A Collective Impact That Transcends Borders.
Karl-Anthony Towns, WYC Global Ambassador, with kids at GO Ministries, a WYC Affiliate in the Dominican Republic
World Youth Clubs' Global Ambassadors utilize their networks, visibility, and influence to advance WYC’s mission, becoming powerful advocates for youth empowerment. By lending their voices, they engage diverse audiences, attract essential resources, and elevate the profile of Affiliate Clubs. Their efforts in raising awareness and inspiring collective support are vital to enhancing WYC’s capacity to create meaningful change in the lives of young people across the globe.
Beau Bridges
Beau Bridges has appeared in over fifty feature films, including “The Landlord”, “The Other Side of the Mountain”, “Norma Rae”, “Heart Like a Wheel”, “The Wizard”, “Jerry Maguire”, “Sordid Lives”, “Max Payne”, “The Descendants” and “The Fabulous Baker Boys”, opposite his brother Jeff, for which Beau received the Best Supporting Actor Award from the National Society of Film Critics.
In television, Bridges has received sixteen Emmy nominations and won three, along with two Golden Globes, for “Without Warning: The James Brady Story”, “The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom” and “The Second Civil War.” He can be seen currently in OWN’s “Greenleaf”, Showtime’s “Homeland”, Netflix’s “Messiah” and Amazon Prime’s “Goliath” On Broadway, he recently appeared in “How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”. He co-authored a play with his daughter Emily, “Acting: The First Six Lessons”, published by Samuel French. She also directed Beau in a movie based on the play. He won a 2009 Grammy for Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” in the category of Best Spoken Word Album. Beau has performed a reading of a one-man show, “Coach”, written by John Wilder, about the life of Beau’s basketball coach at UCLA, John Wooden.
In the seventies, Beau established The Pearl White Theatre of Performing Arts in the Oakwood section of Venice, California. It was a program designed to provide a place for youth in this underserved community to express themselves and engage in joyous, productive activities in a safe environment. There was training provided in writing, acting, technical expertise, modeling and martial arts. Many of the young people who participated went on to have careers in front of and behind the camera in the film industry.
An environmental activist, Beau was the first board president of The Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation, an organization that protects and preserves the culture, history, and life ways of indigenous peoples and the environment we all depend upon. The mission is implemented through education programs, community outreach, restoration projects, and legal action.
Beau’s son Casey established the first Boys & Girls Club in South Africa, a longtime dream of Rick and Susan Goings. The important work done by Casey laid the foundation for the future successful expansion of nine additional Clubs in that country.
Beau was inspired by his father Lloyd to work towards promoting and preserving a healthy planet. He continues to be an environmental activist. Beau and his wife Wendy have five adult children, six grandchildren and a French Bulldog.
In television, Bridges has received sixteen Emmy nominations and won three, along with two Golden Globes, for “Without Warning: The James Brady Story”, “The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom” and “The Second Civil War.” He can be seen currently in OWN’s “Greenleaf”, Showtime’s “Homeland”, Netflix’s “Messiah” and Amazon Prime’s “Goliath” On Broadway, he recently appeared in “How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”. He co-authored a play with his daughter Emily, “Acting: The First Six Lessons”, published by Samuel French. She also directed Beau in a movie based on the play. He won a 2009 Grammy for Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” in the category of Best Spoken Word Album. Beau has performed a reading of a one-man show, “Coach”, written by John Wilder, about the life of Beau’s basketball coach at UCLA, John Wooden.
In the seventies, Beau established The Pearl White Theatre of Performing Arts in the Oakwood section of Venice, California. It was a program designed to provide a place for youth in this underserved community to express themselves and engage in joyous, productive activities in a safe environment. There was training provided in writing, acting, technical expertise, modeling and martial arts. Many of the young people who participated went on to have careers in front of and behind the camera in the film industry.
An environmental activist, Beau was the first board president of The Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation, an organization that protects and preserves the culture, history, and life ways of indigenous peoples and the environment we all depend upon. The mission is implemented through education programs, community outreach, restoration projects, and legal action.
Beau’s son Casey established the first Boys & Girls Club in South Africa, a longtime dream of Rick and Susan Goings. The important work done by Casey laid the foundation for the future successful expansion of nine additional Clubs in that country.
Beau was inspired by his father Lloyd to work towards promoting and preserving a healthy planet. He continues to be an environmental activist. Beau and his wife Wendy have five adult children, six grandchildren and a French Bulldog.
“Jeff and I grew up with strong role models and a sense of belonging, and we know how vital that is. We encourage everyone to ‘circle up’ and make a difference for kids everywhere.”
Karl-Anthony Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns of the N.Y. Knicks is a four-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-NBA Third Team selection, and the 2016 NBA Rookie of the Year. After playing one year at the University of Kentucky, Karl was selected as the first overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He quickly became the face of the franchise, leading his team to the playoffs three times. In January 2024 Karl scored a franchise-record 62 points in a game, which was also a career high. He came to the Knicks in October 2024.
On the court, Karl is a fierce competitor and one of the most dominant players in the game. Off the court, he is a successful businessman and philanthropist.
In 2022 Karl became a Global Ambassador for World Youth Clubs. One of his first trips in this role was to the Dominican Republic, to visit WYC’s first Affiliate there, GO Ministries/GO Sports. After seeing the existing facilities and meeting with the staff and kids, Karl announced he will honor the memory of his late mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, by providing major funding for a state-of-the-art youth sports training facility. The complex will provide unparalleled access to coaching, physical therapy, recreational opportunities and educational resources, reflecting the values of faith and family, sacrifice and hard work that Karl's mother instilled in him.
Scheduled for completion in 2026, the project embodies Karl’s commitment to giving back to his mother’s homeland. “I wanted to bring the type of resources that we have in the U.S. to kids in the D.R., and provide them the opportunity to have the best equipment and the best chances possible to not only make money for their family but also pursue their dreams,” he stated, ensuring his mother’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
In addition to his work with WYC, Karl is well known for his generosity and active support for many charitable organizations. He received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award in 2021 for his support for homeless youths, and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award in 2024. He is an active supporter of HopeKids, an organization that provides support for families who have a child with cancer or other life-threatening medical condition. In March of 2020, he made a major donation to the Mayo Clinic to develop a test to rapidly detect COVID-19. He has also generously supported public schools in his native New Jersey as well as Minneapolis.
Karl's business partnerships include Nike, Gatorade, Fanatics, Peloton, Postmark, Banreservas, Beats by Dre, 2K Sports, Cue Health, ASUS, State Farm, Panini and more.
Karl is also a voice actor for the animated series "Velma," which debuted on HBO Max in January 2023, and he has appeared in several films including National Champions, What Men Want, Netflix’s High Flying Bird, and Disney’s Big City Greens.
On the court, Karl is a fierce competitor and one of the most dominant players in the game. Off the court, he is a successful businessman and philanthropist.
In 2022 Karl became a Global Ambassador for World Youth Clubs. One of his first trips in this role was to the Dominican Republic, to visit WYC’s first Affiliate there, GO Ministries/GO Sports. After seeing the existing facilities and meeting with the staff and kids, Karl announced he will honor the memory of his late mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, by providing major funding for a state-of-the-art youth sports training facility. The complex will provide unparalleled access to coaching, physical therapy, recreational opportunities and educational resources, reflecting the values of faith and family, sacrifice and hard work that Karl's mother instilled in him.
Scheduled for completion in 2026, the project embodies Karl’s commitment to giving back to his mother’s homeland. “I wanted to bring the type of resources that we have in the U.S. to kids in the D.R., and provide them the opportunity to have the best equipment and the best chances possible to not only make money for their family but also pursue their dreams,” he stated, ensuring his mother’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
In addition to his work with WYC, Karl is well known for his generosity and active support for many charitable organizations. He received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award in 2021 for his support for homeless youths, and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award in 2024. He is an active supporter of HopeKids, an organization that provides support for families who have a child with cancer or other life-threatening medical condition. In March of 2020, he made a major donation to the Mayo Clinic to develop a test to rapidly detect COVID-19. He has also generously supported public schools in his native New Jersey as well as Minneapolis.
Karl's business partnerships include Nike, Gatorade, Fanatics, Peloton, Postmark, Banreservas, Beats by Dre, 2K Sports, Cue Health, ASUS, State Farm, Panini and more.
Karl is also a voice actor for the animated series "Velma," which debuted on HBO Max in January 2023, and he has appeared in several films including National Champions, What Men Want, Netflix’s High Flying Bird, and Disney’s Big City Greens.
"I feel so fortunate to be able to give back and be involved in my community. I’m thrilled to be able to provide opportunities to young people to help them realize their potential."
Karl Anthony Towns' involvement will open doors for youth who might otherwise miss such opportunities, fostering a new generation of leaders and champions in the Dominican Republic.
Achok Majak
Achok brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to fostering positive change, perfectly aligning with WYC's mission to empower youth globally. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, Achok has been the face of prestige brands such as Gucci, Tiffany, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Pandora and many other fashion powerhouses.
Her philanthropic efforts focus on providing educational resources and opportunities to underprivileged communities. She also advocates for mental health awareness, particularly among youth of color, to reduce stigma and promote a more supportive environment for those facing challenges.
A World Youth Clubs Global Ambassador, Achok also actively supports various nonprofit initiatives, including organizing fundraising events and leveraging her platform to inspire others in the fashion industry to engage in charitable endeavors.
Her philanthropic efforts focus on providing educational resources and opportunities to underprivileged communities. She also advocates for mental health awareness, particularly among youth of color, to reduce stigma and promote a more supportive environment for those facing challenges.
A World Youth Clubs Global Ambassador, Achok also actively supports various nonprofit initiatives, including organizing fundraising events and leveraging her platform to inspire others in the fashion industry to engage in charitable endeavors.
"It's about igniting youth all over the world"
Lewis Richardson
Lewis Richardson is an accomplished English boxer who joined World Youth Clubs as a Global Ambassador in late 2024. Born in Colchester, England in 1997, Richardson's journey from local youth club member to Olympic medalist exemplifies the transformative power of community organizations.
Richardson's boxing career began as a way to maintain fitness while playing football. After winning the 2012 National School Boy Championships, he dedicated himself exclusively to boxing. Selected for Team GB in 2018, he overcame significant setbacks including three stress fractures in his back that same year.
His perseverance led to impressive achievements, including gold medals at the 2018 GB Championships and 2019 Olympic Test Event, a silver medal at the 2022 European Championships, and a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Richardson's career reached new heights at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he secured a bronze medal in the 71 kg boxing category.
Having grown up as a youth club member in Colchester, Richardson was officially welcomed as a Global Ambassador for World Youth Clubs in December 2024 during a special occasion at Madison Square Garden, hosted by fellow WYC Ambassador Karl-Anthony Towns. "I’m excited to become a global ambassador for a great organisation, supporting to leave a long-lasting positive impact worldwide for the children of today!” says Richardson.
As a Global Ambassador, his personal journey from youth club member to Olympic medalist makes him an authentic advocate for the organization's mission to create positive impacts on children's lives globally.
Richardson's boxing career began as a way to maintain fitness while playing football. After winning the 2012 National School Boy Championships, he dedicated himself exclusively to boxing. Selected for Team GB in 2018, he overcame significant setbacks including three stress fractures in his back that same year.
His perseverance led to impressive achievements, including gold medals at the 2018 GB Championships and 2019 Olympic Test Event, a silver medal at the 2022 European Championships, and a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Richardson's career reached new heights at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he secured a bronze medal in the 71 kg boxing category.
Having grown up as a youth club member in Colchester, Richardson was officially welcomed as a Global Ambassador for World Youth Clubs in December 2024 during a special occasion at Madison Square Garden, hosted by fellow WYC Ambassador Karl-Anthony Towns. "I’m excited to become a global ambassador for a great organisation, supporting to leave a long-lasting positive impact worldwide for the children of today!” says Richardson.
As a Global Ambassador, his personal journey from youth club member to Olympic medalist makes him an authentic advocate for the organization's mission to create positive impacts on children's lives globally.
"I’m excited to become a global ambassador for a great organisation, supporting to leave a long-lasting positive impact worldwide for the children of today!"
Thank you, Lewis Richardson, you are a perfect role model for young people and we are so proud to have you as a Global Ambassador for World Youth Clubs! Well done!
Retief Goosen
The 2001 & 2004 US Open Champion Retief Goosen is one of the best golfers of his generation and is a truly global professional, holding membership on three worldwide Tours (PGA Tour, Champions Tour, European Tour and South African Tour).
Retief has 38 professional wins and was awarded the European Tour Player of the Year in 2001, he was also awarded the European Tour Order of Merit winner in 2001 and 2002.
In recognition of his 30 amateur wins, and for his outstanding contribution to amateur golf, he was awarded Springbok Colours before turning professional in 1990.
Retief was picked for the Presidents Cup in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011. He has represented South Africa in the Dunhill Cup in 1995, 1996, 1997,1998, 1999 and 2000. He also played in the World Cup for South Africa in 1993,1995,2000 and 2001. Retief captained the Goodwill Trophy played at Mission Hills in November 2006.
In 2019 Retief was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame and had his first victory on the Champions Tour winning the Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS Championship. In 2022 Retief added his 2nd Champions Tour win at the Hoag Classic, Newport Beach Country Club, CA.
Known to his fans as "The Goose" Retief is married to Tracy and has two children Leo and Ella.
Off the course Retief is passionate about his award winning Goose Wine collection and also his passion for golf course design.
Retief has 38 professional wins and was awarded the European Tour Player of the Year in 2001, he was also awarded the European Tour Order of Merit winner in 2001 and 2002.
In recognition of his 30 amateur wins, and for his outstanding contribution to amateur golf, he was awarded Springbok Colours before turning professional in 1990.
Retief was picked for the Presidents Cup in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011. He has represented South Africa in the Dunhill Cup in 1995, 1996, 1997,1998, 1999 and 2000. He also played in the World Cup for South Africa in 1993,1995,2000 and 2001. Retief captained the Goodwill Trophy played at Mission Hills in November 2006.
In 2019 Retief was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame and had his first victory on the Champions Tour winning the Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS Championship. In 2022 Retief added his 2nd Champions Tour win at the Hoag Classic, Newport Beach Country Club, CA.
Known to his fans as "The Goose" Retief is married to Tracy and has two children Leo and Ella.
Off the course Retief is passionate about his award winning Goose Wine collection and also his passion for golf course design.
Dr. Mona Dixon
Dr. Mona Dixon and her family lived on the streets and moved from one homeless shelter to another until she turned 13 years old. A few years later, after receiving her coveted Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) "National Youth of the Year Award," she was awarded over $100,000 in scholarships and honored by President Obama in the Oval Office.
This also led to her being in the BGCA PSA with over 20 celebrity alumni including national spokespersons Denzel Washington and Jennifer Lopez, being featured in the national media, being recognized by LeBron James, and starring in a national campaign commercial with Mark Wahlberg for Taco Bell Foundation for Teens. Mona has also toured the country as a fundraising speaker with Lauren Daigle.
Along the way, Mona was named one of the "Most Influential Black Women in America," alongside Oprah and Michelle Obama, by Essence Magazine.
Mona's service to her community and nation, landed her an appointment by President Obama to serve as the youngest member of a U.S. Presidential Community Service Committee alongside four other distinguished individuals.
Mona is a 2X graduate of Arizona State University and received her doctoral degree in organizational leadership. In addition to running her own business, Dr. Mona is empowering others while speaking for corporate companies, schools, youth organizations, fundraisers, graduations, parents, homeless shelters and more!
This also led to her being in the BGCA PSA with over 20 celebrity alumni including national spokespersons Denzel Washington and Jennifer Lopez, being featured in the national media, being recognized by LeBron James, and starring in a national campaign commercial with Mark Wahlberg for Taco Bell Foundation for Teens. Mona has also toured the country as a fundraising speaker with Lauren Daigle.
Along the way, Mona was named one of the "Most Influential Black Women in America," alongside Oprah and Michelle Obama, by Essence Magazine.
Mona's service to her community and nation, landed her an appointment by President Obama to serve as the youngest member of a U.S. Presidential Community Service Committee alongside four other distinguished individuals.
Mona is a 2X graduate of Arizona State University and received her doctoral degree in organizational leadership. In addition to running her own business, Dr. Mona is empowering others while speaking for corporate companies, schools, youth organizations, fundraisers, graduations, parents, homeless shelters and more!
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