Vicky Su | Boston, MA

Vicky Su

Vicky is a driven and ambitious student attending Boston Latin School in Massachusetts. As the daughter of first-generation, low-income immigrants, she has known about the obstacles facing Boston’s diverse population since childhood. This has shaped her into a young changemaker passionate about uplifting all voices—especially those that have traditionally been silenced. 

Vicky is most proud of her work for the City of Boston’s Office of Police Accountability and Transparency. She researched the unjust history of America’s police departments and raised awareness through presentations to youth groups. Her efforts helped her become secretary of the Youth Advisory Council, where she led difficult conversations regarding law enforcement and the local community.

Vicky continues to fight discrimination as a youth leader for the Asian Community Development Corporation. Additionally, she serves as the Vice President of her school’s Recycling Committee. Vicky’s leadership led her to be inducted into the National Honor Society and the Questbridge College Prep Scholars program.

 Besides her tireless dedication to community service, Vicky is passionate about journalism, holding a strong belief in the importance of free media. She holds officer positions in her school’s newspaper, literature magazine, and political paper. Outside of school, she writes for Teens in Print, winning their 2025 Rising Voices Award.

As a John William Ward Fellow, Vicky earned the opportunity to intern for Mayor Michelle Wu this summer. She hopes to use this experience to follow her dream of becoming a public servant herself. Upon graduation, Vicky will pursue a university degree in political science. She wants to continue to use her voice to push for change—in her community and the world.

Trinity Williams | Columbus, GA

Trinity Williams

Trinity is a driven and multifaceted student who brings creativity and discipline to every space she enters. As a writer, visual artist, student leader, and community volunteer, she excels at turning vision into reality. Recognized for her thoughtfulness, leadership, and academic excellence, Trinity pairs her intellectual curiosity with a genuine desire to uplift others.  Her warmth and dedication make her a powerful force in her school and community.

Trinity is most proud of her success in writing and public speaking. A Scholastic Art & Writing Award recipient, she earned first place in both the Andrew Ruhs Prize for Playwriting and the Susan Schley Gristina Prize for Expository Essay. She is also the 2025 State Champion in Personal Essay for the GHSA Literary Meet. Trinity’s passion for language and storytelling gives voice to underrepresented stories, and her advocacy is rooted in purpose. In every poem, play, or speech, she aims to challenge, comfort, and inspire.

Trinity is also a dedicated student leader. She currently serves as President of both the Rise Helpers and the Student Government Association, organizing events that promote mental health, inclusion, and service. A National Honor Society member and National African American Recognition Program honoree, Trinity  contributes time to numerous volunteer efforts, including tutoring, food banks, and cultural events. Her work with The Orchettes has deepened her skills in etiquette, leadership, and civic engagement.

Inspired by her upbringing and fueled by a love for the arts, Trinity hopes to study screenwriting and film direction. Her goal is to create bold, emotionally resonant stories that reflect diverse experiences. With the support of her family and mentors, she is determined to use her voice—and her vision—to leave a lasting impact on the world.

Sky Jin | NY

Sky Jin

Growing up as an immigrant facing poverty, Tian hopes to create a more just and equitable future. Although Tian hopes to pursue this mission by becoming a doctor, he has already taken action through community service, activism, and simply lending a hand to those around him. 

Since freshman year, Tian has led a team in his school's Science Research Program, teaching him the impact he could make through science. Hearing his mom, a home health aide, talk about the heartbreaking reality of her dementia patients, Tian directed a study investigating a new treatment, which won first place in the 27th St. Joseph's poster session. 

Tian has also engaged in other opportunities that combine science with social work, whether improving health literacy in his community through the ACComPLISHED program, creating a resource on the Social Determinants of Health in NYU's medical ethics internship, or interning at a local hospital to improve patient care.

Tian has always been obsessed with keeping aquatic life in his fish tanks. In 2021, he turned this hobby into a business selling aquatic plants which has since grown into a considerable source of income, helping his household pay for essential expenses.

With both he and his mom having battled chronic, life-changing health complications, they might not be alive if not for government programs such as Medicaid. Because of this, Tian realized that medicine wasn't just scientific — it’s also political. This realization inspired him to start a Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter, which has since engaged in activism from canvassing to lobbying local officials. Regardless of his path, Tian will continue to work to positively impact others.

Suvan Zala | Edmond, OK

Suvan Zala

Suvan is a driven and compassionate changemaker from Oklahoma who believes in the power of education to uplift communities. Suvan is inspired by the sacrifices his family has made for him to pursue his passions and is committed to expanding access to STEM for others. Whether organizing robotics summer camps or serving as an instructor at iCODE, he makes it his mission to help others feel seen in places where they are often underrepresented.

Suvan is most proud of building a grassroots mentorship initiative through his robotics team, focused on expanding access to STEM education. He has organized robotics camps for students in underserved communities and created a peer-mentoring network linking his robotics team with nearby Title I schools. Through this initiative, Suvan has helped support 4 Title I schools, reaching over 100 students and helping create 8 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams. His goal has been to inspire hope and give students the opportunity to explore STEM. He also founded ReVision, a mobile app that uses AI-powered image recognition and voice control to help visually impaired individuals navigate independently. Motivated by a passion for inclusive technology, Suvan designed it to empower those often overlooked by mainstream design.

Inspired by his family’s perseverance and support, Suvan hopes to pursue engineering as a vehicle for equity. He plans to design sustainable, human-centered technologies while continuing to mentor the next generation of innovators. He aims to leave a legacy of action and kindness, just as others had done for him.

Summer Campbell | Newton, NH

Summer Campbell is a rising senior from New Hampshire where she has worked hard to develop skills in a wide range of subjects. Her goals include building up her community and setting herself up for success in the future. Summer is most proud of her work in the sciences. She has completed fellowships at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, New Hampshire, where she researched seaweed bioplastics and even developed a bioplastic of her own. She continues this seaweed-related research with an internship with Cold Current Kelp, a skincare company whose products are derived from seaweed. Community wise as president of the key club, she has worked hard to found New Hampshire's only Becca's Closet chapter and plan monthly service events.

She is also proud of her work with her school's submarine team that is working to build a human-powered submarine that competes at the International Submarine Races (ISR). She also serves as the vice president on the Governor's Youth Advisory Council where she works with high school students to develop recommendations for bills like New Hampshire's bill HB466 (relative to parental notice for non-academic surveys in public schools) or the 988 Trust Fund (sustainable funding for behavioral crises hotline). 

In the future Summer wants to either pursue an environmental engineering degree or a political science degree to utilize either of her passions. She is inspired by all that needs to be done in the environment and the world to pursue a career where she can create change.

Paola Salgado | Cicero, IL

Paola Salgado

Paola is a first-generation Hispanic student from the Chicagoland area who is deeply motivated by her lived experiences and the desire to create lasting change. Balancing school, work, and home responsibilities, she remains committed to leadership, service, and academic excellence. She is especially passionate about immigrants rights and community advocacy, using her voice to inform and empower others. With plans to pursue a career in law, Paola hopes to represent marginalized communities and fight for equity and justice. Paola says, “Everything I do is for the younger version of me who needed to see that better is possible and now I want to be that example for others.

Nana Kwame Dwomoh | Brookings, SD

Nana Kwame Dwomoh

Nana Kwame is a highly ambitious student from a small town in South Dakota. He uses life's obstacles to better himself and uplift those around him. From a family of Ghanaian immigrants, Nana Kwame gives 100% in everything he does to honor his parents’ sacrifices. 

Nana Kwame is most proud of his work this summer doing research at the University of Pittsburgh’s Hillman Academy on improving a Python-based translator that makes complex biological data easier for researchers and computers to understand, share, and reuse. He’s also proud of his work with non-profit organization Smart Kids Ghana in which he raises funds and uses his passion for computer science and STEM to create and teach lessons empowering the underserved youth of Ghana. 

As vice president of his school’s Speech & Debate team, Nana Kwame is a very passionate debater competing in Public Forum Debate and International Extemporaneous Speaking. His most notable accomplishments include qualifying for the 2025 National Speech & Debate Association National Tournament. He also enjoys mentoring beginners and younger debaters. Additionally he is proud of his success with his school’s NCF-Envirothon team where teams compete in environmental topics at the state level to advance to the international competition. Since the team's formation in his sophomore year he has contributed to one state title and one international competition qualification. Nana Kwame is also a part of his school’s Science Olympiad team, most recently placing as state runner-up.

Nana Kwame is inspired by his family and those who have succeeded despite difficult circumstances. He aspires to become a source of inspiration for and provide opportunity to underserved groups especially in STEM.

Nadia Turcios | Los Angeles, CA

Nadia Turcios

Nadia is a passionate and driven student based in Los Angeles, California, with a deep interest in economic policy and social impact. Raised in Honduras, she spent the first six years of her life there before moving to the United States, an experience that shaped her understanding of migration and opportunity. Known for her analytical mindset and compassionate spirit, Nadia approaches challenges with purpose and channels her curiosity into meaningful action, guided by a strong desire to uplift underrepresented communities. 

She is most proud of her work as a finance volunteer at the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), where she supports budgeting, compliance, and financial recordkeeping. Nadia collaborates with CARECEN’s community to promote its mission and ensure accountability through outreach. 

Beyond her professional experience, Nadia co-produced the short film From Barbed Wire to Bullhorns: CHINMOKU – Silenced Voices, preserving the stories of Japanese American internees during World War II. She also serves as a Student Ambassador for the Harvard Latina Empowerment & Development (LEAD) Conference, organizing outreach efforts and promoting leadership development. 

Inspired by her Honduran roots and the economic challenges facing Central America, Nadia hopes to study economics and one day advise global development policy. Her long-term goal is to create inclusive financial systems that promote opportunity and resilience.

Lesira Kpea | Buckeye, AZ

Lesira Kpea

Lesira Kpea is a driven and visionary rising senior at Buckeye Union High School (AZ) who believes deeply in the power of advocacy, representation, and innovation. She recently made history as the Western Region Vice President of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where she plans to amplify the voices of underserved students and expand access to leadership opportunities across the region.

Lesira’s commitment to community impact is reflected in her service as Senior Class President, and as an active member of organizations like National Honor Society, Key Club, Black Student Union, FBLA, SkillsUSA, and the Arizona Youth Climate Coalition. She also serves on the Buckeye Youth Council and is a proud STEP Prep Scholar. Lesira placed second in Insurance and Risk Management at the 2024 FBLA Regional Conference and fourth in Job Interview at the State Leadership Conference, further proving her dedication to professional excellence.

A passionate advocate for equity and sustainability, Lesira is focused on using her voice and platform to uplift underrepresented communities, push for climate action, and inspire the next generation of leaders. Whether she’s leading on the national stage, organizing within her community, or mentoring fellow students, Lesira is steadfast in her belief that leadership is not about a title—it’s about creating space for others to rise.

Kei Nagata | Duluth, GA

Kei Nagata

Kei is a driven and compassionate student who leads with both creativity and purpose. The rising senior from Duluth, Georgia, stands out for his unwavering commitment to service and mental health advocacy. He is the executive director for the mental health organization at his school, Duluth MIND, and develops programs that address matters ranging from bullying to suicide prevention. His dedication to his school and community shine through as he hopes to grow into a version of himself that can bring about positive change in the world.

Kei is especially close with his peers at Bless Deeds N’ Feeds, a student-led nonprofit organization supporting small businesses and homeless families. As Promotions Manager, not only does he design and manage the group’s print material - flyers, pamphlets, and banners - but he also runs their social media platforms, which have grown to over 800+ followers since they first started last May. In his work, Kei draws inspiration from the local Duluth community; with his friends in tow, he frequents senior living homes simply to speak with the residents there. He believes that the basis for any form of community, mental health included, only begins to blossom through initiating casual conversation with others. These moments, though quiet, have strengthened his belief in the power of a connection across differences - an ethos he brings back to Bless Deeds N’ Feeds. His creative leadership has resulted in greater visibility for the organization, and he wishes to leave an even bigger impact through that community-based outreach.

Jullian Farrington | Miami, FL

Jullian Farrington

Jullian Farrington is a dedicated and compassionate leader from Miami Gardens, Florida. He attends his local high school where he challenges himself with honors, AP, and dual enrollment courses, excelling academically while balancing numerous extracurricular activities. Jullian has a deep commitment to community service and advocacy, exemplified by his leadership roles, including serving as Lead Attorney for the Miami-Dade County Teen Court, where he helps youth navigate the legal system and avoid criminal records. Outside of the classroom, he has been active in the National Honor Society and currently holds the position of Mayor of the Miami Gardens Junior Council, supporting children across the whole city.

Jullian is passionate about justice and equity, and his dedication to these causes has earned him leadership honors and recognition for his thoughtful essays on Black and Hispanic heritage. He also completed a summer internship at the City of Miami Gardens, gaining valuable professional experience in city government operations. These experiences have deepened his commitment to serving his community and building bridges across cultures.

Despite challenges, including personal loss, Jullian remains motivated by his family and community to pursue a career in Political Science and Law. He aspires to be a voice for underrepresented youth and to create systemic change through advocacy and leadership, believing that perseverance and purpose are the keys to success.

Joseph Shing | Bloomington, IN

Joseph Shing

Joseph is a resilient and compassionate leader whose journey from Myanmar to the United States has shaped his passion for advocacy and service. Raised as a refugee in Malaysia for over a decade before resettling in the U.S. with the support of UNHCR the summer of 2023, he has transformed his experiences of displacement into a mission to create equitable access to healthcare and education while amplifying the voices of immigrant and refugee youth.

He is most proud of founding Advocates for Immigrant Student Equity (AISE), a youth-led initiative addressing systemic barriers facing immigrant and refugee students. Through AISE, Joseph has worked with school officials, policymakers, and community leaders to design multilingual resources and push for fair academic placement policies. He also founded the Brightening Lives Club, which delivers letters and handmade gifts to seniors and children in care facilities, and serves on the Monroe County Youth Council, where he directs initiatives on education and youth engagement. He has also contributed to statewide advocacy as a member of the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide’s Youth Advisory Council. Beyond local work, he serves as the  Global Ambassadors Director for Global Learners and shares his voice as a writer on Medium.

Looking ahead, Joseph aspires to bridge healthcare and global advocacy—either as a physician ensuring equitable access to medicine or as an international leader advancing refugee rights. His lived experiences continue to inspire his vision of a world where all youth, regardless of background, have the opportunity to thrive

Jennifer Nnabugwu | Houston, TX

Jennifer is highly motivated and resilient. She and her family have faced significant financial hardship after  her father's departure from the family and the country Jennifer’s mother, who had not previously worked outside of the home, began juggling multiple minimum-wage jobs to support the family. With her mother rarely home, Jennifer and her older brother took on the responsibility of running the household and caring for their two younger siblings. Despite these circumstances, she remained determined to succeed.

Jennifer is most proud of  her accomplishments in the classroom, extracurricularly, and at home.  Balancing rigorous college-level coursework with the responsibilities of helping care for her family has not been easy, however she remains determined and focused on her dream of  becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. For her, good grades are more than just academic milestones,  they are a stepping stone to a career in which she can change lives through medicine. Each success in the classroom is a victory bringing  her closer to a career where she can combine her passion  for medicine and acts of service. Her dedication to her studies reflects not only her passion for the medical field, but also her commitment to make her family proud. 

In addition to her academic achievements, Jennifer is deeply involved in several organizations that reflect her passion for leadership, service, and community impact. Through FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), she has competed at the state level in events like Healthcare Administration and supported local initiatives such as book drives and tree planting. As Co-president of Alpha Active Knights, she has helped lead major service projects and connect members with volunteer opportunities. Her role as the constituency organizer at a local Generation Vote chapter allows her to promote civic engagement in underrepresented communities. A passionate and creative performer, Jennifer serves as the captain of her church’s dance team, where she choreographs original routines that reflect both faith and artistry. Her leadership and vision have helped guide the team to national competitions for three consecutive years.

Jasmine Osorio-Antonio | Lilburn, GA

Jasmine Osorio-Antonio

Jasmine Osorio-Antonio is a purpose-driven scholar whose leadership in environmental advocacy and computer science has earned her statewide and national recognition. As a first-generation student, Jasmine has not let obstacles stand in her way, instead using them as motivation to lead and create change within her community. She is the co-founder and co-president of her school’s Environmental Club, where she has organized impactful initiatives such as the EcoCharge Battery Drive and Share & Care Table to promote sustainability and student engagement. Her leadership also led to her selection for the Green Youth Advisory Council and recognition as her school’s Principal’s Award recipient in 2025.

Her commitment has been recognized through the Horatio Alger State Scholarship, a National Honorable Mention for the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award, and finalist honors in both the Girls Who Code AI + Sustainability Challenge and the 2025 National STEM Festival. As a SMASH Scholar, she led her team to a 3rd place national finish with their environmental app, Chloro, blending her technical skills with environmental purpose. She also received the Georgia Certificate of Merit, awarded to the top 10% of her high school class.

Jasmine plans to pursue a career at the intersection of computer science and environmental science. She is driven by a commitment to build inclusive, data-driven solutions that address climate challenges and empower underserved communities.

Steven Gaitan Jaime | Oxon Hill, MD

Steven Gaitan Jaime

Steven aims to live a life of service as he serves as a role model for his sisters, cousins, and peers. His commitment to both personal growth and community service is reflected in his endeavors.

Steven is most proud of his baking business, Siblight Delights, through which he combines his passion for baking with a commitment to service by donating the proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on families with ill children. Steven is also particularly intrigued by language learning. Having grown up in a Spanish-speaking household, he noticed firsthand the struggles of speaking a language other than English. To these ends, he launched a podcast designed to help Spanish speakers learn English through storytelling. On the weekends, he also teaches English to Ukrainian students and has the opportunity to learn more about an entirely different culture in return. 

Steven also enjoys volunteering at his local hospital. He is the proud vice-president of MAO—Mu Alpha Theta—where he is working on implementing a program that empowers 9th and 10th graders through mentorship, and he serves as the president of his school’s HOSA chapter, collaborating with his peers to foster a healthy community. Steven enjoys practicing his French, which has made him a candidate for the Seal of Biliteracy. 

Steven plans on studying neuroscience and linguistics in college. As Gandhi once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." As such, he hopes to one day become a doctor and devote his life to service.

Dylan Wool | Gilbertsville, PA

Dylan Wool

Dylan is an outgoing, compassionate, and highly driven student - dedicated to making an impact wherever he goes. Although adversity has lingered in his life, Dylan has never let negativity define his character. Dylan’s creative nature and deep passions for environmentalism and service go hand in hand as a young leader in his community. The commitment he holds to service and the environment is an unwavering testament to lead not for recognition, but for a genuine desire to create meaningful change.

Dylan advocates for sustainability and conservation as a core member of a local non-profit, Green Allies. Dylan and his peers conserve a 20 acre native arboretum where they welcome over 15,000 visitors a year to teach the community about conservation and sustainability. Through these projects, Dylan and his team were presented the 2025 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence and Dylan was awarded the Walking Softer, S.A.V.E. Award. With over 400 volunteer hours, Dylan also frequently finds himself at his local community church where he serves as a student and social media leader. Dylan also takes pride in being selected as a Horatio Alger State Scholar, his professional photography skills, successful social media accounts, and his meaningful participation as a varsity soccer and tennis player.

Dylan specifically draws inspiration from his mother, Mincy, and late father, Schiller Wool, both of whom came to the U.S. as immigrants, Dylan recognizes their optimism and resilience even in times of sacrifice. Honing in on the sacrifices made for him, Dylan aims to represent the genuine, hard-working, and dedicated spirit of the people who raised him. Dylan hopes to pursue a double major in chemistry and environmental science to make a long lasting impact on the world, just like his parents did for him.

Daniela Ramirez | Miami, FL

Daniela Ramirez

Daniela is an author, painter, advocate, inventor, and leader. Although born in the U.S., she went back to her home country, Venezuela, and immigrated back to the U.S. when she was 10 years old with only her mom. While handling the sacrifices and hardships of her immigrant family, her resilience and passion for art and expressing herself helped her flourish. 

On the weekends, Daniela handles a part time job, loves to teach art at Breakthrough Miami–a collaborative summer program she applied and attended by herself when she first arrived into the country–, volunteers at her Best Buddies’ friendship circles and shares with kids with intellectual disabilities, helps fundraise for an organization that supports children who cross the U.S. border by themselves, and tutors English at her elementary school. Additionally, she helps her mom, an immigration paralegal, assist immigrants navigate the same struggles Daniela and her mom endured when they arrived in the country. Like her mom in Venezuela, Daniela aspires to become a lawyer who defends, advocates, and protects those in need. At school, she is president of Women of Tomorrow, vice president of Best Buddies, column editor of the newspaper, historian of Model UN, among other leadership roles in different clubs. Daniela simply loves getting engaged in the community that molded her. She keeps a journal where she writes, journals, paints, and creates anything that comes to her mind. Whether it is a self-portrait or a collage, you will see it in her journal.

Daniela immigrated from Venezuela with her mom due to financial situations and a fire in their home. After packing their lives in a suitcase, Daniela grasped the sacrifices her mom made and used them as leverage for her passions to flourish. She wants to help those in any struggling situation, easing their journey through their struggles.

Christopher Patino Mancera | Willow Spring, TX

Christopher Patino Mancera

Chris Patino is a resilient and purpose-driven student whose journey is shaped by family, faith, and a relentless work ethic. As a first-generation Mexican-American from a rural town in North Carolina, Chris has learned to turn struggle into strength. Whether he’s leading on the football field, excelling in rigorous dual enrollment classes, or running his own small business, Homescaping, he brings pride, discipline, and heart to everything he does.

Chris is most proud of founding and running his own business, Homescaping, which he has grown since January 2023. Through offering services like landscaping, minor repairs, and home improvement support, he developed skills in customer service, time management, and technical repair work– all while balancing school, sports, and community service. His ability to lead and adapt is further reflected in his year-long apprenticeship as an Assembly Technician apprentice with Caterpillar, where he works on industrial components and sharpens his mechanical understanding. 

Chris is deeply committed to serving others, especially youth in his community. He coaches local football teams and mentors younger students, hoping to inspire the next generation of Latino leaders in STEM. Chris values the power of storytelling, mentorship, and legacy.

He dreams of becoming an electrical or mechanical engineer– not just to build machines, but to build bridges of opportunity for families like his own. For Chris, success isn't about guaranteed outcomes. It’s about fighting every day for the chance – the shot– to make something greater.

Catie Espiricueta | Tyler, TX

Catie Espiricueta

Catie Espiricueta is incredibly dedicated and passionate about her family, her academic pursuits and a variety of issues, especially those regarding social justice. Catie is outspoken and hopes to make meaningful contributions to her community, especially through community service efforts and advocacy. 

Catie is most proud of the shoe drive she coordinated at school. She discovered Ntibonera Foundation online and learned of their goal to fundraise 25,000 shoes for children in displacement camps in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. After introducing the idea to her principal, her school collected 136 pairs of shoes which were then picked up and sent to the Ntibonera Foundation. Catie says of the experience, “I was tired of feeling helpless while watching the suffering of others, so when I found out about this fundraiser, I was determined to do something about it.” 

Catie hopes to inspire her younger sisters and make her parents proud. As a first-generation Mexican-American, Catie hopes to break barriers and attend university with a major in sociology and then attend law school. She hopes to use her voice as a lawyer to protect immigrants and fight for equality.

Brandon Delcid Rios | Ringoes, NJ

Brandon Delcid Rios

Brandon is someone who shows up—whether it's for his family, his community, or the future he refuses to give up on. Raised by a single mother who immigrated from Mexico, he grew up in a low-income household where strength came from showing kindness and working hard, even when no one was watching. Brandon balances two jobs as a Floor Supervisor at McDonald’s and a Togo Specialist at Chili’s while serving as Class President, a Teen PEP educator, and a Junior Firefighter. He helps pay bills at home and still finds time to serve others, volunteering every other week at the Flemington Food Pantry, the same place his family has depended on since he was in preschool. 

Brandon is most proud of founding See The World Foundation, a nonprofit inspired by his childhood eye condition and his family’s struggle to afford care. The organization helps children in need access vision treatment and feel seen in more ways than one. He is also a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar and a published researcher. Brandon plans to study political science and pursue public service. As he puts it, “Everything I do is for the kid I used to be, who stayed quiet not because he had nothing to say, but because he thought no one would listen.”