Quick links: TeamHBV San Jose | Stanford Asian Liver Center | First Tee | Stanford Youth Action Board
Founder/President
TeamHBV San Jose
November 2022 – Present (3 yrs)
Website | Instagram
A few years ago, my grandfather passed away from hepatitis B and liver cancer, due to a late diagnosis, cultural stigma, and the lack of hepatitis B vaccination when he was younger. When I shared this disease with some of my peers, I was struck by how few people even knew about this disease, let alone had a vaccine for it.
That moment stayed with me. The following summer, I attended the Stanford Asian Liver Center’s Youth Leadership Conference, where I deepened my understanding of HBV and its disproportionate impact on the Asian American community. Motivated by what I learned, I set out to launch a chapter to raise awareness among students at my school.
When I encountered roadblocks due to affiliation policies, I didn’t give up. Instead, I pitched a new idea directly to the Stanford Asian Liver Center: an independent chapter that would extend outreach beyond school walls. With a flexible, community-centered vision, I earned their support and founded TeamHBV San Jose.
Two years later, we’ve grown into a team of 20 active members. Through outreach events and fundraisers, we’ve spoken directly with over 500 people about HBV prevention. Our fundraising efforts—from donut sales to Panda Express partnerships—have raised over $1,000, all donated to the Stanford Asian Liver Center in support of their education and volunteer programs. On social media, we’ve reached hundreds more, helping to initiate awareness in the digital universe – where youth generally reside.
In 2024, our chapter’s work was recognized by multiple city mayors and councils across Northern California. We were honored with official proclamations naming May 19–26 “Hepatitis B Awareness Week,” aligning with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This recognition has opened doors to even more outreach, allowing us to connect with high-risk communities and amplify our impact.
March 2023 – Community Outreach at the public library. Spoke with over 150 people.
May 2024 and 2025 – In recognition of the team’s effort, we have received special proclamations from a total of 10 city mayors around the San Francisco Bay Area, observing a week in May as “Hepatitis B Awareness Week” in those cities.
2025 Youth Ambassador & Outreach Coordinator
Stanford Asian Liver Center
October 2022 – Present (3 years)
My journey with the Stanford Asian Liver Center began shortly after I attended its Youth Leadership Conference the summer before 9th grade. The insightful lectures and thoughtful discussions sparked a deeper interest in hepatitis B (HBV) and liver cancer prevention—so much so that I volunteered with the center soon after, with a strong focus on outreach.
One of my earliest and most meaningful experiences was volunteering at the San Francisco Lunar New Year Street Fair. There, I spoke with over 250 community members about HBV testing and vaccination. I’m especially proud to have connected with many elderly residents in Chinatown by speaking in my native language, Cantonese—ensuring important health information reached those who needed it most.
In 2024, I led one of my favorite initiatives: an advertising campaign proposal to boost HBV awareness through San Francisco’s public transportation system. I identified high-traffic bus routes that passed through neighborhoods with large Asian populations—reaching an estimated 81,000 people, or 9.4% of the city. I designed campaign slogans and visual concepts, then presented a plan to city stakeholders outlining the potential impact. It was a rewarding experience that deepened my connection to public health advocacy in a very real-world setting.
Beyond outreach, I helped to organize and distribute medical protocol materials to local healthcare facilities and contributed to communications within the student-led TeamHBV network. As part of the newsletter committee, I also wrote articles to maintain connections between dwindling high school chapters and keep our shared mission at the forefront.
May 2025 – Delivering a speech at the Cupertino City Council meeting and receiving the proclamation of Hepatitis B Awareness Week in May from the mayor.
February 2023 – Raising awareness about the prevention of Hepatitis B at the street fair in San Francisco Chinatown.
Volunteer Golf Coach
First Tee, Silicon Valley
November 2022 – Present (2 yrs 11 mos)
Contributed 480+ volunteer hours
Throughout high school, I’ve always looked forward to weekend volunteer sessions at the First Tee. It’s been a way to take a break from academics, reconnect with a sport I love, and give back to the place where I first picked up a golf club: right here at the First Tee Silicon Valley.
As a volunteer coach and mentor, I lead lessons for junior golfers between the ages of 7 and 12. My goal is to spark their interest in golf while helping them build the lifelong skills the game fosters: resilience, discipline, and personal growth. Whether running learning stations or guiding them on the course, I aim to lead by example—emphasizing core values like respect, confidence, sportsmanship, integrity, and goal-setting.
Over the past two years, I’ve worked with more than 200 young golfers, including many from marginalized communities. These experiences have helped me better understand the unique challenges children face, and they’ve strengthened my commitment to creating an environment that’s inclusive, supportive, and accessible to all.
I plan to continue volunteering at First Tee beyond high school. Watching the next generation grow both on and off the course is something I’ll always find meaningful.
August 2024 – Represented the Silicon Valley chapter at the Regional Cup Tournament.
November 2022 – At my very first day of service at the First Tee.
Policy Intern
Stanford REACH (Research & Education to Empower Adolescents and Young Adults to Choose Health) Lab Youth Action Board
June 2023 – Present (2 yrs 4 mos)
In 2023, I began exploring public health through the lens of pediatric care. Since then, I’ve become a second-year member of the Stanford REACH Youth Action Board, part of the Division of Adolescent Medicine. Our team—made up of high school and college students from across the country—is committed to shifting the culture around youth substance use, promoting health empowerment, and driving policy change. Working alongside peers who share my passion has been deeply motivating and insightful, thanks to the exchange of ideas and collaborative action.
In 2025, I partnered with the Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL) to launch a series of school presentations focused on the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use. These events, held at middle schools across the Bay Area, aim to encourage students to take charge of their health. To really hammer home the message, I donated sports equipment to more than 100 students using the honorary stipend from my internship in hopes of promoting activity, wellness, and positive habits.
I’ve also taken part in youth-led advocacy events, including the Peer Advocate Advisory Council (PAAC) Resource Fair, National Take Down Tobacco Day, and the Youth Action Board Forum Theater. These experiences have reminded me that meaningful change often starts small. If one student walks away with a new perspective, the effort is worth it. Through this work, I’ve come to see civic engagement as a powerful tool for shaping public health and building a healthier future.
March 2025 – At one of the speaking sessions at a local Middle School, and spoke to students about the dangers of nicotine.
July 2025 – My adult ally and I were at a summer camp and we presented to a classroom full of middle students about the dangers of nicotine and substance usage.