Meet Amir Samandi 🌎, founder of Students of Service (SOS) in San Antonio.
In this episode, Amir shares how one study abroad experience sparked a bold vision: to equip young people to become global citizens through service and international learning. What started as a leap of faith is now a thriving nonprofit shaping the next generation of empathetic, purpose-driven leaders.
This conversation is especially for founders and nonprofit leaders navigating growth, doubt, and sustainability.
You’ll hear:
- Why courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s acting despite it
- The two-question filter that guides every decision at SOS
- How service and global learning are shaping Gen Z into purpose-driven changemakers
- A reminder to trust the process, do the work, and surround yourself with people who believe in the mission
Episode Highlights:
- Courage and community: moving forward despite fear (0:00)
- Amir Samandi’s journey: multicultural roots and life-changing study abroad (2:42)
- From State Department to classroom teaching: the spark for Students of Service (5:49)
- Launching SOS: creating a nonprofit from scratch with community support (8:35)
- Alumni impact and volunteer-driven growth (9:55)
- Guiding principles for SOS: “Is it good for kids? Is it sustainable?” (17:28)
- Preparing the next generation of leaders: empathy, agency, and hope (13:44)
- Moments of philanthropy: students taking action to help others (20:19)
- Amir’s One Good Thing: “Elevate the people around you to be their best selves; it makes the world a better place.” (22:54)
Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/686
Resources:
LinkedIn / Website /IG / Facebook
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