Our
Mission

Southern California Youth Engagement Association (SoCalYEA) was founded to inspire youth leadership, civic engagement, and community service. As our organization grew, we expanded our programs to support older adults and create meaningful intergenerational connections. To better reflect this broader mission, we adopted the DBA Southern California Youth Elevating Aging. Today, SoCalYEA brings together youth, older adults, families, community organizations, and public agencies to strengthen communities through leadership development, volunteerism, civic participation, healthy aging, and lifelong learning.

Meet Our Team

Today’s youth will lead our future so we aim to provide them the opportunity to be leaders. Join SoCalYEA to start getting involved in shaping the world one step at a time.

“First you must learn to pull an oar, only then can you take the helm.”

– Lucius Cornelius Sulla

MAIN OFFICERS

Justin
Zhao

President

Karduz
Nguyen

Secretary

Anthony
Chen

Treasurer

Athena
Yang

Co-President

Ethan
Liang

co-President

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Kristy
Chen

Executive Director

Dean
Perez

Youth Director

Sakura
Nagai

Youth Director

Annabel
Reiher

Youth Director

Esther
Hsiao

Director

Mike
Chen

Director

Sharon
Chang

Director

Jennifer
Chou

Director

Tony
Wang

Policy Advisor

Scotty
Hong

Senior Consultant

John
Chung

Program Advisor

Gi
Shin

Project Coordinator

Seiko (Fei)
Takizawa

Mental Health
Counselor