This online event for youth by youth was attended by high school and college students from throughout California, as well as from 141 countries throughout the world. All of the panel topics and questions were selected by youth and young professionals.
Watch the 2021 California Youth Leadership Summit video archive!
Click on the links below to choose the video you’d like to watch:
- Entire 2021 California Youth Leadership Summit
- Part 1: Introduction
- Part 2: Panel – Climate Change and Sustainability
- Part 3: Entertainment: Jaguar Twin singing the 2021 CYLS Theme Song “Shine”
- Part 4: Panel – Racial and Gender Equity
- Part 5: Entertainment: Leanna Rachel singing “Coffee”
- Part 6: Panel – World Peace and Cooperation
- Part 7: Entertainment: CYLS panelists dancing to the 2021 CYLS Theme Song “Shine”
- Part 8: Panel: Coping with the Pandemic
- Part 9: Entertainment: Leanna Rachel singing “Come Together”
- Part 10: Panel: International Forum
- Part 11: Closing
California Youth Leadership Summit Panel Moderators
Mark Sanchez
Former NFL Quarterback & ESPN College Football Analyst
Mark Sanchez
Former NFL Quarterback & ESPN College Football Analyst
Former NFL Quarterback
ESPN College Football Analyst
Mark Sanchez is a former NFL Quarterback. During his 10-year NFL career, Mark Sanchez played with the New York Jets (2009-2013), Philadelphia Eagles (2014-2015), Dallas Cowboys, (2016), Chicago Bears (2017) and Washington Redskins (2018).
Mark Sanchez began his football career playing quarterback for the University of Southern California from 2005-08, leading the Trojans to a Rose Bowl victory in his junior season, and earning Rose Bowl MVP in his final college game. He was selected fifth overall by the New York Jets in the 2009 NFL Draft and led them to the AFC championship game in his first two seasons.
Mark Sanchez joined ESPN in 2019. The veteran quarterback is now a studio analyst for college football on ABC Saturdays and contributes to other ESPN shows, including College Football Live, Get Up and SportsCenter.
Kanoa Igarashi
Professional Surfer
Kanoa Igarashi
Professional Surfer
Kanoa Igarashi is an American professional surfer of Japanese descent from Huntington Beach, California who has competed worldwide since 2012 and will surf at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics as a representative of Japan. He has collected more Round One wins than any other surfer, finished 2nd place at the Pipeline event, and 20th place overall in 2016. During the 2019 World Surf League Championship Tour, he won the Corona Bali Protected event and placed 6th place.
Marin Minamiya
Guinness World Record Holder: Youngest Mountain Climber to Conquer the Seven Summits & reach the North and South Poles
Marin Minamiya
Guinness World Record Holder: Youngest Mountain Climber to Conquer the Seven Summits & reach the North and South Poles
Marin Minamiya holds a Guinness World Record as the youngest person to complete the "Explorer's Grand Slam," which is climbing “the Seven Summits” (the highest peak on the seven continents) and ski to the North and South Pole. Marin climbed Mount Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Denali, Mount Vinson, Mount Aconcagua, Mount Elbrus, and Carstensz Pyramid. Marin was first motivated to undertake the challenge at the age of 17 and she conquered the highest peak on every continent within a year and a half. She became the youngest Japanese person ever to summit Mt. Everest. At age 20, she became the youngest person in world history to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam. Speaking Japanese, English and Mandarin Chinese, Marin moved to Malaysia when she was 18 months old due to her father’s profession, then lived abroad for 12 years in Shanghai and Hong Kong. She began climbing mountains at age 13 in Hong Kong.
In December 2016, Marin was announced as the first female Global Brand Ambassador for the clothing company UNIQLO. She was also selected as one of Japan’s “Change makers of 2016” by Nikkei BP, “Woman of the Year 2017” by VOGUE and "Forbes 30 under 30 list 2018" as one of the 30 young brightest change makers under the age of 30 in Japan by Forbes. She was awarded the 2016 AVON Social Innovation Award, the 2017 WIRED x Audi Innovator's Award, and the 2018 Waseda University President's Award. Marin, who is studying Political Science and Economics at Japan's Waseda University, will be pursuing undergraduate studies at Columbia University in New York.
Emily Cloke
British Consul General in Los Angeles
Emily Cloke
British Consul General in Los Angeles
Emily Cloke is British Consul General in Los Angeles. She is the senior representative of the UK government in Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Hawaii. In this role, she promotes trade and investment, scientific cooperation, tackling climate change, creative and media collaborations and educational partnerships between the UK and the southwestern United States. She also oversees delivery of essential consular services to a 600,000-strong British resident community and British visitors.
Emily has a range of policy, commercial and international experience working for the British Government. Her recent roles include as Deputy CEO for the UK-Africa Investment Summit hosted by the Prime Minister in 2020, and as a senior leader in the Department for International Trade’s Sectors Group, overseeing export and investment promotion for industry sectors including aerospace, advanced manufacturing and education. She has worked overseas as Trade Director for the British Embassy Tehran, setting up and leading the UK’s trade section and strategy following the re-opening of the British Embassy in 2015, and as Head of Trade at the British Embassy Sweden. Her wider experience includes advising on the creation of the world’s first Green Investment Bank, and leading the Ministerial private office for the Minister of Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs/Minister for Women & Equalities. Emily started her career as a lawyer in the City of London and studied law at Cambridge University.
Ambassador Nina Hachigian
City of Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of International Affairs
Ambassador Nina Hachigian
City of Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of International Affairs
Ambassador Nina Hachigian
Deputy Mayor of International Affairs City of Los Angeles
Mayor Eric Garcetti appointed Ambassador Nina Hachigian to be the first Deputy Mayor of International Affairs for Los Angeles and the only one in the United States. Her office connects the world to L.A. and L.A. to the world. They build relationships with foreign partners to bring more jobs, opportunity, culture, ideas, and visitors to Los Angeles and to elevate L.A.’s international leadership, including on climate, inclusion, and innovation. They are also laying the foundations for Angelenos to welcome the world for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and to leave behind a great legacy for the City.
From 2014 to 2017, Ambassador Hachigian served as the second U.S. Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). During her tenure, the United States established a strategic partnership with ASEAN, held the first Leaders’ Summit in the United States, launched a Presidential initiative on economic cooperation, established the U.S.-ASEAN Women’s Leadership Academy and grew the youth program to over 100,000 members. She was awarded the State Department’s Superior Honor Award for her service.
Earlier, Ambassador Hachigian was a Senior Fellow and a Senior Vice President at the Center for American Progress focused on Asia policy and U.S.-China relations. Prior to that, Ambassador Hachigian was the director of the RAND Center for Asia Pacific Policy for four years. Ambassador Hachigian served on the staff of the National Security Council in the Clinton White House from 1998- 1999. She is the editor of Debating China: The U.S. – China Relationship in Ten Conversations (Oxford University Press, 2014) and co-author of The Next American Century: How the U.S. Can Thrive as Other Powers Rise (Simon & Schuster, 2008).
Ambassador Hachigian was a founding Board member of the State Department’s International Security Advisory Board. She was also a founder and co-leader of Women Ambassadors Serving America (WASA), a group of some 200 current and former U.S. Ambassadors. She also co-founded and currently co-chairs the Leadership Council for Women in National Security (LCWINS).
She is an Advisory Board Member of the Pacific Council on International Policy, Foreign Policy for America and National Security Action, and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Hachigian received her B.S. from Yale University, magna cum laude, and her J.D. from Stanford Law School, with distinction. She lives in the great City of Los Angeles with her husband and children.
Dr. Jose Moreno
Anaheim City Council Member & California State University, Long Beach Associate Professor
Dr. Jose Moreno
Anaheim City Council Member & California State University, Long Beach Associate Professor
Dr. Jose F. Moreno was first elected to the Anaheim City Council in November 2016 and re-elected in 2018, representing District 3 in north-central Anaheim. He served as mayor pro tem during 2018. Before joining the Council, Moreno served two terms on the Anaheim City School District Board of Education from 2006 to 2014.
In 2017, Moreno led efforts to adopt a “sunshine ordinance” that has resulted in stronger, more responsive and accountable local government. That same year, he also led efforts for Anaheim to become a welcoming city that embraces the economic and cultural contributions of immigrants and newcomers alike.
Moreno is an associate professor in the Department of Chicano & Latino Studies at California State University, Long Beach, where he focuses on Latino education and policy studies. He received his bachelor’s in social ecology with an emphasis on criminology and human behavior from the University of California, Irvine.
Moreno earned his master’s and doctorate in administration, planning and social policy from Harvard University, where he co-chaired the editorial board of the Harvard Educational Review.
He is president of Los Amigos of Orange County, a community group serving people and communities in need. He previously served on the boards of Orange County Community Housing Corp., which provides housing and education to low-income families, and Orange County Communities for Responsible Development, which works to promote participation in local government.
The youngest son of an immigrant family, Moreno grew up in Oxnard, Calif. He and wife Lorena, a school principal, have lived in Anaheim for over 17 years. They have four daughters who’ve all attended Anaheim public schools—two of them are now students in the UC System
Jaimi Alexander
American online TV personality, model, host and producer
Jaimi Alexander
American online TV personality, model, host and producer
Jaimi Alexander is an American online TV personality, model, host and producer formerly working at AfterBuzzTV (pre Covid).
Jaimi has been hosting for 10 years everything from celebrity interviews, Music video countdowns, red carpets, international tech shows and her own online productions.
Whether Jaimi is moderating, a panelist, or hosting interviews, her energy and insights keep the people engaged!
California Youth Leadership Summit Musical Performances
Jagwar Twin
Rising alternative project
Jagwar Twin
Rising alternative project
Rising alternative project Jagwar Twin has built a passionate and growing fan community around the idea of helping one another find spirit in our shared humanity.
2021 California Youth Leadership Summit Official Theme Song
Leanna Rachel
L.A. Performer
Leanna Rachel
L.A. Performer
Los Angeles native and vagabonding songstress Leanna Rachel weaves together vocals dripping with emotion, acoustic guitar and mbira to create ethereal ballads.
Soulful, classic songwriting steeped in folklore, woven into a dreamlike mood, she elicits both authenticity and mystery, vulnerability and strength.
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2021 California Youth Leadership Summit
For youth by youth
Online panelists included youth (high school and college students) participating from the State of California, as well as from countries where California’s 356 sister cities around the world are located. There were 4 high school and college panels followed by an international forum. There was no charge to attend.
Schedule Details Online Event Schedule
The California Youth Leadership Summit was streamed on February 6, May 14 and November, 2021
Opening & KOTODAMA Presentation
International Panel: Racial & Gender Equity and Education for All
California & international high school & college student 6-member panel. Brought to you by The Akademeia 21st Century
KOTODAMA Presentations and Art Awards
Musical Performance Special Guest: ATARASHII GAKKO!
International Panel: Climate Change & Sustainability and World Peace & Cooperation
California & international high school & college student 6-member panel.
Brought to you by SoCal Gas
Art Awards and Closing
California Youth Leadership Summit World Peace and Cooperation Panelists
UC, Berkeley
Sam Grossman: Berkeley, CA (Click picture for bio)
UC, Berkeley
Sam Grossman: Berkeley, CA (Click picture for bio)
What is your hobby?
I like to play music (and listen) as well as learn new languages and talk with my friends (both international and domestic. I also like the stay active and do new things.
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown?
I really enjoy going to the beach
What is the most interesting location you have ever traveled to and why?
Probably Southern Africa (Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe), since its climate and wildlife were like nothing I had seen before. It was truly exhilarating. Between that and Norway at least. Both are truly incredible places to be.
Where would you most like to travel?
Right now, I would most like to travel to Europe. and discover some countries which I haven't visited yet (maybe in the Southern Eastern Region)
What are you the most passionate about?
This is hard to say, but I am passionate about helping myself and others grow by trying new experiences.
What are you the most curious about?
At the moment I would say that I am most curious to learn about new cultures and how people come to be the ways they are.
What is your dream job?
I haven't really decided what exactly I want to do, but interacting with individuals in an international setting sounds very appealing
Meazi Light-Orr, Chair
2022 California Youth Leadership Summit High School Chair (Crossroads School, Santa Monica)
Meazi Light-Orr, Chair
2022 California Youth Leadership Summit High School Chair (Crossroads School, Santa Monica)
I enjoy a lot of different things but currently, I spend most of my time knitting, crocheting, and learning how to Chinese paint.
There are so many different amazing things in Los Angeles but what never fails to make me happy is the ocean.
I was born in Ethiopia and that by far remains the most interesting place I have been.
Right now I really want to travel to China because I am learning Chinese. I'd like the opportunity to practice and better my speaking skills and there is also such a rich cultural history there that I'd love to see more directly.
I am really passionate about education, both mine and others; my family founded a school in my birth region of Ethiopia and I am currently working to fund an additional two grades for the students there.
What interests me most about the world are the different cultural practices that exist; I am learning about them now through my computer as we're in a pandemic but I hope to be able to tangibly experience them in the future
Though I am not certain, I think that I would like to be an ambassador or a diplomat, I really enjoy Model United Nations and that is exactly the work they do.
Carlmont High School
Ryan Tomita: Redwood City, CA (Click picture for bio)
Carlmont High School
Ryan Tomita: Redwood City, CA (Click picture for bio)
One of my hobbies is building random invention ideas I have.
I enjoy going to Bagel Street Cafe because it holds tons of memories for me and my friends.
The most interesting location I've traveled to was Singapore because I got to try a lot of new foods there and even get a foot fish spa.
I want to travel to the glowing beach of the Maldives.
San Pedro High School
Elizabeth Haik: San Pedro, CA (Click picture for bio)
San Pedro High School
Elizabeth Haik: San Pedro, CA (Click picture for bio)
I love going to this ice cream shop called Michoacana to get milk strawberry paletas.
What is the most interesting location you have ever traveled to and why?
I would say the most interesting location I've traveled to would be Chichen Itza on the yucatan peninsula of Mexico, because seeing those pyramids up in person was incredible; imagining what society must have been like surrounding them
Where would you most like to travel?
I would most likely travel to Mexico; especially Guadalajara as my family is from there
What are you the most passionate about?
I'm very passionate about mathematics, and how I could use it in my daily life.
What are you the most curious about?
I'm most curious about outer space and what lies beyond Earth.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to become an aerospace engineer.
Dublin High School
Kavin Ganesan: Dublin, CA (Click picture for bio)
Dublin High School
Kavin Ganesan: Dublin, CA (Click picture for bio)
My hometown is a small suburb in the East Bay, but it has tons of interesting areas. I live right across the street from a huge golf course which is very beautiful, but rarely actually used for golf.
My main hobby is writing political articles. Recently I just submitted one of my pieces, about Housing Prices and Poverty in California, to the Golden Progressive.
The most interesting place I have visited is Seattle, since it had incredibly good infrastructure in some areas, but crumbling infrastructure in other areas, so it was interesting to measure the differences and see what caused this and the class divisions within the city.
The place I would most want to travel to is the city of Longyearbyen in Svalbard, Norway since it's a genuinely peaceful place which is especially interesting considering the major industries in the area as well as how people survive there.
I am the most passionate about my views on politics and foreign policy.
My dream job is to be a senator for the state of California, as I very much enjoy politics and overall I am interested in how our government functions.
California Youth Leadership Summit Coping with the Pandemic Panelists
Pasadena City College
Lori Nalbandian: Pasadena, CA (Click picture for bio)
Pasadena City College
Lori Nalbandian: Pasadena, CA (Click picture for bio)
What is your hobby?
In my spare time, I love to explore the outdoors by going hiking, camping, and biking.
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown?
I love to walk my dog down every weekend and get a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop, Lavender and Honey.
What is the most interesting location you have ever traveled to and why?
My motherland, Armenia because it was the first international country I have traveled to, and I experienced the incredible country and connected with my ancestral history.
Where would you most like to travel?
One of the countries I would love to travel to is Greece to experience the stunning beaches and local sites.
What are you the most passionate about?
I am passionate about growing my relationship with God every day.
What are you the most curious about?
In such an advanced society, I am curious to know why cures have not been developed for diseases such as AIDS.
What is your dream job?
At some point in my life, I would like to be a wedding dress designer and consultant.
Yorba Linda High School
Tejas Niroola: Yorba Linda, CA (Click picture for bio)
Yorba Linda High School
Tejas Niroola: Yorba Linda, CA (Click picture for bio)
One of my favorite hobbies is listening to music because of the variety of emotional experiences one can undergo.
By far the most captivating place I have been to would be India, because during my experiences there I was able to see the diverse array of cultures, as well as how their geographical location shaped their languages and religions.
I would most like to travel to Switzerland because of its captivating environment and interesting architecture.
I am likely the most passionate about my political beliefs, and it is important for me to always be learning more about certain topics, even if the information goes against my beliefs.
I am most curious about how innovation will continue to occur over the next x years, and its effect on society.
My dream job would be a hedge fund manager because the market specialization and high-stress environment are extremely appealing to me.
Santa Monica High School
Alana Basmajian: Santa Monica, CA (Click picture for bio)
Santa Monica High School
Alana Basmajian: Santa Monica, CA (Click picture for bio)
On one roadtrip to Colorado, my family and I stayed on this mesa that had over 300 hundred lakes (and probably 300 million mosquitoes); nonetheless it was beautiful and had a bunch of great trails.
My dream job is to work for the CIA as an undercover agent overthrowing sex trafficking rings.
Valencia High School
Isabela Sandoval: Valencia, CA (Click picture for bio)
Valencia High School
Isabela Sandoval: Valencia, CA (Click picture for bio)
I am a competitive cheerleader and proud member of three National Championship teams.
The most interesting place that I have traveled to is Washington D.C., because I loved learning about our nation's history.
My favorite place to visit is Disneyland which is technically just down the road from my hometown. I have amazing memories there!
I would love to travel through Europe and walk in the footsteps of history.
I am most passionate about helping others and finding ways to better our community.
I am most curious about cancer research and finding a way to cure the deadly disease.
My dream job Is to be an oncologist, so I can help treat cancer patients.
James Logan High School
Fatima Khawaja: Union City, CA (Click picture for bio)
James Logan High School
Fatima Khawaja: Union City, CA (Click picture for bio)
I'm an avid runner and rower, spending my evenings on the Oakland estuary and my lunch hours on the Coyote Hills trail.
I enjoy spending time at a family-owned houseplant store in Union City less than a mile away from my house– nothing rivals the beauty of nature!
Clearwater Beach in Florida has consistently been my favorite traveled location due to the positive memories associated with it, nonetheless, nothing can beat the beauty of a beach with sand as white as flour and warm waves that are completely transparent.
My family usually travels by car as we like to explore the many scenic spaces around us, that being said, I haven't been out of the country for any traveling expeditions. I would most likely go to the Fiji islands to enjoy isolation and a scenic site.
My passions lie in shifting society's perspective by establishing acceptance through diversity, being open-minded, lifting the less fortunate, and fostering selflessness.
My curiosity lies in how far society can implement ideals such as reducing waste, encouraging diversity, and promoting justice everywhere.
I hope to pursue a job in the field of neuroscience, preferably opening my own research lab!
California Youth Leadership Summit Climate Change & Sustainability Panelists
Santa Monica College
Pearl Koven: Santa Monica, CA (Click picture for bio)
Santa Monica College
Pearl Koven: Santa Monica, CA (Click picture for bio)
My hobbies include gardening, dancing and making candles.
My favorite place to visit in my hometown is Dodger Stadium, in Echo Park.
It's very special to visit a place like Jerusalem, to make an aaliyah, visit the Western Wall in person and to explore the Shuk for fresh teas and spices.
I would love to travel to Japan!
I'm passionate about inspiring others to implement Sustainable practices into their everyday lives.
I'm curious about the long term effects of Covid-19 on the USA's effectiveness in education, addressing climate change, improving the human experience and the economy.
My dream job is to be a congresswoman and to be a founding member of a Co-op.
UC San Diego
Danylo Drohobytsky: San Diego, CA (Click picture for bio)
UC San Diego
Danylo Drohobytsky: San Diego, CA (Click picture for bio)
What is your hobby?
I design and print 3D objects, anything from a joke gift to models of the different lever types.
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown?
My favourite place to visit in my hometown is a bagel shop by the park, I spent a lot of time in that park growing up.
What is the most interesting location you have ever traveled to and why?
A small town called Erli in Liguria, Italy, a remarkable place both for the amazing nature and the science going on, I was lucky to digitally document an archeological dig there.
Where would you most like to travel?
I would like to travel to remote areas in New Zealand or Greenland.
What are you the most passionate about?
Learning about the physical phenomena and mechanisms we encounter every day is very interesting to me.
What are you the most curious about?
I am quite curious about the boundary between internal cognition and societal interaction.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is creating mechanisms with my hands, maybe making clocks.
Fullerton Union High School
Eliza Lynch: Fullerton, CA (Click picture for bio)
Fullerton Union High School
Eliza Lynch: Fullerton, CA (Click picture for bio)
What is your hobby?
I love reading, especially psychological thrillers.
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown?
My favorite place to visit in Fullerton is my grandparents' house, especially if I get to walk there with my dogs.
What is the most interesting location you have ever traveled to and why?
The most interesting place I have been to is Antarctica because I got to spend two weeks among penguins, seals, snow, and ice-blue glaciers.
Where would you most like to travel?
I would love to travel to Madagascar to see the wildlife and get to spend time in its breathtaking environment.
What are you the most passionate about?
I am passionate about traveling and learning about new cultures and environments.
What are you the most curious about?
I am curious about how climate change is impacting refugees across the globe.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to work at a non-profit that is working internationally to better the lives of women and refugees around the world.
West Ranch High School
Grace Sun: Stevenson Ranch, CA (Click picture for bio)
West Ranch High School
Grace Sun: Stevenson Ranch, CA (Click picture for bio)
My hobbies are gymnastics and painting.
My favorite place to visit is Six Flags Magic Mountain where there are huge rollercoasters that anyone who loves thrills and excitement will enjoy.
The most interesting location I have traveled to was Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China because the view of the geological formations were so beautiful.
I would love to travel to New York City or visit countries in Europe
I am most passionate about helping others in need and improving our communities
I am most curious about space and how the universe is constantly expanding.
I’m not really sure what I job I want in the future but I dream of creating change and an impact.
Canyon Crest Academy
Sarah Golts: San Diego, CA
Canyon Crest Academy
Sarah Golts: San Diego, CA
What is your hobby?
I love to crochet, dance, and read in my free time.
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown?
I love visiting local coffee shops to do work, read a good book, and have a nice cup of coffee.
What is the most interesting location you have ever traveled to and why?
The most interesting location I have ever traveled to is The Plaza de España in Seville because of the gorgeous architecture, fascinating history, and incredible cultural significance.
Where would you most like to travel?
I would love to travel through all of Italy.
What are you the most passionate about?
I am most passionate about ensuring equal rights and equal access to education and a safe environment for all.
What are you the most curious about?
I am most curious to figure out the best ways to solve the environmental problems our planet faces.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to be a lawyer working to advocate for environmental rights and regulations.
California Youth Leadership Summit Racial & Gender Equity Panelists
Hampton University
Elise Tervalon: Pasadena, CA (Click picture for bio)
Hampton University
Elise Tervalon: Pasadena, CA (Click picture for bio)
What is your hobby?
I love to sing/songwrite, write poetry, and also I love to read! What are you the most passionate about? I am most passionate about the liberation and freedom of black women and black femmes.
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown?
I love to go to The Arroyo! It's a beautiful hiking trail and I have been going there ever since I was a little kid.
What is the most interesting location you have ever traveled to and why?
The Bahamas, it was my first and only time out of the country and I really enjoyed the culture, the people and the food.
Where would you most like to travel?
I would love to go to West Africa! And trace back my ancestral roots
What are you the most curious about?
I am curious about the world and the people in it, I always wonder about what's going on, inside people's heads.
What is your dream job?
I am not sure exactly of what my dream job is, but it would definitely entail me helping people in some way and traveling.
La Cañada High School
Joyce Kim: La Cañada Flintridge, CA (Click picture for bio)
La Cañada High School
Joyce Kim: La Cañada Flintridge, CA (Click picture for bio)
I like to read -- nowadays I'm getting into Asian literature and poetry -- and go hiking with my dog.
I love to go to Descanso Gardens, which is a botanical garden in La Canada, because it's always really quiet and nice to explore.
The most interesting location I've ever traveled to is the countryside in Japan.
I would love to travel to Germany and try conversing with locals there.
I'm passionate about words and language, specifically used in storytelling, and the different social issues they connect to, such as women's rights, socioeconomic equity, and racial justice.
I'm most curious about the workings of different cultures and how people can live completely separate lives yet share the same foundational experiences.
My dream job would be a public defense lawyer by day and a novelist or screenwriter by night (but this is always subject to change).
James Logan High School
Sripradha Manikantan: San Jose, CA (Click picture for bio)
James Logan High School
Sripradha Manikantan: San Jose, CA (Click picture for bio)
What is your hobby?
Singing Indian classical music and playing an Indian string instrument called Veena are my hobbies that empower my mental strength.
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown?
I love to hike to Eagle rock park to get the birds-eye view of San Jose.
What is the most interesting location you have ever traveled to and why?
I found Alaska to be the most interesting place I’ve ever been because I saw sunlight even at midnight.
Where would you most like to travel?
I would like to travel to rural areas of India to gain insight into the barriers of underrepresented women.
What are you the most passionate about?
I am most passionate about participating in Debate tournaments that help me analyze the socioeconomic problems happening around us.
What are you the most curious about?
I am most curious about the inequalities in the society.
What is your dream job?
I would like to become a lawyer to fight for women empowerment.
Eagle Rock High School
Tomiko Younge: Los Angeles, CA (Click picture for bio)
Eagle Rock High School
Tomiko Younge: Los Angeles, CA (Click picture for bio)
What is your hobby?
I have been dancing since the age of 6. Dance has made me more self loving and confident.
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown?
My favorite place to visit in Los Angeles is The Staples Center, where I have been inspired by countless performances and concerts.
What is the most interesting location you have ever traveled to and why?
The most interesting location I have traveled to is New York City because the people walked with intention, drive and purpose.
Where would you most like to travel?
I would love to travel to Tokyo for the fashion and amazing food.
What are you the most passionate about?
I am most passionate about helping my community and uplifting others.
What are you the most curious about?
I am most curious about social issues and dismantling systems of oppression.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to be a business woman and social activist.
Santa Monica High School
Victoria Jonsson: Santa Monica, CA (Click picture for bio)
Santa Monica High School
Victoria Jonsson: Santa Monica, CA (Click picture for bio)
What is your hobby?
I am a competitive saber fencer and am proud of my training with Won Woo-young, a national South Korean fencing team coach.
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown?
I love going to this small restaurant called Wexler’s Deli because they have the best bagels and authentic matzo ball soup.
What is the most interesting location you have ever traveled to and why?
The most interesting place I have ever traveled to is Bulgaria because I was able to explore and experience my culture and its history first-hand.
Where would you most like to travel?
I would like to travel to Shanghai because it would be a fantastic opportunity to explore the culture and practice my Mandarin with locals.
What are you the most passionate about?
I am most passionate about helping others through teaching and volunteering with local organizations.
What are you the most curious about?
I am most curious about medical research and how computer science can be used to develop treatments.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to be a computer programmer and develop software that helps people globally.
California Youth Leadership Summit International Forum
China
Zhiyao Ma: University of Chicago/UC Santa Barbara, Goleta, CA (Click picture for bio)
China
Zhiyao Ma: University of Chicago/UC Santa Barbara, Goleta, CA (Click picture for bio)
What is your hobby?
Playing basketball, karting, and learning history of the world and China are three things that I would like to devote myself to.
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown?
Thousand-Spring Pavilion on Jingshan Mountain is my favorite place in my homedown, Beijing, where I can appreciate the general view of the Forbidden City on the south and see the central business district with millions of neon-light dots.
What is the most interesting location you have ever traveled to and why?
I would say Hong Kong in China is the most interesting location I have ever been to since it is the best representative mix-point of western and eastern city cultures and its diversity and inclusiveness is incomparable.
Where would you most like to travel?
Florence in Italy is so attractive to me in terms of its history, culture, and building structure.
What are you the most passionate about?
I am passionate about making friends with silimar values, embracing various persons with distinct values, and promoting the idea of social obligation to people who enjoy privileged resources.
What are you the most curious about?
I am super curious about finding the way to deal with the cycle of history and inquality and make peace longer and sustainable through our tiny efforts.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is either to be an economics professor at a leading university or to be a social entrepreneur who makes money from the rich and helps the poor.
Canada
Declan Sander: Catholic Central High School, Lethbridge, Alberta (Click picture for bio)
Canada
Declan Sander: Catholic Central High School, Lethbridge, Alberta (Click picture for bio)
What is your hobby?
I love to play chess and read philosophy.
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown?
We have a beautiful landscape of coulees which are full of wildlife, so walking around the coulees in Lethbridge is quite fun.
What is the most interesting location you have ever traveled to and why?
About two years ago I was awarded an award by the Vimy Foundation where I was able to travel to France and Belgium on a fully funded pilgrimage; this was an amazing opportunity for me to learn about Canada’s contribution in the First World War.
Where would you most like to travel?
I would really like to travel to Kenya as my family immigrated from there and I believe there is a lot of family history that resides in that country.
What are you the most passionate about?
I am very passionate about self exploration as my identity has been challenged in the past and I feel it is important to learn about myself and my family's history.
What are you the most curious about?
I am most curious about myself and my family's history.
What is your dream job?
I still do not know what I would like to do, however I am considering becoming a child advocacy lawyer.
Australia
Gurmehak Mann: Monash University, Highett, Victoria (Click picture for bio)
Australia
Gurmehak Mann: Monash University, Highett, Victoria (Click picture for bio)
Indonesia
Moh. Rifli Mubarak: Universitas Hasanuddin, Palu, Sulawesi (Click picture for bio)
Indonesia
Moh. Rifli Mubarak: Universitas Hasanuddin, Palu, Sulawesi (Click picture for bio)
What is your hobby?
My hobby is buttressing my visions, missions, and ambitions to participate in numerous competitions and conferences.
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown?
The place that I always cherish for filling my stomach is Kaledo Stereo which is a traditional food restaurant in my hometown and well-known with its delicious soup.
What is the most interesting location you have ever traveled to and why?
The most fascinating memories that I always reminisce about was Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo because it made my childhood dreams come true.
Where would you most like to travel?
In my deepest heart, I really want to travel to New York and staring at its city lights at night.
What are you the most passionate about?
Things that I am most passionate about and always want to outgrow my interest toward are public policy, research, and business development.
What are you the most curious about?
I am the type of individual who is extremely curious about my first career in the future.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is being a Public Policy Analyst in the World Bank.
Indonesia
Julia Mutiara Soka: University of Indonesia, Nganjuk, East Java (Click picture for bio)
Indonesia
Julia Mutiara Soka: University of Indonesia, Nganjuk, East Java (Click picture for bio)
What is your hobby?
Writing content related to mental health, teaching my sister, and learning something new (related to creative writing, business, and education)
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown?
Nganjuk is a small town located in east Java Indonesia. The regional library (perpusda) is a public library that I frequently visit. But, unfortunately, due to the pandemic, this library was closed.
What is the most interesting location you have ever traveled to and why?
National Monument Jakarta. It has the beautiful history from the founding father of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno.
Where would you most like to travel?
Dubai
What are you the most passionate about?
Education and SDGs
What are you the most curious about?
Education policy, educational psychology
What is your dream job?
Educational Consultant in the Education Global Practice of the World Bank
Argentina
Valentin Sanchez: University of Buenos Aires, Vicente Lopez, Buenos Aires (Click picture for bio)
Argentina
Valentin Sanchez: University of Buenos Aires, Vicente Lopez, Buenos Aires (Click picture for bio)
India
Dyal Garcha: Pinegrove School Subathu, Solan (Click picture for bio)
India
Dyal Garcha: Pinegrove School Subathu, Solan (Click picture for bio)
Belonging to a village in Punjab, sustainability is one of the first things I was taught. Respect nature and it will in return take care of you, so climate change and sustainability are issues very close to my heart as I belong to a family that has farmed for generations on end and it is people like me who are set to lose everything we have known, if climate change isn’t dealt with the urgency that is required. I graduated with a major in economics and plan to pursue law now. My life’s goal is to become a judge, so that I can have a meaningful impact on both society and policy.
Japan
Toshiki Nozawa: Keio University, Ota-ku, Tokyo (Click picture for bio)
Japan
Toshiki Nozawa: Keio University, Ota-ku, Tokyo (Click picture for bio)
What is your hobby?
My hobby is to read books that were written by successful people in any kind of fields
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown?
I love to go to a Chinese restaurant that is 10 minutes away from my house.
What is the most interesting location you have ever traveled to and why?
Last year, I traveled to a small town called Kuruman in South Africa to teach Mathematics to the local students.
Where would you most like to travel?
Hong Kong, as I love watching Jackie Chan movies.
What are you the most passionate about?
I am especially passionate about learning new theories in business and economics.
What are you the most curious about?
I am very curious about how theories in Business and Economics could be used to solve issues the world in facing right now.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to be an international businessman.
California Youth Leadership Summit Event Organizers
Steven Trinh, Founding College Chair
2021 California Youth Leadership Summit College Chair (Stanford University)
Steven Trinh, Founding College Chair
2021 California Youth Leadership Summit College Chair (Stanford University)
Steven Trinh is a Sister Cities International Southern California Chapter Young Professional and the California Youth Leadership Summit College Chair. Steven is a junior at Stanford University studying Product Design. He strives to use his skills and knowledge in design engineering to develop impactful solutions for problems that hurt lower socio-economic communities. Outside of school, Steven’s interests include basketball, hip hop, fashion, and sneakers.
Steven’s involvement in Sister Cities began in the summer of 2016, when he served as a student ambassador to the Anaheim-Mito sister city exchange program. In the following summers, he has hosted Japanese students in this same program, where he has developed many meaningful relationships that last to this day.
Maya Al-Jamie, Founding HS Chair
2021 California Youth Leadership Summit High School Chair (Orange Lutheran High School)
Maya Al-Jamie, Founding HS Chair
2021 California Youth Leadership Summit High School Chair (Orange Lutheran High School)
Maya Al-Jamie is a Sister Cities International Southern California Chapter Youth Ambassador and the California Youth Leadership Summit High School Chair. Through her involvement as a SoCal Sister Cities Youth Ambassador and a volunteer helping to host students from overseas as well as guide students from California on a tour of Tokyo, Maya was inspired to volunteer for the California Youth Leadership Summit.
Maya is currently a junior at Orange Lutheran High School. Prior to the pandemic, she played on the Villa Park High School water polo and swim team as well as participated on the mock trial team as an expert witness. Currently, she is the President of the Orange County, California Chapter of High School Democrats of America and the Vice President of the Orange/Anaheim Chapter of Dear Asian Youth. Her plans for the future are to study neuroscience and women’s studies on a pre-med track. After college, she plans on attending medical school to become an OB-GYN and help give women of color and lower socioeconomic status access to better quality health care.
Sarah Franks
California Youth Leadership Summit Media Chair (California State University, Long Beach)
Sarah Franks
California Youth Leadership Summit Media Chair (California State University, Long Beach)
Michael Avila
California Youth Leadership Summit Outreach Chair (California State University, San Bernardino)
Michael Avila
California Youth Leadership Summit Outreach Chair (California State University, San Bernardino)
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