Participants

AdamAdam
I am from Tucson, Arizona USA. I joined Up with People because of my grandpa Herb Allen. I can rock “Sweet Home Alabama” on stage!
AimeeAimee
Hi my name is Aimee. I turn 19 on the 4th of July. I have two older brothers 23 and 25 years old. I knew about Up with People, because my mum found it on the Internet. I was attracted to it because of the community impact. I saw the show in Utrecht, Netherlands and I just cried that I was going to be part
of such an amazing once in a lifetime experience.
AlecAlecs
I am one of the lucky three Romanians ever traveling with Up with People since it began. Apart from being an ambassador of my country and our culture, I get to be a messenger of hope and peace worldwide. I feel very blessed to travel, learn from the program and perform with Up with People. It makes my Mom proud.
AmandaAmanda
I was born in Newport, Rhode Island USA. I enjoy reading and writing and renaissance literature as well as Greco-Roman antiquity. I am so excited to finally be traveling with Up with People.
AndreaAndrea
I’m Andrea Alabado, 18 years old and fresh out of high school. I come from the desert, good ol’ Tucson, Arizona. I joined Up with People because it is a cultural experience of a lifetime.
BenjamineBenjamine
My name is Benjamine and I come from a little country named Belgium. I love to stay at the sea and I enjoy eating! When I turned 18, I decided to join Up with People to make friends all over the world and change it positively in my own way.
BlaineBlaine
I was born and raised in Fort Worth, TX USA. I went to private school for 13 years and then Mexico Military Institute where I studied leadership. I heard about Up with People through my sister’s neighbor and loved everything about it.
CarolinCarolin
I’m Carolin from the beautiful city of Rostock, Germany. I’m 19 and I just graduated from Gymnasium. I November 2006 my parents and I hosted Linda from Sweden and Kaleigh from Arizona, USA. They showed me everything about Up with People and I loved it!
CassidyCassidy
Having had four members of my family travel in Up with People, I decided it was my turn to see the world. I am excited to make this experience my own and unique. I can’t wait to see what is in store fort he cast.
Christine PRChristine
My name is Christine and I am from Austria. After graduating from University, I was planning on working for a consulting company in Nienna. I had a conversation with a good friend about things I have always wanted to do. The Up with People show that I saw in high school popped in my head. The day after my graduation I left to make my dream come true.
ClaraClara
Clara My name is Clara Valles from Mexico and I am 18 years old. I just finished high school, and after Up with People I will go to University. I knew about Up with People because my parents hosted students 25 years ago. I decided to join, because I want to do something that can help people. I want to learn about other cultures and share mine.
ElkeElke
My name is Elke. I’m 25 years old and I live in Sent-Gielis- Waas in Belgium. I work at an insurance broker for 7 years. I wanted to participate in this program because I like singing, traveling, doing volunteer work and meeting new people.
GinaGina
My name is Gina and I am 18 years old. I was born and raised in Tucson, AZ. I am a proud Tucson High School graduate of 2007. I joined Up with People because I know that this program offers an incredible opportunity to travel do great things around the world.
GrantGrant
BIO
HannaHanna
My Name is Marianna Alfa Fernando-Pacua from Philippines. I am simply Hanna to most people. I discovered Up with People by accident and I am sure glad I did! I think it is a fantastic opportunity for global learning and to discover how people from around the world work together to make their own communities a better place. I look forward to bringing these teachings back home to encourage other young people to go on this adventure as well!
JennieJennie
I am 20 years old and I from Tucson, Arizona. I currently attend Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas and majoring in Nursing. I enjoy hanging out with friends and my family, meeting new people, dancing, studying and going to church. Both of my parents traveled in Up with People in 1976 and worked in the office while Up with People was stationed in Tucson. My two sisters and I grew up going to all the shows and dreaming that one day we would be a part of it, and now that dream has come true!
JeremiahJeremiah
I grew up loving music and fine arts of all types. Now at 22 I have graduated college and joined Up with People to expand my horizon of music, professionalism, and cultures. I would like to thank all those who made it possible to join the Up with People program, so that I may better myself, community, and world with the global education I receive.
JeremyJeremy
I was born in Kalispell, Montana USA. While in high school I participated in athletics, such as basketball and tennis. I took several choirs and musicals. Music is my passion and is the main reason I came to Up with People.
JessicaJessica
I am Jessica Rojas and I come from Tuscan, AZ. I am 20 years old and am a music major at Pima Community College. I like to sing and play the violin. I’m really excited to be traveling the world!
JohanJohan
I come from the northern lights of Sweden, to bring music to the world, because of the adventure and the great views.
JohannaJohanna
My last year of high school, I was stressing about what university to apply to and what to study. A teacher of mine approached me and asked me what my plans were. She suggested that I check out an organization called Up with People in which she traveled with in the 80’s. To take a year off of school, to travel and to do what I love, sing and dance, was ideal for me. I hope I grow as a global citizen as well as a performer.
JoshJosh
Hi my name is josh, I’m at the ripe old age of 18. I turn 19 on Oct 1, and I will be in Italy. I love to live on the edge by snowboarding, skydiving, and wakeboarding. i love to have my life full of adventure and thats why i decided to join UWP. it’s a great opportunity to have a great adventure while getting to see the world.
JulesJules
I am Julianna from Uganda. Since I arrived in Denver to Start Up with People program, I have met people from 17 countries from three regions of the world. I have learned from them about where they come from and what is important to them. I am looking forward to working with communities and also being in the show. This is my best experience yet.
KatieKatie
I am from Atlanta, GA USA. I graduated from college in May of 2005. I have taught math to 13-14 year olds for the past two years. I really enjoy going to the beach, swimming, photography, cooking and spending time with friends and family.
KellysKellys
My name is Kellys Andreina Rodriguez. I was born July 3, 1982 in the beautiful capital city of Zulia State, Maracaibo, Venezuela. I grew up in a small and young family. I went to University of Zulia and got my degree in Economics and the prize Summa Cum Laude. I manage my family owned an importing business. I read a brochure with information about Up with People at the Venezuelan-American Center in my city. I applied and immediately began the fundraising process.
LaurelLaurel
I am a junior at the university of North Texas, studying international studies and journalism. I love new cultures and new experiences. I am so excited to be traveling with Up with People.
LaurenLauren
I am from Ponchatoula Louisiana USA, a small town near New Orleans. I have spent the last two years in Tucson, Arizona USA as a theater major at the University of Arizona. I am thrilled to be spending the next 6 months with the incredible cast B! Thanks to my family and friends!
LesleyLesley
I am a native Tucsonan. I graduated from Sunnyside High School and Northern Arizona University. My students from 2006-2007 Marana High School Dance Team inspired me to perform this semester. I decided to join Up with People because of my three passions performing, helping people, and traveling.
LinnLinn
I have found my second home. It feels like Up with People is especially made for me. I love all that comes with it! I realized that all the wonderful people around me felt the same. Thank for sharing this experience with me!
LjuanLjuan
I am 22 years old and a third year studying business marketing. During my free time I like to dance and play soccer. I found Up with People when I was looking for some training and seminars for global education.
LucasLucas
Hello, I’m Lucas (nickname Barlu), I’m 19 years old and I come from the French speaking part of the little Belgium! I’m just graduated from high-school! I like to dance,… sorry I love to dance and I love to eat French fries as well ;-) with mayonnaise of curse. I have two older and crazy brothers, and… That’s it!? Bye!
LuisLuis
I am 20 years old and I am from Panama. I grew up with two sisters, one older and one younger. I like to play guitar and I want to be a filmmaker and professional songwriter.
LysanLysan
Hello everyone, my name is Lysan and I come from Germany. I am 25. I have studied economics and already worked as an accountant before coming to UWP. This is the first time I ever traveled so far away and I am here to find out more about myself and what I want my life to be in the future.
MalloryMallory
BIO
MariaMaria
Up with People came to my hometown, Fagersta, Sweden in 1997. I loved the show and the program components, so here I am 10 years later.
MaritaMarita
I’m Marita from Germany, 25 years old. Foreign cultures, countries and languages have fascinated me. After graduating from high school in 2001 I studied Chinese and went to China from one year. Now I am really happy that my dream of participating in Up with People finally came true.
MattMatthew
I am 21 years old and from Broomfield, CO USA. I have been attending Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida for the last 3 years. Earning my degree in marketing. I decided to join Up with People because of the life changing experience that both my parents had when they traveled, and my love for music, and willingness to travel.
MeganMegan
I am Megan Jansen from St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. I found out about Up with People through show choir and the traveling aspect of the program intrigued me.
NikiNiki
Hi I’m Nicole Ann Loschke, journalism major at Hawaii Pacific University. I am an Aires/Taurus with a birthday on April 20. Drum circles hold the key to my heart. I found Up with People through Karey Santama, an alumni.
RafaelRafael
An alumni who is my friend, told me about Up with People. I discovered the program, and for years, it is what I was looking for.
RaineRaine
Hello my name is Raine Westerman and I am from outlook Saskatchewan, Canada. I love to sing, read and play all sports. I decided to come and participate in Up with People because of the great experience my mother had in Cast D 1979-1980.
RasmusRasmus
Hi, I am Rasmus from Denmark. I’m 20 years old and graduated from high school last year. I joined the Up with People program because I love music and I want to experience the world first-hand; I want to thank the people that made it possible form e to join the Up with People program.
SarahSarah
I attend Hawaii Pacific University, where I learned about the Up with People program. I was inspired by the mission and want to help make a positive difference in the world.
SayuriSayuri
I am from Nagoya City in Japan. Before joining Up with People I was a student studying sociology. I have one more year left before graduation. I love cooking Japanese dished. I would like to tell you all about my country!
SophieSophie
I have decided to travel with Up with People after knowing a name list of excellence in its previous participants. It is the greatest joy to be able to live and work with young people from all over the world and grow into global leaders. Everyone will get the opportunity to step on stage and put up the complete show to world audiences. That is surely a chance of a lifetime that you don’t want to miss.
StefanStefan I live in a small town in Germany and have graduated High School this summer. Last year I spoke with an alumni who works for Up with People and he gave me some information about Up with People, because I had never heard of UWP before. During the next weeks I decided to travel with UWP! This organization offers me the chance to learn about many different cultures, to get a global leadership education, to do a lot of community impact service and to be a part of a fascinating show! Moreover I like that we travel so much and see more of the world.
SuzanneSuzanne
I am Suzanne from the Netherlands. Up with People is a dream come true. I am excited to travel the world, meet new people, do something for the community and learn from each other, other cultures and especially from experiences. During my trip I want to share my message, “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return.”
TiffinieTiffnie
My name is Hoai-Huong (Tiffnie) Vo. I am Vietnamese- American and I am a native to Colorado, USA. My first experience with Up with People was in 3rd grade. Up with People visited my elementary school and since then, I knew I’d end up joining the organization.
TyrellTyrell
Hi my name is Tyrell. I’m 18 and I’m from the USA. I joined Up with People because I’ve performed with them on several occasions. I had so much fun that I decided to join. I have never traveled before this. I am excited to learn about different cultures and I also thought it would be a great experience.
Vanessa GVanessa I am 24 years old ice cream and coffee lover, who also just graduated from the university of Georgia with a master in counseling and human development. I completed my undergraduate work at Rutgers University where I spent most of my time planning folk festivals, performing, and running around New York in the rain. I have
wanted to sing in the Up with People program since I saw them perform at my elementary school when I was 8. My dreams are coming true!
VanessaVanessa My name is Vanessa Gagnan-Gauley. I’m 18 and I’m from Quebec in Canada. French is my first language. Everybody in the cast calls me Gigi. I joined UWP because I wanted to travel and learn about different cultures. I heard about UWP from my friend’s mom. She traveled with UWP in 1983.
WhitneyWhitney Hi! I’m Whitney, and I come from Panama. I’m 19 years old, so I just graduated from High School last December ’06. A very essential part of my life are my family and friends. This is my 2nd semester traveling with Up with People as a student, and I loved it, so that’s why I decided to do it again. I realized that when they said the experience of a lifetime, it really is! I’m sure that what I lived, learned and experienced in this journal, I won’t get it in a classroom. So, if you have the possibility to do it (age basically), go for it!
I read once, “Life is like a book, and if you don’t travel you stay in the first page.”
YuriYuri
I heard about Up with People from a host family. I went to see a show 9 years ago. I love art and I love meeting people. I love traveling and I love eating. I want to be a person who can make a difference. I will be myself and keep trying to do my best.



Staff

Christine Music Coordinator
Christine Paluf came to Up with People after working as a newspaper editor, freelance writer, photographer and private music instructor. In her role as Music Coordinator she shares her varied background and experiences with this diverse cast. She is a native of Connecticut, USA and has an adorable yellow lab, Tyko.
EllenEllen Education Coordinator
My name is Ellen Enebo and I am from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Very thrilled to be back on the road with Cast B as an education coordinator. I traveled as a student in Cast C 97 (which is how I met my handsome husband Scott.) I love being outside, cooking good food, and spending time with quality people, which definitely includes this unique cast!
GabeGabe Show Manager
Originally from Arizona, I studied Public Relations and Communications at PCC/ University of Arizona. I traveled as a part of Cast A 2007 after being inspired by a friend who traveled in A 2006. At that time, I worked full time for Darden Rest. as a Marketing/Sales Manager. I fully resigned after being accepted into the Up with People program and found it the best decision of my life.
I am the Show Manager for Cast B 2007. In the past I have directed, choreographed and helped produce several shows in Arizona and worked closely with CHISPA (Center for Hispanic Performing Arts) as well. I have choreographed for many studios (A Tucson Dance Co., Dance Force 1, Canyon Ranch Resort etc.) and many local high schools and dance teams.
HectorHector Education Coordinator
I was born in Mexico City in 1980. I grew up singing in the National School of Music Children’s Choir along with playing piano for 10 years. After graduating high school I joined Up with People as a student. After I traveled I earned my medical degree from National University of Mexico. I am currently the Education Coordinator for Cast B 2007.
Jared Light Technician
JeffJeff Business Administrator
Hi! I am a traveler of the world born in Taiwan but living outside of my home country since I was 15. The world has always amazed me with what it has to offer to us. That’s why I am here to meet more people around the world and to learn from my experience.
JoernJoern Cast Manager
Born and raised in Germany, I spent most of my adult life between the USA and Germany. I came back to Up with People last summer to work with Cast A 2006. I feel very fortunate to be able to work with an incredible staff and passionate students from 19 different countries in Cast B 2007. I believe that we in Up with People have a great chance to show the world that young people can work and live from around the world with each other peacefully.
JokeJoke Dance Captain
KristinaKristina Technical Manager
LauraLaura Business Manager
Howdy! My name is Laura Maskell and I am a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Genetics. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Up with People, learning more about other people, the world and myself with each passing day. Up with People has given me the ability to keep trying new things and pushing my comfort zone while actively taking part in breaking down barriers to create understanding and respect between cultures across the world.
PatrickPatrick Admissions Coordinator
I am 23 years old, born and raised on the south side of Chicago in a neighborhood called Beverly. I went to Michigan State University and studied abroad in Rome, Italy for a semester my junior year. This experience totally opened my eyes to the huge size and great differences that exist in this world. I chose Up with People to expand my worldview greater, to learn even more about this world and the people that live here, so that I can be a leader not only in my community, my city, my state and my country but also to our world in the future.
PeppePeppe Sound Technician
Hi! My name is Peter, but my nickname is Peppe and most people call me that here.
After traveling as a student in World Smart 2004, I went on to University to study film, one of my great passions. And after a year, I decided to start working in that business until I went back to UWP in January, 2007. Right now, I’m focusing on my job as a sound techy, but when I go back to Sweden my plan is to open my own coffee bar and study social psychology.
SamSamantha Marketing Coordinator
I am the marketing coordinator for cast B 2007. I am from Littleton, Colorado USA and a graduate of the University of Colorado. I love traveling, and spending time outdoors. I love working for Up with People, because its always amazing to see the impact we have on the places we visit and we meet so many wonderful people.
ScottScott Assistant Cast Manager
While I was born and raised in Colorado, I have lived in Minnesota for the past 4 years. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be on the road with Cast B 2007 as I am able to do what I love and to work with a great group of people from all over the world, including my wife Ellen. I love all things outdoors, especially biking, skiing, and roller-blading. Be sure to look out for the great things that Cast B 2007 will bring about in the coming years.