On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation (HLF) marked a historic milestone with the orientation of its first ever Young Ambassadors Virtual Program Expansion (VPE) class. Expanding the Foundation’s reach beyond the tri-state area for the very first time.
For me, the moment was especially meaningful. In 2020, I joined the HLF as a Young Ambassador after first learning about the program while watching a New York Rangers game. What began as an inspiration from the stands has since grown into a full-circle journey. Now serving as the VPE Program Coordinator, I had the privilege of welcoming the VPE Pilot class and witnessing the next chapter of the HLF mission come to life.
The Virtual Program Expansion class includes youth from across the United States including Arizona, New York, North Carolina, and more, as well as four participants joining from Sweden. The diversity of locations reflects the growing global interest in HLF’s mission and its commitment to empowering youth through service and leadership.
Orientation began with a warm welcome and shared excitement for the future of the program. Executive Director Johanna Bialous led an overview of the HLF’s mission and impact, introducing the purpose behind the Young Ambassador program and the meaningful work they are now a part of. This pilot marks the first time the program has expanded beyond the New York City area, broadening opportunities for young leaders to engage in service and give back to their communities. Founder Henrik Lundqvist welcomed the new class expressing his enthusiasm for the program’s growth via video message.
Following the video, participants reviewed the program overview and orientation packet, discussing expectations, upcoming events, and program requirements. The new Young Ambassadors also heard from HLFYA alumnus Ilan Shterenberg, who shared insights from his independent service project and reflected on his experiences in the program. Orientation concluded with an introduction to a new digital platform, a final Q&A session, and encouraging words as Young Ambassadors prepared to begin their journey.
Just days later, on February 3, 2026, the new Young Ambassadors participated in their first virtual learning service event. In a powerful collaboration, Lundqvist Foundation combined both the in-person and virtual programs for a Virtual Hunger Simulation presented by Food Bank for NYC. During the interactive Zoom session, representatives from the Food Bank provided a look at the realities of food insecurity and the challenges communities face in addressing hunger. The event offered a meaningful new understanding of hunger’s impact and left a lasting impression on the group.
From becoming a Young Ambassador in 2020 to now serving as the VPE Program Coordinator, witnessing this expansion has been both surreal and inspiring. The launch of the VPE Pilot represents more than just program growth, it reflects HLF’s continued commitment to empowering youth leaders and expanding its mission to communities across the country and around the world.
