Asian America Youth Alliance
About Us
AAYA was founded on three core beliefs:
First, we believe that there are very few spaces today for Asian American youth to thoughtfully explore their cultural identities. Neither traditional U.S. schooling nor cultural heritage programs adequately address the intersection of Asian and American identity. We founded AAYA specifically to bridge this gap.
Second, we believe that with the right guidance, students can and should be exploring nuanced questions around identity at an earlier age. Research links identity exploration to stronger relationships and greater community involvement, yet structured opportunities to do so often only appear in college and beyond.
Third, we believe that leadership begins with a strong understanding of both self and community. Effective Asian American leadership requires personal reflection and knowledge of the histories and experiences that shape and reshape our communities. Through ELS, we aim to prepare the next generation of leaders with the clarity, purpose, and preparation to lead and build the future of Asian America.
Our Roots
AAYA began as a passion project growing out of our team’s work at the Immigrant History Initiative.
We’re deeply grateful to Julia, Kathy, Sulynn and the entire team at the Immigrant History Initiative, whose early investment in us—as learners, educators, and community members—helped lay the groundwork for this project
Student Advisory Board
Melinda Huang is an incoming freshman at Princeton from New Jersey.
Abigail Xiao is a rising high school senior from New Albany, Ohio.
Our Student Advisory Board members are student alumni from earlier identity development programs led by our team. They provide critical feedback on program design and help ensure that student perspectives continue to shape AAYA’s strategic direction.
