Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative Fellowship Program

Andres Avila is the co-founder and artistic director of ComMotion — Community in Motion, a nonprofit organization that builds community and improves well-being through adaptive and inclusive movement. Andres creates multi-sensory and multi-media programs for people of all ages and abilities. These programs enable people to connect, learn, and explore the world.

Andres was born in Bogotá, Colombia where his ballet, jazz, and tap training began at the age of eight. Later, he expanded his repertoire to include South American folkdance and traditional Latin social dances. Training in rhythm and smooth ballroom dance started when Andres moved to the United States in 2003. Since that time, he has taught and competed professionally with studios in Las Vegas, New York, Massachusetts, and North Carolina.

Andres is passionate about making dance accessible to everyone. He is the owner of Rhythm Journey NC and an instructor for Wake Tech, the American Dance Festival's Parkinson's Movement Initiative, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke University. He is also a certified American Dance Wheels Foundation Wheel One Bronze wheelchair ballroom syllabus teacher, a National Exercise Trainers Association senior fitness specialist, and a Dance for PD Stanley J. Wertheimer fellow. Additionally, Andres is a teaching artist with the Kennedy Center Teaching Artists Present program and the See Me at the Smithsonian program.

A cultural anthropologist at heart, Jennifer Spatz is the Founder and CEO of Seattle-area Global Family Travels, whose mission is to “learn, serve and immerse,” using travel to build cultural bridges and foster global citizens. Since she launched Global Family Travels in 2010, Jennifer’s vision has been to unite humanity and inspire travelers to take responsibility for the challenges and opportunities facing our increasingly interconnected planet through sustainable tourism experiences that support destination stewardship and local communities. Using community and regenerative tourism principles, Jennifer and her company have worked with community partners to develop several Seattle Community Tours, which are impactful outings that address social and environmental issues.

Prior to founding Global Family Travels, Jennifer spent her career in international development, trade, and finance and holds a double B.A. degree in international studies and anthropology from Bates College, and an M.S. degree in agricultural economics from Purdue University.

Jennifer is also co-founder of Impact Travel Alliance-Greater Seattle Chapter and serves on the board of the Seattle World Affairs Council.