2022 Summer Interns
- Henry YuanHerny Yuan, a high school graduate, has actively worked at various OCA-WHV events through his Jr./Sr. high school years. He managed OCA-WHV 2021 summer debate program. He joined and invited his friends to join the 2022 summer intern team, he learns and participates in both Summer Reading and Podcasts programs. Henry stands up agains racism, model minority prototype,. He would like to have more AAPI youth to work together, to make our voice louder and make the team stronger.Sean WangSean is a high school graduate. He is interested in promoting AAPI in verious ways, especially by podcasting. He has many meaning ful thoughts to share with others and would like to continue raising AAPI awarness in college.
- Sophie XieSophie is a rising freshman at Edgemont Jr/Sr High School. She has worked to raise awareness of the AAPI community through the 2022 OCA Summer Reading Program and the 2022 AAPI Youth Podcast. As a counselor in the Reading Program, she has read and interacted with kids, promoting diversity and inclusivity for the AAPI community. Sophie joined OCA’s internship program to advocate equality for the AAPI, and hopes to contribute to the community.Max WangMax Wang is a rising freshman in Edgemont Junior/Senior High School -He participated in the 2022 internship for the Westchester chapter podcast -His experience along with his experiences being raised as an Asian American person peaked his interests in topics involving issues with the AAPI community -Through his involvement with OCA he hopes to learn from others around him and influence the community for the better
2021 Summer Interns
- Elena LimElena is a rising senior at Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut. Having lived in a town with a small Asian population, she has grown to become more passionate in AAPI representation. Elena joined the 2021 Summer Internship program to help the mission of OCA and raise the voice of the local AAPI community. As the web team leader, she helped delegate assignments and focused on web design, ultimately creating a more attractive website for the public. She hopes to contribute to the advocacy of AAPI equality and representation.Ava HermanAva Herman, a rising high school freshman, has worked to empower the local AAPI community in Westchester during the rise of anti-Asian hate during COVID-19. She now co-manages the social media platforms for OCA Reading Program with a fellow intern and provides part-time support in classrooms teaching diversity and inclusion. As an American of Filipina descent, Ava strives to end the normalization of racism and make a positive change in the world.
- Nadia QuekEmma ZhuNadia Quek is a rising junior at Scarsdale high School, who is passionate about raising awareness of local issues in school and within the AAPI community. At school, she was assigned to lead social media accounts for the Asian Conscientization and Empowerment (ACE) club. In her spare time, she manages an online business called Lucidity Shops with a friend, where 50% profits are donated to UNICEF Yemen. She joined OCA’s internship program to promote the work of diversity and inclusion in Westchester County and hopes to continue working for OCA in this capacity as an educator and social media manager. Nadia aspires to work in the field of marketing and advertising and to continue spreading the message of racial equity and justice.Emma, a senior at Horace Greeley H.S., founded the school’s first AAPI club her junior year. While creating a space for AAPI classmates to speak about AAPI issues, she met with the town board and a member of the Westchester chapter of OCA, Bob Chao. At the OCA, Emma now develops the arts & crafts curriculum, leads book readings and teaches American children of Asian descent to grow up proud of their diverse heritage. She is spearheading other project ideas within the OCA Diversity & Inclusion Program, including a teen-led podcast on Asian American experiences. She is undecided for long term goals but is interested in working in the field of politics or business.
- Linus RingstadLinus Ringstad is a rising senior at Rye Neck High School in Mamaroneck, New York. Through his work on several political campaigns, he became aware of OCA and its aims. After the recent spike in hate crimes against members of the AAPI community, he decided to get involved. Currently, he interns for OCA with the web team and at the food pantry.Richa ChaudharyRicha Chaudhary is a high school junior in Westchester County, New York. Upset by the increase in anti-Asian sentiment across the United States, especially since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Richa joined the OCA as a summer intern to work as an educator of diversity and inclusion in the kids reading program. In addition to reading books, Richa developed and led fun animal-themed interactive yoga classes for children to practice good mental health. Richa enjoys working with kids and plans to pursue a career in the medical field as a pediatrician.