Posted: June 27, 2025

Reposted from BridgeUSA’s Alumni newsletter

When Samuel Li arrived at Georgetown University, he saw a need for a space where students could engage in meaningful political dialogue—without the divisiveness that often accompanies it. So, he created one. As the founder of BridgeDC, Sam built a chapter dedicated to civil discourse in the heart of the nation's capital. Drawn to BridgeUSA’s mission of fostering open, constructive conversations, Sam served as both Chapter President and later as a Chapter Development Consultant, helping new chapters across the country grow their impact. Through BridgeUSA, he not only cultivated a vibrant community but also developed the tools to lead conversations that matter.

“I believe that I wouldn’t have been able to find a creative position at a free speech organization without my experience at BridgeUSA,” Sam says. “Understanding how to lead constructive dialogue has been key to my professional and personal life.”

Now based in Washington, D.C., Sam works as a podcast producer at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and serves as creative director for the GenAI Collective’s DC chapter. Whether he’s producing thoughtful content or curating creative spaces, Sam brings the same curiosity and clarity he brought to BridgeUSA. His advice to students and recent alumni is “Sometimes the best way to solve a problem is go to sleep and tackle it the next day. Don’t underestimate the power of sleep.” He’s also learned some key adulting skills post-grad: “I figured out how to use my healthcare plan and put money into my retirement account—don’t procrastinate these two things!”

Sam graduated in 2024 and continues to explore new ideas and perspectives, shaping the future of free expression through storytelling and innovation.