Chapter Leaders

Hi I’m Sophia! My personal motto is “It’s not a matter of holding good cards, but how you play a poor hand”. I love using music to express my words and emotions, and I admire AAPI Youth Rising for empowering youth to speak up and shape their communities.

Hi, I’m Liam, and I’m super excited to join AAPI Youth Rising! I love to read, watch TV, and eat instant ramen. I also enjoy designing and building things. I’m passionate about public speaking, and I’m eager to learn how to help empower people of Asian descent.

“Carpe diem.” I’m Bhavya, and I’m first-generation Indian, living in Maryland. As a debater, researcher, and activist, I am excited to join AYP’s mission and shape a better future!

I enjoy basketball, reading and writing. I like that AYR advocates for positive change and unity against hate. It is important for youth to speak up for what’s right because they bring an earnest moral clarity. As a Chapter leader I’ll encourage kindness, inclusivity and respect for all.

“Never give up and keep trying for the goal.”I love soccer and I’ve been playing since age 4. I also love sushi, pasta, and boba. I like that AYR is is run by students so you are never too young to start being a leader for things that mean a lot to you.If you don’t speak up, you will never be heard.

I’m Elijah and my motto is, dogs, food, and sleep equal happiness. My favorite food is either hot dogs, burgers, or pizza. They are all totally very healthy foods and I should eat them all the time. AAPI youth rising should speak up so there is less discrimination in the world.

My motto is to stay curious and open to learning. I enjoy exploring cultures and meeting new people. I like that AAPI Youth Rising celebrates AAPI cultures while creating space to learn from all communities. Youth should speak up to bring fresh ideas and shape a more inclusive future

Hello! My name is Camryn, I’ve always loved reading. I play on an all girls baseball team and love boba.

“Use your voice, even if it shakes.” I’m passionate about art, music, and writing. My favorite song is “Soda Pop,” and my comfort food is pho. AAPI Youth Rising inspires me to take action—youth voices can challenge narratives, spark change, and create a better future.

As one of our youngest contributors, Nahla created a video presentation for her class about speaking up and standing up for what you believe in. We are inspired by you Nahla!

I’m Ethan, a second-generation Asian American. I am an editor of my school newspaper, pianist, bassist, swimmer, and student pilot. I believe youth voices matter, and I’m excited to uplift AAPI stories through AAPI Youth Rising.

My personal motto is that it is better to regret doing something than to have regret not having tried at all. That is why I believe it is important for people to speak up. AAPI Youth Rising’s part in helping others to speak up and create change is what I like most about the organization.

My favorite food is hotpot. I have been playing the violin since I was four, and I am currently part of Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra. I also enjoy creating art. What I appreciate about AAPI Youth Rising is that it gives young people a chance to share and celebrate their cultures.

My name is Anny, I play the flute and I love swimming. I really want to be part of the AAPI Youth Rising because I love doing community service! I am 14 years old and I’m going to Monte Vista High School next year.

“Keep Working to Keep Winning”. I’m Kevin Zhao, and I like going to the gym, having fun with friends, and feeling satisfied after a day of work. I want to spread Asian Culture around my area, and make it so people can speak up about their problems, connect to each other, and feel happy together.

Hi, I’m Jiwon! As a recent immigrant from South Korea, I’m passionate about maintaining my Asian identity and representing our community. I’m interested in public policy and music activism, and I love being on stage- whether I’m singing or speaking up.

I like sushi and Taylor Swift, along with track and tennis. AAPI Youth Rising is amazing because people can talk about their culture freely and teach others about it too. It’s important for the youth to speak up because they’re our future and the generation we are counting on to shape our future.

“Build what you believe in”. I enjoy playing violin, swimming, volunteering, and debate. It is key to give youth a voice in our society and hear their perspective. Through Project Earth, Music For Contra Costa, and Golden Gate Mandarin, I am able to speak up and advocate for my community.

Hi, I’m Olivia! As the editor-in-chief of my school’s literary arts magazine, Illuminate, I’m passionate about amplifying youth voices and shining a light on student talent. I’m excited to join AYR because I believe in its mission and want to be a part of a community that shares my beliefs.

I’m a 16-year-old Lebanese-American junior from Chattanooga, TN with a passion for expanding Arab American and AAPI historical awareness. I currently work with Arelvo, Tennessee Youth Equity Board, Learn AAPI History, and startups on cultural research/ advocacy.

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift—that’s why it’s called the present.” I’m an Indian-American who loves One Piece, running, and hiking. Youth advocacy matters because fresh ideas and voices can inspire change, promote justice, and shape a better future!

“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than the things I haven’t done.” —Lucille Ball. I am Korean-American, and I enjoy pilates, the beach, and cooking. Youth advocacy is important because it brings new perspectives and a passion for change!

I am a Korean American and I am the first generation in the US. Some of my interests are kpop, kdrama, korea. My personal motto is not to give up and keep trying because one day it will be achievable. One thing I liked about AAPI Youth Rising is that we have events to express and show our culture.

Hello! I’m Thai-Chinese American, born and raised throughout California. I enjoy debating, Mock Trial, playing water polo, swimming, and of course playing video games, though I may not exactly be the best at each. But it’s all about having fun doing it, right?

I’m in sixth grade, and I am half Korean and half Vietnamese. I am working towards my black belt in taekwondo. Some of my favorite foods are banh bao and Korean corndogs FROM Korea.

Hi my name is Saanvi! What I love most about AAPI Youth Rising is how the organization is so rooted in advocacy, education, and leadership development, making young people experience the challenges the world is currently facing.

Hi there! Quick facts: I love Bryson Tiller/Don Toliver, sushi, and dancing/working out. My life motto: “If you know everything happens for a reason, everything will work out.” More youth need to be involved in advocacy & our future, and AYR is a great outlet for doing so.

Hi, my name is Yeojin! I live by the motto “I may walk slow, but never walk backward”. I am full Korean and believe that social discrimination must be eradicated. I loved to read something, and I’m so happy to take my first step in solving social problems at AYR!

My motto is “Always try something new.” I like to play sports, video games, and read books. What interests me about AYR is that they give kids opportunities to speak about culture, build leadership skills that influence the future, and encourages you to speak up in public.

Hi, I’m Gloria! My interests include guitar, being in nature, and running races. I’m Indonesian American and love love love the food from my culture! I can’t express enough how strongly I believe in empowerment, especially in our youth today. One voice can truly make a difference!

Hi, I’m Gavin and I love to play football and basketball. I am looking forward to being part of AYR and working with other people who are dedicated to making positive change in our communities.

My motto, “Empower through action,” fuels my passion for social justice and community engagement. I value AAPI Youth Rising for amplifying young voices and building unity within the AAPI community. Speaking up is vital for shaping a more inclusive future while inspiring a collective change!

Hi, My name’s Katrina! I love going out of my comfort zone to try new things and advocate for different initiatives. I’m especially passionate about breaking stereotypes around Chinese Americans and trash segregation. I love art and teach it on the weekends, and have a pomeranian named Lulu.

I’m the Dallas Youth Poet Laureate and published a novel when I was 12. I love artists like Billie Eillish and Jon Batiste, and I’ve loved reading for forever. It’s crucial to me that we take small steps as a community, like AAPI Youth Rising.

“Ignoring isn’t the same as ignorance, you have to work at it” – Margaret Atwood. My interests include legos, reading, spreadsheets. My favorite artist is Laufey. What I like about AAPI Youth Rising is its unique focus on youth activism and its goals of introducing AAPI culture to everyday life.

Hi! My name is Renee Pi, a Chinese American. In my free time, I enjoy ice skating and going on bike rides along the bay trail. AAPI Youth Rising being student led is what interested me the most, as I believe it is crucial for youth to speak up against injustice to have our voices heard.

Hi my name is Reese. I’ve loved reading and writing ever since I could do those things and want to use my passion towards amplifying Asian American voices. I’m a pianist, competitive archer and animal lover.

My dad is 4th generation Japanese Hawaiian and my mom is 2nd generation Korean. As a minority in America, I think it’s super important to speak up and break the stereotype of being Asian. It’s important to be bold and share our opinions. I’m a pianist, composer and enjoy public speaking.

Hi, my name is Marni. I’ve always loved to sing and dance. My passion for the performing arts especially musical theater has taught me the power of storytelling and community building. I can’t wait to apply my creative skills to amplify the voices of AAPI youth and work together to make positive changes in our community.

Hi! My name is Stella Kim and I am a third generation Korean-American. I enjoy playing volleyball, snowboarding, trying new food, and being active in school through my role as Class President. Having youth speak up is vital as we are the ones who shape our next generation!

Hi, I’m Maddie! I am passionate about youth advocacy. I love how AAPI Youth Rising works to spread Asian American stories across many platforms. I believe these platforms will allow our voices to be heard, which is essential to highlighting innovative and unique perspectives.

My name is Reed Chan, I am 15 years old and currently attend Miramonte High School. I also take an online course CS at Stanford Online High School, and frequently participate in the OHS community. I have lived in the Bay Area my entire life and enjoy playing Track and Field.

Hi, I’m Callie De Smet and I am a Middle School Lead at AAPI Youth Rising. I joined AYR in 5th grade, and I am now in 7th. I was born in Shanghai, China and my family moved back to the U.S. when I was 5. In my history classes, I wondered why the teachers didn’t focus much attention on AAPI history. I participated in a speech contest in 5th grade and in my research on the topic, I discovered AYR!

Allison Kim

Ridgewood, NJ, Class of 2026

Hi, I’m Allison! I’m a first generation Korean-American. I think that it’s important for youth to speak up because our generation will be the future leaders of America. I love drawing, hanging out with my friends, and watching Netflix.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Hi, I’m Gabriella! My hobbies include playing sports and getting creative with arts. I’m excited to join AYR because I want to amplify youth voices and encourage more representation in my community.

Hi, I’m Camille! I’m passionate about youth advocacy and STEM research. In my free time, I enjoy finding outlets for my creativity through journalism and music. I love the platform AAPI Youth Rising provides to allow like-minded, passionate students to connect and work together to create positive change.

I believe that everyone has a story to tell, and everyone’s story is different but equally important. My name is James Liao, a proud Taiwanese American, and I am proud to be a member of AAPI Youth Rising. I joined AAPI Youth Rising because I believe although we may be young, collectively we can achieve great things.

I was born and raised in Hawai’i, and I am of Taiwanese and Japanese descent. I enjoy playing volleyball, songwriting, and singing. I think it’s important for AAPI youth to speak out on issues they feel need to be addressed, and AAPI Youth Rising plays an important role in elevating AAPI voices.

Hi, I’m Sahasra! I live by the motto “always find a reason to smile”. I’m so excited to be a part of the AYR because I love the work that they do to empower youth and celebrate Asian American culture! As an American Indian, I find it crucial to embrace one’s culture and speak out against injustice.

Hi, I’m Avani, a second generation American Indian. I am a musician, active Model United Nations participant, photographer, and writer. Participating in NAIMUN and collaborating with organizations like CAPACD have taught me about the impact of involving our youth in issues relevant to society.

I’m Allison and I’ve played the violin for 9 years. My favorite foods are ramen and pho. As a Chinese-American youth myself, I feel that it is essential for youth to speak up so that others can understand the opinions and perspectives of those who may be from different generations.

“Everything happens for a reason” I love painting/drawing, running, and I’m a huge Grent Perez fan! What I admire most about AAPI Youth Rising is its inclusion of literature and art in its outreach goals. I believe it to be a great way to appeal to a wider range of people and make our issues known.

Hi, my name is Nicole Sun and I’m a Chinese-American! Some of my interests are reading and playing video games. What I appreciate about AYR is their community that fosters empowerment in youth! It’s pivotal for youth to speak up because it challenges societal norms and unites people together.

Hi! I’m Leilani. I’m Chinese, and I love to dance ballet, and play piano. After attending an AAPI women’s rally during COVID-19, I’ve realized the importance of speaking up because we don’t always get to hear these perspectives in media, and I appreciate how AAPI Youth Rising provides a platform.

South Asian teen, aspiring dermatologist, and activist. I love chai, creative writing, and speaking up for those who can’t. My motto: “Use your voice, even when it shakes.”

I love poetry, my family/friends, crochet, and connection. I really admire the mission and the backstory. It’s so incredible seeing your grow. The mission of taking steps in the community is really great, because it all started with your community. The importance of youth speaking up cannot be overstated.

My motto is: when life is poo, change YOUR view!! I love playing piano, singing in choir and listening to music! My favorite song is Ribs by Lorde.

Hi, my name is Eloise Lee and I’m a 6th grader living in Pasadena, CA. I joined AYR 3 years ago and have enjoyed presenting the AYR lesson plan to Chandler School each year.  

I love to draw (usually digital art), watch shows including Pretty Little Liars and B99, listening to Taylor Swift and Mitski, and eat sushi and pasta. It’s important for second gen immigrants to talk about struggles that their parents had to go through getting through America.

I enjoy basketball, reading and writing. I like that AYR advocates for positive change and unity against hate. It is important for youth to speak up for what’s right because they bring an earnest moral clarity. As a Chapter leader I’ll encourage kindness, inclusivity and respect for all.

“Carpe diem.” I’m Bhavya, and I’m first-generation Indian, living in Maryland. As a debater, researcher, and activist, I am excited to join AYP’s mission and shape a better future!

I love connecting with other like-minded and passionate peers about activism work and spreading awareness through journalism. I am an active leader in my community and strive to make a positive impact in the world through my diverse, interdisciplinary interests!

Hi, I’m Liam, and I’m super excited to join AAPI Youth Rising! I love to read, watch TV, and eat instant ramen. I also enjoy designing and building things. I’m passionate about public speaking, and I’m eager to learn how to help empower people of Asian descent.