Global Respectful Disruption Initiative (GRDI)
Powered by COMPEAR Global Education Network, GoAbroad.com, Kultural Kurators, and The Fund for Education Abroad
About GRDI
The Global Respectful Disruption Initiative (GRDI) is a leadership, learning, and community-building initiative that empowers individuals to challenge assumptions, reimagine systems, and create meaningful change. Through scholarships, fellowships, mentorship, leadership development opportunities, research, and community engagement, GRDI supports emerging and established leaders who are committed to innovation, inclusion, and social impact.
As part of the broader Respectful Disruption ecosystem, GRDI supports programs such as the Global Respectful Disruption Summit (GRDS), the Respectful Disruption Leadership (RDL) Speaker Series, the GRDI Scholars Program, and Innovation Fellowships. GRDI is an initiative of the Compear Global Foundation and operates under the fiscal sponsorship of GoAbroad.com, whose partnership helps expand access to grants, leadership development opportunities, and community initiatives.
Our GRDI Partners
We are proud to collaborate with COMPEAR Global Education Network, GoAbroad.com, Kultural Kurators, and The Fund for Education Abroad to drive equity and inclusion in global education.
For inquiries or to get involved, contact us at GRDI@compear.org
GRDI Scholarship Application
The GRDI Scholarship empowers individuals passionate about global education and community development. We believe that diverse perspectives are essential for fostering transformative change. Scholarship recipients receive:
- Mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Community engagement opportunities.
- Financial support for international travel or domestic intercultural programs.
Learn more about current and past GRDI Scholars here.
The next application cycle for Summer 2027 open from January 20, 2027 and closes March 31, 2027 at 11:59 PM EST.
Get Involved
VOLUNTEER
Sign up to be a Volunteer Co-Constructor:
Join our mission by reviewing GRDI scholarship applications and mentoring passionate students committed to making meaningful change in their communities.
As a Volunteer Co-Constructor, you’ll:
- Review scholarship applications—helping select impactful students for global learning scholarships.
- Support and mentor GRDI Scholars, empowering their respectful disruption journeys from September to December.
- Earn a digital GRDI Co-Constructor Badge to recognize your contribution (awarded in December).
Time Commitment:
- Scholarship Review: Only 4–5 hours total in October and April.
- Co-Construction Mentoring: Approximately 30–60 minutes weekly from September to December.
- All Co-Constructors are required to complete a one-hour training on our scholarship review process and practice.
DONATE
Donate to the GRDI Scholarship Fund
Your donation directly supports global education scholarships, empowering students and removing financial barriers through intentional, impactful giving.
Choose your commitment level below:
- GRDI Catalyst – $41+ Supports expanding our scholarship and impact, amplifying our capacity to sustain scholarships and expand program reach.
- GRDI Activator – $40.50 Fully supports the GRDI scholarships and initiatives for an entire year, ensuring continuous student engagement and impactful programming.
- GRDI Affirmist – $20.25 Supports our spring campaign, laying a strong foundation for immediate impact and action.
As a thank you, all donors receive:
- Official GRDI Virtual Badge (for your email signature)
- Custom Virtual Background (highlighting your support)
- Exclusive Printed Stickers (available at conferences)
Donations are collected by the GoAbroad Foundation, a 501(c)(3), and are tax-deductible.
Every dollar raised is matched by one of our GRDI founding partners
GRDI Steering Committee
Join the GRDI Steering Committee
The GRDI Steering Committee supports the planning, implementation, and growth of the Global Respectful Disruption Initiative. Committee members contribute their skills, experiences, and perspectives to help strengthen programs, engage the community, and advance GRDI’s mission.
Nominate Yourself or Someone Else
GRDI Steering Committee Nomination Form:
https://forms.gle/U7m2gmpp1ZW1iLvZ6
Express Your Interest
GRDI Steering Committee Interest Form:
https://forms.gle/SJAE9rAzGowK8zWW6
Areas of Involvement
Resource Development & Storytelling
Support fundraising efforts, partnership development, communications, and impact storytelling.
Scholarship & Program Support
Assist with application review, participant engagement, program planning, and the overall participant experience.
Community Engagement & Outreach
Build relationships, expand awareness, and connect with communities that have historically been underrepresented in leadership and global learning spaces.
Alumni Engagement
Strengthen connections with past participants while helping create opportunities for mentorship, networking, and continued involvement.
Special Projects & Flexible Support
Contribute to emerging initiatives, priority projects, and other areas where additional support is needed.
We welcome students, professionals, alumni, educators, researchers, and community leaders who are passionate about creating positive change through respectful disruption.
Faye Steele
STEERING COMMITTEE CHAIR
(SHE/HER/HERS)
MobiCom Corporation LLC
Leads the board and initiative, oversees meetings, appointments, and budget management, and represents the organization at public events and fundraising efforts.
Dr. Chris Thompson
OPERATIONS LEAD & STEERING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
(SHE/HER/HERS)
COMPEAR Global Education Network
Manages day-to-day operations, ensuring activities align with strategic goals. Oversees logistics, optimizes processes, and enhances initiative efficiency.
TBA - OPEN
SCHOLARSHIP ADMINISTRATION LIAISON
(SHE/HER/HERS)
Manages the scholarship application process, including review cycles, reviewer training, and ongoing communication. Ensures equitable review practices and timely fund distribution.
CJ Tremblay
FUNDRAISING & COMMUNICATION LIAISON
(SHE/HER/HERS)
Alethea Global Cooperative
Develops fundraising strategies, secures sponsorships, and oversees scholarship fund management. Leads new partnership initiatives and donor engagement efforts.
Compear Global Foundation Board of Directors
The Compear Global Foundation Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, governance, and oversight to advance the Foundation’s mission, strengthen organizational sustainability, and maximize community impact. Board members bring diverse expertise and perspectives that help guide the Foundation’s long-term vision, stewardship, and growth.
Dr. Chris Thompson
CHAIR OF THE BOARD
(SHE/HER/HERS)
COMPEAR Global Education Network
Dr. Neal McKinney
(HE/HIM/HIS)
Compear Senior Consultant
Angela Schaffer
(SHE/HER/HERS)
Fund for Education Abroad
Kory M. Saunders
(SHE/HER/HERS)
Kultural Kurators / AIFS Abroad
Carla
Cinco
(SHE/HER/HERS)
GoAbroad.com
Hannah Benson
(SHE/HER/HERS)
IES Abroad