JASH APCC Alumna Ella Bosworth Selected for 2026 Peace Ambassador Program
The Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) is excited to share that Ella Bosworth, an alumna of the Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention (APCC), has been selected to represent both JASH and the Bridge Club of Hawaii (BCH) as a Special Peace Ambassador for the 2026 APCC program. Ella's journey with APCC began in 2019, when she took part as a Junior Ambassador.
What is the Peace Ambassador Program?
The APCC Peace Ambassador (PA) Program offers participants a unique opportunity to engage in cross-cultural exchange and leadership development in Fukuoka, Japan. Through workshops, group activities, and interactions with peers from around the world, PAs build the skills and confidence to take on active roles in their local Bridge Clubs and grow as Global BRIDGE Leaders.
APCC alumna Ellan Bosworth (2019) will represent JASH and Bridge Club Hawaii in the Peace Ambassador Program in 2026. As she prepares for this exciting opportunity, Ella would like to share the following message with all of our JASH supporters:
Aloha mai kākou!
My name is Ella Bosworth, and I am thrilled, as much as I am grateful, to be selected as the 2026 Peace Ambassador and to have been a Junior Ambassador alumnus for the Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention (APCC) in 2019. I am a freshly 18-year-old adult and currently a senior at Punahou School.
2019 Hawaii Junior Ambassadors (Ella in the middle, representing “O”) spell out “aloha” in front of their BRIDGE Summer Camp lodging.
My experience as a Junior Ambassador with JASH and my time at BCH left a lasting impact on how I understand connection and cultural exchange. While I remember the friendships and shared experiences, what stayed with me most were the moments that pushed me out of my comfort zone, like learning how to communicate across differences, listening more intentionally, and being open to perspectives beyond my own. Those experiences helped me grow in confidence and awareness, and they continue to shape my interests today. I’ve become more drawn to opportunities that involve working with diverse communities, and I hope to continue building meaningful connections that promote understanding and inclusivity in the future.
(L-R) Junior Ambassadors at BRIDGE Summer Camp starting their morning with stretches and a Japanese yoga routine set to traditional music; Signing each other’s shirts as a farewell tradition to remember their time at camp and the friendships they made.
One of the biggest challenges I faced during the program, besides expanding my food palate, was performing on stage in front of a large public audience. We presented two oli chants and a hula performance to a crowd of Japanese citizens, fellow international delegates, and even a global audience through livestream. At first, I felt nervous and unsure of how our culture would be perceived, knowing I was not just performing, but representing Hawaii. However, after watching the performances of other countries, I began to understand that everyone shared that same vulnerability. That realization shifted my perspective. I recognized that cultural exchange isn’t about being perfect or impressing others, but about showing up authentically and being willing to share a part of who you are.
2019 JAs (Ella is far left) dance a hula performance during the cultural showcase event open to public spectators in Japan and livestreamed for international viewers.
After the trip, I made an effort to stay connected by joining BRIDGE Club, which included building relationships with fellow Junior Ambassador alumni and giving back through community service opportunities such as helping clean up a loʻi patch. Those experiences allowed me to explore my passion for sustainability, which further led me into my goal of becoming an Environmental Lawyer. Now, as a Peace Ambassador, I am expanding these connections by participating in Zoom calls with other PAs where we learn about each other's cultures and how BRIDGE Clubs operate in their countries. We are also working collaboratively to develop this year's theme while taking on responsibilities focused on leadership development, strengthening the global network of the APCC, and generating ideas to grow and improve local BRIDGE Club activities.
(L-R) Ella (middle) and volunteers/friends return fallen mango leaves to return them to a separate patch for decomposition, recycling nutrients to enrich the soil; Stomping through the lo‘i, helping circulate nutrients and keep the soil healthy for kalo
The Peace Ambassador program stands out to me because it emphasizes not just cultural exchange, but the responsibility to act on what we gain from it. I chose to apply because I want to build on my JASH experience more consciously. This includes strengthening my ability to lead, connect, and problem-solve global issues with others from different backgrounds. I see this program as an opportunity to grow both personally and as a representative of my community and a role model for young Junior Ambassadors, while contributing to an environment that values empathy, open-mindedness, and meaningful dialogue. Ultimately, I hope to carry these lessons forward and make a positive impact beyond the program.
To learn more about the APCC program, please visit jashawaii.org/education/apcc.
