Chapter Leaders

What is a Chapter Leader? Chapter Leaders pledge to bring our ONE DAY OF AAPI HISTORY into their classroom/student organization. They also join at least one event during the year (virtual or in person), attend our annual meeting, and sign up for public speaking, community organizing and event planning, legislative action, content creation or graphic art on social media, and/or art activism. Chapter Leaders have first access to speaking opportunities and be able to run for the AYR YOUTH BOARD at the Annual Meeting.

Click here to sign up as a Chapter Leader

Alexis Santosa

San Jose, CA, Class of 2028

“Hi! I’m Alexis Santosa. I enjoy writing poetry and singing. My favorite sports are volleyball and tennis. I believe it’s our responsibility as a young generation to speak up so we can work together hand in hand to give people the right to be treated equally, regardless of race, gender, or beliefs.”

Jun Kwon

El Cerrito, CA, Class of 2026

“I enjoy playing music, martial arts, playing soccer with my friends. I was initially intrigued by AAPI Youth Rising because of being a student led organization, which I think shows how children and teens can also be responsible and make change.”

Keshava Reddy

Frisco, TX, Class of 2028

“My name is Keshava Reddy I am Indian and currently in 8th grade. I like all sorts of music, and also play the double bass. Also, I love pasta and anything Italian. The part I like the most about AAPI Youth Rising is that they give chances for peoples who’s cultures are not talked about a lot.”

Hana Parker

Southlake, TX, Class of 2025

“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.”

Victor Do

Midway City, CA, Class of 2027

“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 :))”

Eric Li

West Chester, PA, Class of 2024

“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.”

Anastasia Pham

Mesa, AZ, Class of 2025

“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.”

Rucha Sathe

Tempe, AZ, Class of 2024

“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.”

Abigail Xiao

OH, Class of 2026

“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.”

Coco D’Angelo

Pasadena, CA, Class of 2024

“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. :)”

Gabriella Zyung

Hoffman Estates, IL, Class of 2025

“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.”

Aditi Khanna

Portland, OR, Class of 2024

“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!”

Taryn Hwang

San Mateo, CA, Class of 2027

“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 Peeters

Oakland, CA, Class of 2025

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.”

Devika “Devi” Hajarnavis

Andover, MA, Class of 2026

“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.”

Sophanya Long

Sonoma, CA, Class of 2024

“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.”

Tevita Funaki

Los Alamos, NM, Class of 2026

“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.”

Carel Punu

Tustin, CA, Class of 2024

“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.”

Taylor Koo

Santa Ana, CA, Class of 2025

“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.”

Kira Ly

Clayton, OH, Class of 2024

“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.”

Emma Yu

Andover, MN, Class of 2026

“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.”

Taylor Koo

San Francisco, CA, Class of 2026

“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.”

Malia Shrieve

Piedmont, CA, Class of 2026

“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.”

Maddie Ragasa

Oakland, CA, Class of 2026

“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 :)”

Emilie Yoo

Albany, CA, Class of 2026

“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.”

Matthew Wong

Anaheim, CA, Class of 2024

“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.”

Kaleb Condez

Alameda, CA, Class of 2028

“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.”

Meg Dimaano

Rockaway, NJ, Class of 2024

“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.”

Soha Mahapatra

Marriottsville, MD, Class of 2026

“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.”

Lin Wei

Oakland, CA, Class of 2025

“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.”

Mahnoor Aetzaz

Skokie, IL, Class of 2024

“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.”

Bryan Zhao

Princeton, NJ, Class of 2027

“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.”

Iris Sihashath

Chandler, AZ, Class of 2024

“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.”

Lauren Gonzalez

Burlingame, CA, Class of 2024

“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.”

Sophie Chen

Los Altos, CA, Class of 2025

“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.”

Hanna Mored

Loomis, CA, Class of 2024

“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.”

Hudson Lee

Pasadena, CA, Class of 2029

“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.”

Matthew Sugiyama

Moraga, CA, Class of 2025

“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!”

Julian Pay

Oakland, CA, Class of 2028

“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.”

Miles Pay

Oakland, CA, Class of 2028

“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.”

Ramira Mittal

Loomis, CA, Class of 2024

“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.”

Milan Lin

Loomis, CA, Class of 2024

“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.”

Mei Hallet

Portage, MI, Class of 2024

“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.”

Max Prost

Albany, CA, Class of 2026

“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.”

Charlize Chung

Skokie, IL, Class of 2024

“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.”

Xiaowen Z

New Albany, OH, Class of 2025

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

Kylie Montigney

Midland, PA, Class of 2025

“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.

Tenzing Gyamokhang

Albany, CA, Class of 2026

“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!”

Johanna Villanueva

Tempe, AZ, Class of 2025

“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.”

Olivia Oberliesen

NJ, Class of 2024

“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!”

Isabel Shen

Oakland, CA, Class of 2027

“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

Saratoga, CA, Class of 2027

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 Tuden

Oakland, CA, Class of 2026

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 Fung

San Francisco, CA, Class of 2027

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!

Maile Koidin

San Francisco, CA, Class of 2027

“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.”

Madison Guan

Albany, CA, Class of 2026

“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.”

Magdalena Sambajon Mercado

Boston, MA, Class of 2026

“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 Garcia

Raleigh, NC, Class of 2024

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

Mihika Deshpande

Freemont, CA, Class of 2026

“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.”

Aashi Gupta

CA, Class of 2026

Annie Huynh

Hayward, CA, Class of 2025

“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

Troy, MI, Class of 2023

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.

Kristie To

Irvine, CA, Class of 2024

“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.”

Sean

El Cerrito, CA, Class of 2027

“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

Bay Area, CA, Class of 2026

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

Nahla

Berkeley, CA, Class of 2028

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!

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