Cultural Ambassador

The highlight of my career was being honored to be a Cultural Ambassador by the U.S. Department of State to Argentina.

I worked with the Department of State as part of their cultural outreach program with 13 schools, several organizations, like an orphanage for HIV+ kids, and the local government and media. The main goal, besides an exchange of culture, was to create a book illustrated by children called Cayendo Hacia Arriba, based on my bicycle trip around the world. Besides helping kids make the book, my visits included a motivational talk about my experiences and lots of one-on-one time with the teachers and students. Ultimately, we gave away 2000 copies of the book and certificates of achievement to all the students and teachers.

The event was a big success. According to the Ambassador, “We made a big splash.” The media loved the story. It was seen in almost every country in the Western Hemisphere. The students and teachers showed great appreciation. And one school, Escuela No. 607 Bernardino Rivadavia, awarded me with an honorary diploma.

Vamos Chicas Vamos

The Spanish edition of my "Falling Uphill" kids book "Cayendo Hacia Arriba" is being used by the Peace Corp in Paraguay to teach kids how to read and dream.

The Search for Pablo

Myself, the embassy, the media, and even the Governor of the Chaco all searched for Pablo and his family. Update: I have some new information. Please help find Pablo.

Falling Uphill in Paraguay with the Peace Corps

Scott Stoll is an author from my hometown who served as the U.S. Embassy’s cultural ambassador in Argentina during the 2011-2012 school year. His time in Argentina and collaboration with Argentine schools resulted in a Spanish language version of his book, Falling Uphill: The Secret of Life, about his 4 year journey around the world on his bicycle.

Acknowledgments / Agradecimientos

As I mentioned, celebrating the book, meaning feeling a sense of accomplishment, may be the most important step in the whole process. Read more about our goals.

Celebrating the book

Students from Argentina holding their certificates of achievements and their copy of “Cayendo Hacia Arriba” the book that we created together. In my opinion, the celebration of the book is the most important step. It helps the students realize their purpose in life, take a step of action with their passion.

Classroom Resources

This free guide to Scott's bicycle ride around the world includes an exercise for turning dreams into reality, a world-travel trivia quiz, exercises for planning and mapping a world adventure, travel writing lessons, class discussions, backyard adventures, and more.

Ambassador to Argentina

A quick summary of my trip as Cultural Ambassador to Argentina with my 5th and favorite video of distributing 2000 books to the kids.

Videos of my return to Argentina

I was honored to return to Argentina as the Cultural Ambassador of the US Department of State. Read the overview and see the movies.

Sharing my story in Argentina

As the Honorary Cultural Ambassador to Argentina, here I am sharing my story with an elementary school in Corrientes, Argentina, the same place I got stuck in the mud for 5 days.

Spreading the love

U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief Mr. Brown presented the governor of Chaco, Argentina with gift copies of the book “Cayendo Hacia Arriba” by Scott Stoll, and illustrated by school students from the provinces of Chaco, Corrientes and Buenos Aires.

Ambassador Martinez visits Fuerte Apache school

Ambassador Vilma Martinez visited a school at “Fuerte Apache” to share an activity with the students and encourage personal and professional development among children who live in vulnerable conditions.

Certificate of Recognition

I’m very excited. This Thursday the Ambassador to Argentina will be visiting some elementary schools in Buenos Aires to read the new Spanish edition of my children’s book. The kids will be receiving their own copy of the book and the certificate of recognition pictured above.

Cultural Ambassador

Take a step of action to help make dreams come true.