As part of Act To Change’s Youth Ambassador Program, Asian American youth design their own initiatives, known as Impact Projects, that increase AAPI representation in their communities and beyond. These Impact Projects are purpose-driven strategies to tackle anti-AAPI hate, mental health stigma, and cultural invisibility. Each student uses their personal identity and shapes their project to serve peers, schools, and neighborhoods. The Youth Ambassadors work on their Impact Projects for months with support from Act To Change mentors, staff, and peers to research, budget, implement, and finally showcase their work.
Megan Sugiyama, a 10th grader from California, created a Hawaiian lei-making activity for elementary students and above called Leis with A Legacy. She included a brochure including key information about the history of leis, representing her roots to a community unfamiliar with her culture.
“I’ve noticed Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culturism, often simplified, mostly seen as just a vacation destination,” said Megan. “What makes Hawaii’s culture so special is its strong connection to the family, community, and the land with traditions that honor the Aloha Spirit, like making and giving leis. That’s why I chose lei making as my impact project. It deeply connected to my Hawaiian culture.”
Cindy Le, an 11th grader from California, developed a mental health advocacy project, combining an interactive website and in-person mural installation for students called i didn’t ASK. Participants anonymously responded to the prompt, “I didn’t ask for help because….” This eventually culminated into a mural with tiles depicting different student stories, and is now displayed in her school’s student services office permanently.
“My biggest takeaway definitely is that silence doesn’t necessarily mean people are okay, and then sometimes it means that they’re waiting for someone else to speak up first. I don’t really feel like that part is very prevalent in the AANPI community”, said Cindy. “Creating spaces where people feel comfortable enough to do that can be especially comforting and powerful.” Learn more about Cindy’s impact by visiting her website i didn’t ASK Movement
Akshan Ranasinghe, an 11th grader from Maryland, created AAPI Mirror, an inclusive, two-day civics and history lesson plan facilitating discussion around Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voices in history. The program used historical inquiry and interactive tools to help students connect past AAPI contributions to present-day social realities.
After displaying his lesson in the classroom, Akshan asked the students on a one to five scale, how likely you would be to stand up for Asian American peers after viewing this lesson. “The average answer was around a four, so people were very likely to stand up for Asian American peers after hearing a story of Asian Americans struggle and success”, said Akshan. Check out Akshan’s lesson plan and impact by visiting https://aapimirror.org/
Navya Rachakonda, an 11th grader from Maryland, designed videos broadcasted at her school to highlight the importance of Asian American athletes. She hosted a large discussion about the hidden pressure she faced as an Asian American athlete.
“I truly felt that my problem was too niche of a problem. Like, not enough people go through it. But when I got to that event, and when I started talking, I realized so many other people think the way I do and go through the same things that I do,” said Navya. “It was just really nice, knowing that I have that community, and I have people like me who know exactly what I’m thinking and know exactly what struggles I’m going through.”
From increasing mental health visibility to spreading Asian American traditions and stories, these efforts create spaces of belonging and inclusion across the country. All nineteen of our Youth Ambassadors will be presenting their work at Act To Change’s 2026 Together, Forward: Youth Summit on July 18th at Rideback Ranch in Los Angeles, CA. Thank you to our Youth Ambassadors for their hard work this year, along with the staff, mentors, and peers who supported their initiatives along the way!
Explore all nineteen of our 2026 Youth Ambassadors’ Impact Projects here.
Written by Gracy Kaur (2026 SALDEF Junior Programs Intern)
