Leading with Purpose and Passion
Rachel Kim, a student at Monta Vista High School and the founder of Dreamkick World Mission, turned her passion for Taekwondo into a platform for global service. In the summer of 2025, Rachel led a volunteer trip to Guatemala, where her team combined martial arts training with community collaboration to uplift and inspire local youth.
Through teaching Taekwondo and mentoring students, Rachel’s team worked to build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills among participants. Beyond the lessons on form and technique, they focused on cultivating discipline, respect, and self-belief—values that empower young people to thrive both on and off the mat.
Collaboration That Creates Lasting Impact
Rachel’s mission was not only about sharing the art of Taekwondo; it was about creating meaningful cross-cultural connections and fostering mutual growth. To make the trip possible, she organized a GoFundMe campaign and hosted a Cupertino book fair, collectively raising $2,648.
The funds were used to purchase Taekwondo uniforms for the students in Guatemala, allowing them to continue their training with pride and a sense of belonging. By pairing community fundraising with international service, Rachel and her team showed how collaboration and compassion can create ripple effects of positive change across borders.
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
This experience deepened Rachel’s understanding of leadership as service and strengthened her commitment to empowering others through education and movement. Her efforts with Dreamkick World Mission continue to inspire young leaders around the world to use their skills and passions to make a difference.
Celebrating Global Youth Changemakers
At the Global Volunteer Recognition Program, we proudly celebrate youth leaders like Rachel Kim, who embody the spirit of service, courage, and connection. Her story reminds us that true leadership comes from collaboration and that meaningful impact often begins with one inspired idea and a willingness to act.
