meet the team

Irisa Huang is a current 12th grade student passionate about spreading awareness about Ukrainian refugees and the devastating conditions in conflict zones. She was inspired by her Ukrainian student who experienced the war to create this organization in July of 2023. It has been over a year since she founded Irys, and she is so grateful for her amazing team and all the support. In her free time, Irisa is enjoys drawing, listening to music, and watching C-dramas. 

Samantha Jacobs is a current 12th grade student that is passionate about assisting Ukrainian refugees, a cause that resonates deeply with her own heritage and personal history. Born to a mother who experienced life within Ukraine in the former USSR, Samantha’s roots have instilled within her a profound empathy and connection to the struggles faced by those fleeing conflict and seeking safety. In her free time, she enjoys a good read, hanging out with friends, and playing tennis!

Anusha is a current 12th grade student who looks forward to create books to help teach children about STEM concepts and spread awareness regarding such topics. In her free time, she enjoys baking, hiking, listening to Lana Del Rey, and reading romcom books.

Jasmine Hou is a current 12th grade student who's interested in global affairs and international problems, participating actively in Model United Nations. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, and traveling.

Benjamin Shih is a current 12th grade student passionate in educational advocacy, focusing mainly in equitable access to education in speech, debate, and in STEM. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies with family, hanging out with friends, and going to the beach. 

Qianzi Loo is a current 12th grade student with a profound interest for law, advocacy, journalism, and business, hoping to use leverage different mediums to spread the the unique voices of local communities. When she's not typing up an unfinished article, she enjoys tuning in to her never-ending Spotify playlists and taking photos with her Nikon camera.

Aarushi Ghildyal is a current 12th grade student with profound interests in business and marketing. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family, watching movies, and trying new restaurants!