MEET THE FOUNDERS

The Creators of 626 Speak Out

JOANNA NGO

Founder, Co President

Hi! My name is Joanna Ngo and I serve as the co-president of 626 Speak Out. I took the initiative to start this club with a few of my friends because I am very passionate about educating/informing our youth about racial inequality and social justice issues. I am 16 years old and currently a sophomore in high school. I am a proud resident of the 626 community. My hobbies include dance, watching Netflix, and eating. A little about myself is that I love dogs and enjoy the outdoors.

ALINA WONG

Founder, Co President

Hey! I’m Alina Wong (she/her), co-president of 626 speak out, born and raised in the 626. I’m a 16- year-old sophomore student, who enjoys drawing, painting, skiing, surfing, and traveling. Fun Facts about me are that I hate peanut butter and love plumerias. I co-founded this club to create a local community initiative to tackle social and political injustice issues and take a stand against oppression.

KEANNA LUU

Founder, Vice President

Hi, my name is Keanna Luu (she/her) and I am the vice president of 626 Speak Out. I am a 16- year-old sophomore student in high school and a resident of the 626 community. Some of my hobbies include drawing, journaling, and shopping. A few fun facts about me are that I am on my school’s track and cross country team and that my all-time favorite show is “Gravity Falls.” I co-founded this club because I realized that so many people of our generation are passionate about social justice issues but have little to no inclusive and safe environment to spread their message.

BAILEY NGUYEN

Founder, MKHS Representative

Hi! My name is Bailey Nguyen (she/her) and I am the co-founder and Mark Keppel Representative of 626 Speak Out. I am a 16 year old junior in high school, and a 626 resident. In school, I am the co-captain of the Mark Keppel Cheerleading team and I am a new member of clubs such as MKHS World Vision, and MKHS Globe Club. My hobbies include napping, making posters, and obsessing over christmas.Two fun facts about me are that my all time favorite snack is spicy puffcorns and my favorite dog is a pitbull. I co-founded this club because I am highly passionate in making a change within. societal standards and achieving equality in this world.

OUR CURRENT LEADERS

Meet Our Team Leaders!

2020-2021

KAREN SHI

Art & Graphics Team Leader
Web Designer

My name is Karen Shi (pronouns she/her) and I’m the Art and Graphic Design Team leader. My team and I are responsible for creating all visual aspects of 626 Speak Out, including maintaining the Instagram feed and customizing graphics for all posts. I’m currently 16 years old and a junior at Mark Keppel High School. In school, I am the junior class president, a competitor in Academic Decathlon, and VP of United Sciences. My hobbies include making Pinterest boards and spending quality time with my friends. I joined 626 Speak Out to become more positively involved with my community whilst guiding others to as well.

GABRIEL FRANK-MCPHETER

Writing Team Leader

Hi! My name is Gabriel Frank-McPheter (he/they), and I’m a writing team leader! I delegate writing and research assignments to team members and contribute myself to brainstorming and writing. I’m a senior at Gabrielino High School, where I’m a captain of the Speech and Debate and Mock Trial teams. I also play the viola in my high school’s orchestra and play piano recreationally. I love classical music, politics, and above all else speaking out for what I believe in. It’s that latter interest that brought me to 626 Speak Out, where I hope to positively impact and educate our community.

ZACH OLIVIA

Editing Team Leader

Hi! My name is Zach Oliva (he/him) and I have the honor of serving as the Editing Team Leader! I help to edit any publications that 626SpeakOut makes! I’m a senior at St. Francis High School, where I serve as the President of Model UN, Junior State of America, and Editor-In-Chief of the Literary Magazine. Outside of school, I’m a Legislative Intern for an LA City Councilman, the Executive Director of DEI in SoCal JSA, and a JEAO Hub Coordinator for Sunrise LA Youth. I love indie music, cats, activism, international politics, and reading! I joined 626SpeakOut to make an impact on my community, and to tailor my activism work to have an impact at a local level :)

JAYDEN CHOW

Outreach/Membership Team Co-Leader

Hi! My name is Jayden (he/him) and as one of the Outreach/Membership team leaders, I am in charge of making sure we reach new people, gain new members, and contact third party clubs and organizations.

I am currently a sophomore at San Gabriel High School in the 626 and am a part of SG Choreo Dance Team, SG volleyball, and I am also the HI captain of Speech and Debate! I love doing art and speaking publicly, but most importantly I am very passionate about environmental issues and racial discrimination.

BOARD MEMBERS

Meet the board of 626 Speak Out!

CALLIE THAI

Secretary

Hi! I am a high school student and resident in the 626 area. My main role in 626 Speak Out is to take notes during meetings and record hours from events.

Some of my hobbies include basketball, bullet journaling, and painting. I am passionate about mental health and equality.

WINNIE TRINH

Treasurer

Hi my name is Winnie Trinh and I am the 626 speak out team’s treasurer. I manage the finances of 626 Speak Out and I am a resident of the 626 and I love to shop and watch Netflix. I joined this club because I want to educate others on the important issues we face everyday.

CINDY PHAM

MKHS Representative

Hi, my role in 626 Speak Out is to reach out to individuals to join the club and co-handle management for Mark Keppel High School.

I am a student of the 626 area and some fun facts about me is that I love Harry Styles, and my favorite color is red. I joined this group because I am passionate for this club's purpose.

CALVIN TRUONG