Angelina, is an inspirational change-maker from a low-income, Cambodian-immigrant family. Growing up in North Long Beach, California, Angelina defied the oppressive ideals expected of her while uplifting others in her community. Angelina has written a book, Raw Poems from a Teenage Girl, which is about her experiences growing up in a marginalized community and how that impacted her adolescence. Angelina dedicates herself to empowering others; recently, has interned at the first-ever suicide prevention center, Didi Hirsch.

Angelina has not let the limited opportunities she had growing up prevent her from achieving her dreams. In 7th grade, she led the majority of her middle school’s social media accounts and communications during the pandemic. During this time of crisis, she communicated with hundreds of students and parents to ensure they were well-informed while empowering other students to pursue excellence ranging from academics to service despite prejudices towards their ability based on income and identity. Angelina has personally empowered struggling students by seeing the beauty within them, leading them to make healthier choices. After the pandemic, Angelina wanted to continue empowering others, so she founded, “Golden Student Bears.” Here she tackles the opportunity gap through social media, journalism, and direct awareness about college and career opportunities. Despite the organization targeting California students, her organization has reached communities across the world, as one-quarter of students are from outside the US!

Angelina's main inspiration is her community. Growing up in a marginalized area with a single mother, Angelina seldom received much guidance. Living in a garage, taking care of the neighborhood kids at 8 years old, she eventually found a place of warmth and acceptance with those in her community. Despite the negativity around her as she grew up, she was raised to empower and uplift others despite their backgrounds, like the ones who’ve accepted her.