Global Reach

Worldride Impact Foundation Celebrates Launch, Library Dedication Ceremony at Paul Revere

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Students at Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center now have the option to travel the globe from their recently renovated library—or receive assistance to take a trip abroad.

This is thanks to Worldride Impact Foundation, which celebrated its official launch during a library dedication ceremony on Thursday, April 25.

“Worldride Impact is dedicated to creating global citizens through education, literature, media, technology and travel,” read its website. “Through all of its initiatives, Worldride Impact aims to inspire children to learn about the lives of kids in other parts of the world and to better understand different cultures.”

The foundation’s projects include the renovation and maintenance of libraries, buying new books, funding local educational experiences and immersive experiences through technology, and sponsoring global cultural travel for students.

Founder Jamee Natella—a Palisades Charter High School parent whose son, Sam, previously attended Paul Revere—said it was “quite a journey” reaching launch date.

“Over the past year, we’ve been gathering donations and getting our first initiatives off the ground,” Natella explained to the Palisadian-Post. “We’ve raised significant funds to back our mission of inspiring children to learn about other cultures, and we’ve already achieved some incredible milestones.”

By the time of its launch, Worldride renovated the Paul Revere library, stocking it up with “an incredible collection” of grade-level books, as well as providing students with new computers and Oculus headsets.

“The Worldride Library at Paul Revere is truly special,” Natella described. “It’s not just a place for books—it’s a hub for cultural exchange and exploration.”

Natella said Worldride selected Paul Revere as its first library location because of its “vibrant community,” as well as its “real commitment to education and diversity.”

“It felt like the perfect fit for our first library,” Natella said. “Plus, my son attended Paul Revere, so we already had a direct connection to the school.”

The April 25 launch event “brought together a group of influential figures in support” of the foundation’s mission, including Perrey Reeves (“Entourage”), Robin Tunney (“Prison Break”), John Paul DeJoria (Paul Mitchell) and wife Eloise DeJoria (“Weekend at Bernie’s”), Steven Paul (Paramount and SP Operations producer), Alan Mruvka (E! Entertainment Television founder), Christa Campbell (Campbell Grobman Films), and Daisy Lang (professional boxer), among others.

The event—which included a ribbon cutting and “firsthand look” at the renovated library—was also attended by Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Nick Melvoin, former Paul Revere Principal Tom Iannucci, current Paul Revere Principal Dr. Shuntell Anthony and Paul Revere Assistant Principal Justin Koretz.

“The event culminated in a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring Natella, Andrea King, a seasoned librarian and educator, and Natalie Byrne, founder of blank space,” read an event synopsis. “The conversation delved into the importance of cultural programs, the need for educational resources and the profound impact of the foundation’s initiatives.”

Working alongside Paul Revere Librarian Gabriela Gualano, Natella said Worldride is developing “exciting educational programs,” including author visits and cultural exchange events, with things like food, music, dance and art.

“At its core, this is about much more than just a library,” Natella said. “It’s about creating experiences that will spark students’ curiosity, engage their imagination and help them understand the world in a whole new way … We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but there’s still much more to do.”

Worldride has partnered with organizations like Virgin Atlantic and WorldStrides to provide scholarships to students to “embark on educational and cultural journeys abroad” with a Travel Grant Program. Through the PRIDE Booster Club, Worldride helped send students to Japan.

“Students must meet certain criteria to be part of the program, including volunteering at the library, reading books that feature different global cultures, and maintaining good grades and behavior,” Natella explained. “While on their travels, they write postcards and create a reflection photo journal and essay.”

Natella said she has always had a passion for travel—her work as a producer took her all over the world. For some of the trips, she was able to bring along her son Sam.

“It was his curiosity and questions about different cultures that really spurred this project,” Natella continued. “I went to the library to try and find resources that would answer his questions, and I realized there was a gap in the market. Sure, there are travel guides and history books, but nothing that helps a kid navigate a whole new culture or understand the whys behind things like driving on the left side of the road versus the right, using chopsticks instead of forks, and so on.”

That is when Natella said she knew she wanted to write a book and start a nonprofit to help Sam, and other students like him, “wrap their heads around different cultures through literature, technology and cultural exchange.”

The first installment in the Worldride Adventures book series—which will be available soon—is titled “Sam In London: Cheeky Kids, Medieval Blokes and Giant Trousers.” The book served as inspiration for much of the artwork in the Paul Revere library, including custom murals, quotes and QR codes, which will allow students to “dive deeper into the story beyond the book.”

“With the new Oculus headsets, students can explore the globe virtually through the immersive experience we built with the help of Double A Labs,” Natella explained. “There are three distinct worlds—London, Tokyo and Los Angeles—inspired by the pages and characters within the book series, and we have plans brewing to expand to Australia next. It’s like having a virtual passport to explore faraway places without leaving your local library.”

Proceeds from the book, as well as branded backpacks, created by GROUNDTRUTH, will be reinvested back into Worldride to expand its “initiatives to even more schools.”

Looking to the future, Worldride is working alongside LAUSD to establish itself as a permanent vendor, so that it can bring these initiatives to schools across the district. The foundation is also in talks with a local camp that serves underprivileged students to organize a Worldride Cultural Day—with plans to bring hands-on activities and interactive workshops where attendees can learn about arts, cuisine, sports and cultural traditions from around the globe.

For Palisadians who would like to support Worldride and its efforts, Natella noted several options, including donating books, funding educational experiences or “simply spreading the word about what we do.”

“In the future, we hope to expand our reach, establish more libraries and fund even more educational experiences for kids,” Natella said. “In addition to working with LAUSD and local camps, we’re also excited to build partnerships with schools, community organizations and booster clubs.”

In addition to her work on Worldride, Natella has been involved in the community as a PCHS PTSA board member, where she has chaired the school’s auction for several years.

“The Palisades holds a special place in our hearts,” she said. “It’s such a wonderful community and a fantastic environment to raise children, and we’re incredibly grateful for the chance to play a part in enriching the cultural experiences and education here.”

For more information or to donate to the foundation, visit worldrideimpact.org. To purchase a book or merchandise, visit worldrideadventures.com. To collaborate with the foundation or apply to take part in its programs, email hello@worldrideadventures.com.