducing students to NextGen’s mission and service opportunities!

NextGen Launch: Aug 2025

We launched NextGen at JHU by welcoming students into a new community centered on purpose, mentorship, leadership, and making a lasting local and global impact.

Explore more of NextGen’s impact:

Meet the Student Board

Noah Johnson

PRESIDENT

From pioneering service trips in Bogotá to co-founding a STEM club and leading MUN conferences, Noah has always turned vision into impact.
Mai Lam

VICE PRESIDENT

From leading service clubs to mentoring students in underserved communities in Vietnam, Mai has always turned compassion into action.
Hung-Yu Chen

TREASURER

Hung-Yu has turned leadership into impact, from co-founding the Cambodia Bear Project and supporting children with leukemia through HEMA Future Foundation, to tutoring younger students and empowering mobility-impaired communities in Saigon.
Freddy Wu

SECRETARY

Freddy has led and organized groups both in the classroom and on the stage, from serving as Vice President and Secretary of his high school Latin Club to leading the clarinet section in band and orchestra.
Caleb Li

DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL IMPACT
Caleb has turned his Model UN experience into impactful leadership, running committees, planning entire conferences, and overseeing finance, logistics, and outreach. He has also organized blood drives, volunteered at nursing homes, and led community service projects grounded in his faith.
Catherine Chan

DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL IMPACT: EVENTS
Catherine has combined leadership, mentorship, and service throughout her school years, from serving as a Student Ambassador and assisting new students to coaching competitive swimmers and founding her school’s Clean Waters Club.
Jacob Song

CO-DIRECTOR OF LOCAL IMPACT
Jacob has built leadership and service experience throughout high school, from co-presiding over clubs to tutoring K–2 students and participating in mission trips across Cambodia and East Asia. Grounded in his faith and a commitment to community, he brings a thoughtful, supportive approach to mentoring and service.
Kelly Diaz-Gandara

CO-DIRECTOR OF LOCAL IMPACT
Kelly has developed leadership and service experience through her involvement in both high school and university, including serving with the American Red Cross. She tutors elementary students weekly, supports Hispanic communities through CASA, and contributes to event planning with NextGen. Her commitment to service is further reflected in her hospital, city, and library volunteering.
Kimberly Diaz-Gandara

CO-DIRECTOR OF LOCAL IMPACT
Kimberly has cultivated leadership and service through her commitment to healthcare and community engagement. She serves as a bilingual volunteer with SALUD, volunteers with the American Red Cross, supports Hispanic families through CASA, and dedicates her time to volunteering at hospitals and local food banks. She is passionate about serving others and creating meaningful connections within her community.
Juliana Escalante

CO-DIRECTOR OF LOCAL IMPACT
Juliana has dedicated her community service to fostering meaningful personal connections through health, education, and local outreach initiatives. Her hands-on contributions range from assisting teachers at MacGregor Elementary to comforting families and residents at the Ronald McDonald House and local nursing homes, as well as assembling care packages and running neighborhood Fall Festivals.

Meet the Mentors

Our mentors are working professionals who are passionate about investing in the next generation. Through their experience, wisdom, and guidance, they support college students in navigating life, career decisions, personal growth, and faith. They are committed to building meaningful relationships and walking alongside students as they grow into confident leaders.