Author: WDM Team

Nadia Allahmorad 

Alexander Hernandez Reyes

I grew up in Queens which has exposed me to cultures from all over the globe. From Chinatown in Flushing to Corona to Jackson Heights, I embark on a voyage around the world when I take the 7 train; a daily experience that has taught me to appreciate the different cultures and languages that make up New York City. Attending a film school, I have always sought to pursue journalism, history, and politics, using documentary film- making to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. At school, I am part of the Cooking Club, Peer Group Connection (PGC) leadership team, and the Production Design Cohort, where I have designed the concepts for some of my school’s largest film productions. Outside of school, I have interned at the New York Historical Society and the Hill Art Foundation, taken art classes at Parsons School of Design for five semesters, and been part of the Freedom and Citizenship Program at Columbia University where I seek to make civics more accessible to teens.

Alex Huang

Tristan Huggins

Born and raised in the Bronx, I come from a large Kittitian family full of different kinds of personalities, so I’m no stranger to diversity. What moved me to become a person who loved culture was my passion for etymology and how language and communication can vary by location and people, and I’m excited to see this exemplified in Korea. At school, I engage in journalism by collecting media for our social media pages and morning announcements at school events through interviews and recording videos. When I’m not at school, I also spend time at Summer Search, a non profit organization that aims to help students of marginalized identities thrive in the world, offering high school and post high school guidance, and helping students to realize their full potential through mentoring from both Summer Search employees and even other Summer Search students.

East Kaufhold

I am from Brooklyn, New York, and my family is of both Pakistani and German descent. Growing up with two families of differing cultures has taught me about the importance of cross-cultural understanding and open-minded discourse between groups. At school, I am a member of the Junior Student Leadership class and a coach for the Model United Nations team. Outside of the classroom, I am a Youth Researcher and leadership team member at The Localized History Project, a youth-participatory action research initiative that amplifies Asian-American history and education within the five boroughs. I am also the Brooklyn Hub Coordinator for Generation Vote, where I facilitate civic engagement in high schools and universities across the borough. On my own time I enjoy rock climbing and reading.

Julia Katzman

Janet Li

I was born and raised in Brooklyn and am an American-born Chinese student who is passionate about learning and personal growth. At school, I am a member of the varsity volleyball team and participate in track and field, which has taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Outside of school, I also volunteer by playing and working with children at my local elementary school and church, which has strengthened my sense of responsibility and community involvement. Through academics, athletics, and service, I strive to better understand the world around me and contribute positively to my school and community. I am motivated to take advantage of opportunities that help me grow academically and personally, and I look forward to continuing to learn, lead, and make an impact.

Emely Paredes Mentado

I was born and raised in Queens and have always been surrounded by immigrants and diverse cultures which has helped me not only understand the struggles of immigrants but also their resilience. It has exposed me to new cultures and helped me become an open- minded person. In my neighborhood, I am immersed in a strong variety of Hispanic cultures, and at my school, I am surrounded by strong Asian cultures. I am a musician specializing in mariachi music and violin. I’ve participated in programs like BEAM, Double Discovery Center, and now Project Bridge. At school, I am currently involved in the LatinX Club and Tri-M Music Honor Society, and have been a teachers assistant for several teachers. I am also an altar server at my church every Saturday as part of my community service.

Nathaly Collahuazo

Clarissa Kunizaki

I grew up in Jackson Heights, Queens, and my family is Ecuadorian, Japanese, and Irish-American. The cultural misunderstandings I’ve witnessed against Koreans by other Japanese people have motivated me to explore and reconcile the complex historical and cultural dynamics between our two communities. At school, I serve as the president of my school’s Latino Student Union and as Student Government secretary. Beyond the classroom, I’m a youth leader at the Asian Student Advocacy Project. As a youth researcher, I help facilitate the Localized History Project, a New York State-funded youth participatory action research initiative. I am deeply passionate about amplifying marginalized voices and collaborating with diverse groups to drive meaningful change. I’m beyond excited and grateful to be a part of Project Bridge, where I’ll grow my understanding of the world around me alongside my peers, from race relations in the United States to the study of contemporary Korean society and beyond.

Shayne Lewis

Christina Loanzon

I was born and raised in Manhattan and, in addition to high school, I do research at Icahn School of Medicine for autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s Disease. In addition, I do voice over work for comic dubs for popular games and TV shows (e.g. Genshin Impact, Zelda, and Attack on Titan). In school I founded its first Japanese Society in freshman year, where we teach Japanese and set up language exchanges with students in Tokyo. My interest in Korean culture sparked from both the dance and drama industry, as I love voice acting and am on the school dance team. One of my hobbies is learning new languages, and the development of the Korean writing system and distinct linguistic characteristics despite the history of colonization interests me. I’m super excited to get to talk to new people through the Project Bridge program and want to bring information back to my community to educate others about language, modern culture, and the evolution of the diplomatic and cultural relationship between Korea and the U.S.

Troyina McCoy

Born and raised in both Harlem and Spanish Harlem, I am in a school club that brings many community members and leaders to talk to students about becoming more civically active in their local communities, e.g. focus on increasing political advocacy among high schoolers by emphasizing that many luxuries we enjoy are directly affected by politics and political leaders. I intend to major in linguistics and hope to have a career as a speech pathologist where I can help others manage their speech disorders. In my free time I love to unwind by drawing and writing comics. I am very excited to be a part of Project Bridge and to learn about Korea, its history, its culture, its food and sociopolitical climate. The history of other countries and how they might have been impacted by the United States really fascinates me and I would love to learn about how Korea’s past influences its present and future.

Tyler Pantekoek

Harquin Rodriguez

Being raised in two different boroughs, I quickly caught on about various communities and cultures, and their impact on my life. At my school I have embraced all the differences and express my creativity through extracurricular activities. I established my school’s first K-pop dance club, acted and sang my way through our school’s “SHREK THE MUSICAL”, and studied my way through Columbia State Pre-College Enrichment Program which brought me together with students from all 5 city boroughs. As quirky and chatty as I am, I aspire to be a doctor with great cultural awareness in order to attend to patients in the best way possible. With love for many new things, I’m eager to see how this program can change my life.

Layla Tilton

I was born and raised in NYC. In school I am a member of the robotics team and a student ambassador. Outside of school I do community service, giving back to my community and helping to solve the issue of food insecurity. Through the organization, One Sandwich At a Time, I participate in sandwich making events to feed the less fortunate. I have hosted school events with this organization to bring awareness to my peers. Also, I am part of the Robin Hood Teen Council which works in this area as well. I am also part of the State Pre-College Enrichment Program at Columbia University, a stem based program which has helped me to build on my academic success. In the future I want to go into the field of bioengineering, but beyond that I want to travel and learn more about different cultures. I am excited to learn more about South Korea and the South Korean culture. Despite being half South Korean, I do not know much about the culture; therefore, I am very grateful to have been offered this opportunity.

Bianna Chen

Alexa Du

I am a junior in the Law and Politics Academy at Susan E. Wagner High School and was born and raised in Staten Island, NYC. I love giving back to my community as the public relations officer for my school’s chapter of the nonprofit GlamourGals, which provides companionship to the elderly at nursing homes through manicures and conversations. I also enjoy volunteering for festivals at my local library & parks. And I take pride in being a starting player on my school’s varsity tennis team as well as a dancer in our Chinese Dance club. Through my community and school involvement, I’ve learned the importance of building connections. 

I am honored to be a Project Bridge Youth Ambassador. I am passionate about exploring new cultures and meeting new people. I’m so excited about this opportunity to learn about Korea and to be able to share my experience with my community.

Jordan Leung

Sophia Mueller

I was raised in Washington Heights and am currently a junior at Stuyvesant High School. I am part of the school’s volleyball and fencing teams, and I work as a photo editor for Stuy’s newspaper publication, The Spectator. From an early age, I have enjoyed taking photos, and photography has remained one of my favorite hobbies. I enjoy walking around parks, visiting museums, reading, and watching Studio Ghibli films with my family and friends. 

Both my parents are immigrants: my mother is from Ukraine and my father is from Germany. I am well connected to both parts of my culture and am interested in the values and traditions of others as well. I hope to learn more about Korea and broaden my horizons with Project Bridge!

Yaqueline Palaguachi

I was born and raised in Queens by a Mexican immigrant mother and Ecuadorian immigrant father. They both are hard workers. I am currently a junior at the High School for Law, Advocacy, and Community Justice and am in the law club, varsity soccer team, and have debate experience. I also participate in the Cue Art Foundation program and have previously been at NYU’s Visionary Studios.

I aspire to be an immigration lawyer or in family law and have an interest in learning about other cultures and traditions because they have always been a huge part of my life. Being a Mexican/Ecuadorian first generation child growing up in New York I understand the discrimination one can face due to prejudice. I hope to learn how to close that bridge between others and be able to learn more about cultures than my own.

Ayden Raspaldo

Kyler Rno

I was born and raised in New York City and am currently a junior at Hunter College High School. At Hunter I am involved in the science research program, concert band, and Hunter publications; and, I work as a writing center mentor and Big Sib. Outside of Hunter I study percussion at Bloomingdale School of Music and fence competitively at Fencers Club. I’m interested in continuing to pursue science research as well as music. 

I am Korean American whose grandparents immigrated to the U.S., which in part motivated me to become a Project Bridge Youth Ambassador. I hope to reconnect with my culture and learn more about my heritage, as well as help educate others in my community about Korea. I am honored to be a part of this program and hope that it will help me grow as a leader. 

Oliver Rygh

I’ve lived in Brooklyn all of my life. However, being born to Jamaican and Norwegian parents has meant that I’ve always been exposed to an array of cultures. Through Project Bridge, I hope to expand my cultural outlook to become a contributing member of an ever more interconnected world. At my high school, Brooklyn Tech, I’ve explored my interests in finance and engineering by running the Stock Market Club and joining the Aerospace major. I’m extremely interested in learning about sustainable business and technology which can help people in practical applications. Outside of class, I enjoy playing the drums and listening to music, which I hope can be a lifelong pursuit. I also enjoy playing on my school’s golf team and casually playing basketball with friends. 

East-Asian culture is unique to American culture. Through Project Bridge, I hope to gain insight into Korean culture and history that I can use to break down barriers within my community and school. As western and eastern societies continue to converge, I hope to use my experience from Project Bridge to build partnerships, allowing for an environment of collaboration instead of destructive competition.