Growing up in an immigrant household, Lucia felt she needed to hide her culture to "fit in" with her classmates. Today, she takes pride in her background and sees her circumstances as integral in shaping who she is. She hopes to make immigrants feel connected to a community of people with shared experiences and remind them that they’re not alone in their journey.

Lucia is a senior in high school.

Sandra is the daughter of two immigrant parents from rural towns in Malaysia. As a child she has been through uncomfortable circumstances that have hindered her ability to embrace her identity. Understanding the struggles of what it means to be considered "foreign," she wants to help other immigrants feel empowered by their backgrounds and stories, not silenced.

Sandra is a senior in high school.

As an immigrant from China, Shirley faced numerous challenges trying to learn American culture at the age of nine. She often found herself in cross-cultural misunderstandings due to a lack of common experiences. Learning to appreciate and take pride in her identity, Shirley wants to empower other immigrants to go feel comfortable and embrace their differences.

Shirley is a senior in high school.

Immigrating into the US at the age of three, Lou-Ann had to relearn cultural patterns along with the norms of being a foreigner in a new country. Growing up half Thai and French, she tried her best to maintain her original roots. She continued to practice the original pride she held for her origins, at the expense of receiving a couple distasteful remarks along the way. Now she believes that no immigrant should be confined into a certain category, and we all should celebrate our differences.

Lou-Ann is a senior in high school.

Diana is a first-gen immigrant from a small town in Ukraine. Since leaving her hometown, she has lived in NYC for 7 years. At first, she tried her best to fit into American culture, but overtime she learned to embrace her own cultural identity. Diana hopes to help other immigrants feel comfortable and share their culture with others.

Diana is a senior in high school.

Maria is the daughter of two immigrant parents from Russia. Growing up in a predominantly Russian neighborhood and living with her grandparents, Maria has always felt connected with her culture. She hopes that every immigrant has the opportunity to find a community where they feel welcomed and safe.

Maria is a senior in high school.

Laura is the daughter of immigrant parents from China and the Philippines. Growing up in a city of diversity, she has struggled with maintaining her identity at school and at home. She hopes to encourage other immigrants and their families to have confidence in their own backgrounds and wishes for more opportunities to help the immigrant community.

Laura is a senior in high school.