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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686. Learn, Serve, Explore: How Students of Service Is Shaping the Next Generation of Global Leaders - Amir Samandi

We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits