Chapter Leaders

“I enjoy coding, robotics, creating art, and volunteering! I love AYR’s mission to amplify AAPI voices through the education of AAPI culture and history. When youth speak up, they bring their unique perspective and experiences, and have the ability to challenge norms to advocate for positive change.”

“Hi I’m Victor! I’m interested in marketing and ethnic studies. Being Vietnamese-American, I believe that representation is crucial, especially in the media. AYR brings together a group of young individuals that advocate for social justice and positive change. NewJeans and Chipotle are my faves :))”

“Hi! My name is Eric, I love to spend time doing photography, journalistic writing and filmmaking. I like that AAPI Youth Rising can give a voice to the unspoken, especially the younger generations of Asian Americans.”

“I met AYR’s founder, Mina Fedor, at a speech and debate camp this summer. Her passionate attitude and talent for advocacy really inspired me to join AAPI Youth Rising. I believe that this organization is incredibly important and it gives a voice to those who are facing racial discrimination.”

“Hi! My name is Rucha and I’m so proud to be a part of the AAPI community. Organizations like AYR are so important because they allow youth to provide input in their communities, and as an Indian-American I’m passionate about establishing a platform for AAPI youth.”

“Hi! My name’s Abby. I love writing, history, and golf (among other things!). I’m excited to work with other youth and to make sure everyone, of any kind of background, is heard.”

“I’m a vocal major at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts! I love to bake, read, go on walks, and eat mint chocolate ice cream. As a youth, I believe it is crucial to speak up about pressing issues because we have the power to get engaged early and change the future. :)”

“As a Korean Filipino American, I love that AAPI Youth Rising works towards stopping hate towards all groups of people associated with AAPI. I play both golf and lacrosse, as well as piano and the violin. I lead both an AAPI Club and Filipino Tinikling Club at my school. I also love K-Pop and OPM!”

Leilani Gao

Wallingford, CT, Class of 2026

“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.”

“I love Star Wars, playing the guitar, and speech and debate. My favorite band is rainbow kitten surprise along with the Lumineers. I love that this group is trying to contribute to keeping asian american voices from being silenced!”

“Hi! I’m honored to be a part of AAPI Youth Rising. I believe that using our voices to speak up for what we believe in will create a lasting impact in our communities and bring positive change. In my free time, I like to craft, sing, go backpacking, and spend time with my family and friends.”

Dahlia celebrates her Chinese heritage through her writing (she specializes in poetry and memoir). She firmly maintains that writing is a privilege, and it would be an injustice to her ancestors not to grant them a voice. Dahlia spends her free time playing piano, learning K-Pop dances, singing karaoke, and tutoring youth in underserved communities.

Agape Duewa

Oakland, CA, Class of 2026

“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.”

“I love playing squash, singing, and being around friends and animals. I believe youth needs to speak up because we are the new generation, and most kids/teens do not realize how much power we have to change things about our world.”

“I am Cambodian-American. I am engrossed in Netflix romcoms and baking sweet treats. I came to AYR because I realized that I could do more for my community; I could take this passion of wanting to educate others and extend it through AYR. I refuse to allow fear to overtake me, rather than I, myself, overtaking it.”

“Hi there! My name is Tevi and I love school and all the extracurricular activities I do. It’s important to do what you want, but also listen to what your mom tells you, because mom knows best.”

Sarah Guan

Hinsdale, IL, Class of 2024

“Hello, my name is Sarah, and I love to crochet. Right now, I like to crochet random toys like ghosts, whales, and teddy bears to give to my friends and family. So, I currently live by the motto, ‘You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy yarn’ – some person on YouTube.”

“I’m really interested in media: television, movies, etc. My favorite show is Glee. My favorite food is Sinigang, a Filipino stew. I’m on my school’s Mock Trial team and am a peer tutor. I like the dedication of AYR’s volunteers and their creative ways of educating the youth.”

“My personal motto is: “the only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion” by Albert Camus. I go to an art school and love model UN. I think it is crucial for youth to speak up because of the complex issues we face.”

“Hi I’m Kira Ly (but you can call me Ai-Mi). I am the president and founder of LAPIS at my school! I love an assortment of different music! I love that someone else like me has risen to the occasion to speak up about changes needed in schools in regards to policy and curriculum changes and isn’t afraid to speak the truth!”

Clea Lee

Moraga, CA, Class of 2025

“Hi! I’m from Moraga CA, and I am so excited to be a part of AAPI Youth Rising! I love to sing and perform music whenever I can. Being Korean has become such a proud and prominent part of my life, and I am so excited to be a part of a new AAPI community.”

“English and Chinese are my native languages, and I speak Spanish well. I think it’s important for youth to speak up because our voices should be heard and our stories should be told. It’s also crucial for youth to make a big impact on society. In my free time, I like to read, golf, travel, and dance.”

“I am half Taiwanese and half Korean. I like to play basketball and guitar. Attending a Stop AAPI Hate Rally last summer inspired me to embrace my identity. By using our voices, we can address the ongoing issues of racism and break through the stereotypes that come with being a member of the AAPI community.”

“I’ve swam competitively most of my life, I love Taylor swift and Phoebe Bridgers. my favorite foods are cinnamon rolls, dumplings and pizza. AYR is so inspiring how it’s a bunch of kids around my age who run it and do these amazing things. It’s so important for youth to speak up because we are the voice of the future.”

Scarlett Lang

Oakland, CA, Class of 2026

“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’s Maddie. I’m mixed, mostly Asian, some white, and a little bit of Latina. I think it’s important for youth to speak up because without their voices, we don’t hear from that perspective, and all we see in the media is adults. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my friends, listen to music, and drink boba :)”

“Hi, I’m Emilie! I am Korean-American. I love to read, listen to music, and play the flute and piano! AAPI Youth Rising is so unique because there are so many young people advocating for change, and I am so happy to be a part of this great organization.”

“I enjoy playing golf and spending time with family and friends. I admire AYR’s commitment to providing a platform for young AAPI to amplify their voices and advocate for issues that are important to them. I believe that young people have a unique perspective and energy that can drive social change.”

Eloise Lee

Pasadena, CA, Class of 2032

“My favorite foods are sul lung tang, kimchi and kalbi! I am a Swifty through and through. Our opinions and voices are important and kids are the future.”

“I am 100% Filipino and enjoy eating almost every Filipino dish. In addition, I enjoy playing basketball and volleyball. I’ve also competed in two local STEM competitions and an academic decathlon. I believe it is vital for AAPI youth to speak up because we are the voices of today and the change-makers of tomorrow.”

“I was born in the Philippines and raised in the US. In my free time I volunteer at a local art museum, I do photography, and I also like knitting! What I like most about AAPI Youth Rising is that it is student-led, meaning I can relate to many of the other members.”

“I celebrate my Indian culture in many ways, such as attending Indian Classical Dance classes. The fact that so many people were excluding me from conversations about issues that affected me compelled me to partake in activism. In order to have my voice heard I had to start advocating for myself.”

Saanvi Mukkara

Frisco, TX, Class of 2024

“I love debate, baking, and re watching old movies with my friends. I’m passionate about fighting gun violence, addressing racism, and advocating for feminist movements because these issues have implications on youth like me. So I advocate for myself and on behalf of other youth who suffer from them.”

“I like music, anime, and animation. I have joined multiple school projects, school clubs and teams. AAPI Youth Rising focuses on the topic of AAPI history and justice, I know that it will benefit all people to learn about AAPI histories and cultures.”

“My like to listen to Mixed Up by ENHYPEN, eat a nice, warm plate of biryani, cook, and go shopping. I like that AYR centers around the experiences or perspectives of youth and provides a safe space for us to advocate for what we believe in.”

“I like playing the violin, sports, writing, and Quiz Bowl. I love all sorts of foods, and also have a very scattered taste when it comes to music! My favorite aspect of AAPI Youth Rising is that it’s an organization founded and run by youth.

Colin Poon

Apopka, FL, Class of 2025

“I am President of REACH of Central Florida, an Asian American Youth organization that works to promote AA culture in my local area. I am President of my high school’s ASA and advocate for AAPI history in Florida’s K-12 curriculum. I like to read, learn Chinese, and do yoga.”

“I like to play the drums, journal, read, watch old movies, and listen to music! It is important to amplify marginalized voices. We must work in solidarity in our communities to act against systems that oppress our cultural expression to ultimately create change for all.”

“I’m Latina, Filipina, and eager to improve both myself and my community from within. It’s important for youth to speak up because we are responsible to continue the efforts previous generations have made to improve our communities, countries, and the world as a whole.”

“I’m very fortunate to live in the Bay Area, where the community is incredibly diverse. However, there is so much opportunity for all races to learn from and better support each other. I love AAPI Youth Rising’s mission to rally our younger generation to become advocates for change.”

Sapnik Movva

Frisco, TX, Class of 2025

“I love sports, mainly basketball and football, hanging out with friends, eating are waffles, and watching The Truman Show. I love that AYR empowers underrepresented minorities. It makes it easier for them to be heard and helps the create a real impact for others.”

“I like cooking, literature analysis, musical arts, trail biking, and coffee art. My favorite food is sinigang, a Filipino stew. I appreciate that AYR brings opportunity for students to bring change to their community surrounding AAPI, as well as educate those around them about different cultures.”

“I am full Korean and live in Pasadena. My interests lie in computer science and microbiology. It’s important to speak up, because we need to disband all of the severe racist people like the KKK or Neo Nazis. We also need the next generation to know all cultures, not just to focus on one.”

“I enjoy playing football, volunteering, working out, and problem solving. My favorite food is BBQ Chicken Pizza. It is vital for youth to speak up now, as our society needs to hear from the next generation. Empowering youth builds self-confidence for them and educates them to create a better society.”

Claire Lesiw

Loomis, CA, Class of 2025

“My interests are playing instruments and reading. I love No Celestial by LE SSERAFIM, bread, spaghetti and soup, and that AYR is inclusive to the younger generation so we educate ourselves and our peers. We can keep amazing traditions alive through memory and even through action!”

“I love to swim in the summer, read, sushi, and Stevie Wonder. I like that AYR gives youth a chance to speak up and a voice in AAPI hate crimes, injustice and raciest acts. It is important to speak up because by speaking up you can change things that aren’t right.”

“My favorite food is and my one of my favorite songs is What’s Going on by: Marvin Gaye. I enjoy reading, playing video games, and playing sports. I think the idea of promoting Asian youths is fantastic and it’s important to get involved with the community.”

“It’s vital for youth to speak up as we are the next generation that will take on leadership roles in every aspect of life. I am so grateful to be able to spread my culture and experiences as an Asian American and I hope I am able to grow a community of people who feel safe and loved!”

Siyona Lin

Loomis, CA, Class of 2024

“I play piano, flute, and bassoon and love the Beatles, reading, and spending time with family. AYR’s actions that inspired me. Youth must speak out against injustice because we are the future of the world and are responsible for creating a more equal and just society.”

“I like to play the piano and marimba. I love to eat my grandma’s food and drink boba tea. It is important for youth to speak up because of the empowering nature of activism. Who better than a peer to give kids a voice? Speaking out against social injustice is essential.”

“I’ve always been very interested in social work and therapy, especially within our community. I love Sad Disco by Mxmtoon, umeboshi onigiri, and the color yellow. AYR’s mission to share untold and ignored AAPI stories is very important to me.”

“As an aspiring politician, I trust that the voices of the younger generation will leave the biggest impact on our society. I’ll use any medium or platform to help make that change, and some ways I do that already are through my writing and drawings. I’m also a runner!”

Grace Chiu

Walnut Creek, CA, Class of 2026

“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.”

“My name is Charlize Chung! In my free time I love crocheting, doing my makeup, and eating everything in sight. I love listening to music and going to concerts- my favorite song of all time is TT by Twice.”

“I have always wanted form local organization in Columbus that allow for others to learn more about Chinese cultural background.”

“I love getting to join events for organizations such as AAPI Youth Rising to learn more about making a difference in my community. On my free time I love to travel, hang with friends and family, and going to sporting events.”

Pritman Misri

Danville, CA, Class of 2026

Pritam enjoys debating, podcasts on history, and discussing current events with his family. He also loves to read political autobiographies and jam with his friends on the flute and sax. He believes he can make a tangible change in his community through AYR.

“Hey y’all I’m Tenzing! My favorite song is Sleepwalking by Modest Mouse. I love salmon sashimi, Indian food food, 20 PIECE CHICKEN NUGGETS, and the list goes on! I really admire how AAPI Youth Rising’s goal is to create change within schools and youth!”

“Mabuhay! I am currently a Filipina Sophomore in AZ! I am passionate about Musical Theatre, Journalism, and God, and I love a good Halo-Halo every once in a while. I think it’s important for youth to speak up because without that voice, I’m not sure how youth are supposed to be heard.”

“In my spare time, I enjoy reading, art, playing the piano, and learning more about politics. I love AYR’s mission because it makes it easier for youth to get involved in their communities and have their voices heard on important issues, which I believe is extremely important.”

Athena Alexander

Oakland, CA, Class of 2027

“Being a part of the AAPI community has been such a great experience. I enjoy horseback riding and spending time with my friends. I think it’s incredibly important for youth to speak up because we are the next generation, and change is all at our fingertips!”

“I’m a Chinese-American feminist and debater. I aspire to be a journalist and value social change. AYR has amplified the voices of revolutionary youth and allows our ambitions to come into fruition, giving the next generation’s leaders of our say in the mechanisms of our world.”

Alexis has South East Asian and American Asian heritage and values the importance of culture. Outside of speaking up, Alexis plays club volleyball as a libero and is a loud and key player on the court! She believes that it’s important for youth to speak up.

Mimi is really into art and advocating for what is right. Mimi shares: “I was adopted from Taiwan when I was younger so I really find it important to stay in touch with the culture. I presented at the national restorative justice conference on mental health for adoptees and foster youth.”

Mia is really into art, graphic design. She enjoys learning more about the community and other people, hearing other’s perspectives, making new friends, and meeting new people!

“AAPI Youth Rising is important because it represents a new generation sharing new ideas and impacting the world. In my free time, I enjoy drawing and designing art for my sticker shop and reading YA novels set in post-apocalyptic America.”

“I love drawing and painting because it’s my way of expressing myself. I find it really interesting and amazing that this program was created for youth who want to speak out and that this whole organization is run by teenagers. I’m excited to express my opinions.”

“I enjoy singing, inspiring young women through musical expression, building unity with the people that surround me, and using my voice to educate our common populace on important societal topics, in hopes they’ll gain acknowledgment and create stronger communities and change.

Ashanna is interested in speaking out and having conversations, meeting new people, dance and music, jewelry making, crochet.

“I enjoy creating art, debating, programming, and dancing (specifically Kathak, an Indian classical dance). It’s important for youth to speak up because today’s youth will someday lead this world and they should learn the importance of reducing hate and appreciating cultures.”

“I’ve been keeping up with AAPI Youth Rising for a couple of months now and I love the dedication that goes into their work. I want to learn more about my community and how we can combat certain global issues. I also am trying to push myself this year to get out of my comfort zone.”

Arpita Guha is a youth activist who is passionate about helping the AAPI community. She shares that as a Bengali-Hindu she has seen firsthand what her community has gone through first hand and the hate crimes and she shared news articles about protests at her temple.

“In my free time, I enjoy playing percussion, volunteering, traveling, and spending time with family! I was immediately drawn to AAPI Youth Rising for the organization’s mission to make positive change in our communities by their various accomplishments.”

“I like listening to music, reading, talking to MY bird and hanging out with his family. I hopes that through AYR, multiple young voices will be able to spread diversity in the world and make it a better place.”

Johann is passionate about AAPI Youth Rising activities. In his free time, he enjoys participating in Robotics competitions and building Legos.

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!