Introducing the Youth Leadership Summit 2025 Cohort: Tomorrow’s AAPI Advocates and Changemakers
In April, Advancing Justice — AAJC is thrilled to welcome the 2025 Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) cohort to Washington, DC! Since 2014, YLS has empowered exceptional student leaders from across the country through an immersive, multi-day program. Participants engage in intensive advocacy training, communications workshops, and civic engagement sessions, preparing them to effectively influence policy decisions and champion social justice initiatives. YLS bridges the gap between student activism and policymaking, fostering a deeper understanding of advocacy strategies, legislative processes, and community organizing.
We’re proud to introduce this inspiring group:
Kedhar Bartlett (he/him), University of California, Berkeley
Kedhar is a junior majoring in Molecular Environmental Biology and Human Rights. Growing up mixed-race in a politically engaged household shaped his passion for social justice and advocacy for AANHPI communities. At Cal, he works with the MEMSSA Coalition, studies environmental sustainability, and recently studied abroad in Mo’orea, French Polynesia.
Maha Chishtey (she/her), University of Houston, Downtown
Maha, a first-generation Pakistani-American studying International Business, is dedicated to youth empowerment, civic engagement, and voter accessibility through Emgage Texas. She advocates for Muslim rights, gender justice, and immigrant issues, collaborating with groups like Young Feminist Party and Asian Texans for Justice. Maha enjoys working on international education fundraising and promoting inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
Jade Faircloth (she/her), University of California, Los Angeles
Jade, a third-year student double majoring in Global Studies and Public Affairs, focuses her research on U.S.-China cross-national marriages and systemic barriers immigrant families face. As a biracial advocate, Jade co-leads the Asian American Tutorial Project, mentoring immigrant K-12 students. She aspires to practice immigration law and enjoys exploring grassroots efforts for social change.
Zeean Firmeza (she/her), Pomona College
Zeean, a Posse Scholar from Miami studying Public Policy Analysis and Asian American Studies, actively uplifts Filipinx and AAPI communities through research and advocacy. She serves as a Tagalog Language Facilitator and researches Filipinx voting behavior, presenting at national events. As a Tomodachi Inouye Scholar, she also explores transpacific relations and diasporic identities.
Claire Inouye (she/her), University of Utah
Claire, a fourth-year Political Science major, is the National Youth Representative for the Japanese-American Citizens’ League, advocating for civil rights and youth leadership. She interned at Utah’s Attorney General’s Office and represented Utah at Miss America’s Teen. Claire is also an accomplished pianist who has performed at Carnegie Hall and runs a small business designing custom press-on nails.
Angelynn Jimenez (she/her), University of Illinois Chicago
Angelynn, a junior majoring in Public Policy, embraces her Filipino American identity by spearheading transfer student initiatives through UIC’s Asian American affinity spaces. At Chicago’s HANA Center, she leads Youth Participatory Action Research projects addressing inequitable high school support services. She finds joy in fostering culturally relevant community programs and mentorship.
David Hoang (he/him), University of California, San Diego
David is a third-year International Business major passionate about corporate strategy, social impact, and fostering opportunities for underrepresented communities. A first-generation Vietnamese American, he interned at Karis Consulting Group and Thrive Scholars, developing business strategies and educational programs. He enjoys traveling and documenting his culinary explorations on a food blog.
Hailey Hua (she/her), San Diego Miramar College
Hailey, a second-year Political Science major, advocates for educational equity and immigration reform as the ASG President and Student Trustee. As a Chinese-American daughter of immigrants, she lobbies for financial aid reform, workforce development, and open educational resources. She enjoys sewing, crocheting, and cooking new recipes.
Kayla Manio (she/her), Texas A&M University
Kayla is a third-year International Affairs major passionate about human rights and community service. A first-generation Filipina American, she is VP Internal of the Asian Presidents’ Council and engages with groups like Asian Texans for Justice and LEAD Filipino. She is driven by inclusivity and enjoys learning from diverse cultures and perspectives.
Yubi Mamiya (she/her), Princeton University
Yubi studies Computer Science and Global Health & Health Policy, focusing on equitable healthcare for AAPI communities. She has researched racial disparities at VCU and the University of Malaysia and helped lobby Washington state laws improving mental health access. Yubi mentors students through the Princeton Undergraduate Mentorship Program.
Katie Mosima (they/she), Dickinson College
Katie, a senior Chinese major and English minor, grew up multicultural with Filipino and Cameroonian heritage, shaping their commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. She edits projects for Dear Asian Youth, works locally in public policy, and supports LGBTQ+ asylum seekers as an intern at InReach. Katie enjoys poetry, crocheting, and cinema.
Arabelle Park (she/her), Barnard College, Columbia University
Arabelle, a Korean American first-year studying Political Science and Human Rights, researches civic participation and advocates for diversity in government with Inclusive America. She holds leadership in Columbia Votes and mentors nationally through CISV USA. Inspired by civil rights movements, Arabelle plans to attend law school to advocate for AAPI voices.
Tehani Chandrasena Perera (she/her), Mount Holyoke College
Tehani majors in International Relations with interests in human rights, health, and environmental sustainability. Originally from Sri Lanka, she co-leads MHC’s Pre-Law Association and recently interned with the U.S. Forest Service through CAPAL. She enjoys working globally on policy reform and grassroots initiatives.
Miya Rosenthal (she/her), University of California, Berkeley
Miya, a senior majoring in Media and Public Policy, is passionate about storytelling for advocacy. She produces digital content with former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, researches interethnic disparities, and created an award-winning documentary on Japanese American internment. Miya has interned at the White House and enjoys running and thrifting.
Amy Tran (she/her), Arizona State University
Amy, a senior Political Science major, champions social justice as President of Alpha Phi Gamma Sorority, leading projects on women’s empowerment and domestic violence prevention. She mobilizes voter engagement with Keep Arizona Blue and the Arizona Students’ Association. Amy plans a career in law and nonprofit leadership.
Cindy Tran (she/her), University of Virginia
Cindy, a third-year Nursing student, grew up near Northern Virginia’s “Little Saigon,” shaping her passion for mental health care in Asian American communities. At UVA, she co-founded the AAPI Nursing Student Association, researches psychiatric nursing, and sings in an R&B/Hip-Hop A Cappella group. She aims to practice as a psychiatric nurse practitioner serving the Asian American community.
Ethan Vue (he/they), University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Ethan, a queer, Hmong first-year biochemistry student, advocates for health equity and ethnic studies education. He has successfully lobbied for Minnesota’s Ethnic Studies Bill and Climate Justice Education Bill and served as a youth delegate at COP29. Ethan also enjoys illustrating, vlogging, and music-making.
Melody Luo (she/her), University of Pennsylvania
Melody, a junior studying Political Science and English, advocates for educational equity and inclusive health resources. Inspired by book-banning controversies in high school, she has interned at NAPAWF and Swipe Out Hunger, addressing reproductive justice and food sustainability. She enjoys mock trial competitions and sings with Penn’s Chinese A Cappella group.
Angel Liang (she/her), The George Washington University
Angel studies Sociology and Asian American Studies and organizes grassroots initiatives for community resilience. At GWU’s Asian-American Student Association, she coordinates events exploring identity, diaspora, and advocacy. Off-campus, Angel organizes labor protection campaigns for rideshare drivers and enjoys exploring political education.
Mai Lam (she/her), California State University, Sacramento
Mai, a senior Political Science major and first-generation Vietnamese American, advocates for higher education and immigration reform. Previously at California DOJ, she currently interns for Congressman Dave Min. She has represented Oxfam at Model UN and enjoys mentoring students adjusting to college life.
Emma Zhu (she/her), Georgetown University
Emma, a first-year student in Foreign Service, focuses on amplifying marginalized voices through history and culture. She founded the Culture+ Program and directs mentorship programs for ECAASU. Emma enjoys cafe-hopping, reading Chinese literature, and developing curricula on immigrant-led labor history movements.
As we welcome the 2025 YLS cohort to Washington, DC, we eagerly anticipate the powerful ideas, innovative solutions, and transformative leadership these young advocates will bring. Their dedication and diverse experiences promise to inspire impactful change across their campuses, communities, and beyond. Through their participation in YLS, they will become part of a vibrant legacy of young leaders committed to advancing justice and equity. We look forward to witnessing the incredible journeys ahead for this remarkable group!
The Youth Leadership Summit is made possible through generous support from FedEx and State Farm.
