Project Bridge 2026
Clement Chen is a 16-year-old junior at La Cañada High School. He has always been curious about how societies function, staying up late to follow global news and debates—not just to observe, but to be part of the conversation.
As a clarinetist and band leader in his marching band, he has learned that leadership is about unity, resilience, and keeping spirits high, even during long rehearsals and imperfect runs. Music has shown him the power of collective effort. He also studies German and Chinese and have traveled abroad, where getting lost and struggling through new languages taught him that understanding begins with trying—시작이 반이다.
Clement is excited for the study tour, and looks forward to building bridges together.
As a clarinetist and band leader in his marching band, he has learned that leadership is about unity, resilience, and keeping spirits high, even during long rehearsals and imperfect runs. Music has shown him the power of collective effort. He also studies German and Chinese and have traveled abroad, where getting lost and struggling through new languages taught him that understanding begins with trying—시작이 반이다.
Clement is excited for the study tour, and looks forward to building bridges together.
Joshua Her is a junior and the ASB Vice President at John Marshall Senior High School. He strives to bring positivity and light into every space he enters, focusing on building joyful, united communities and bridging diverse perspectives. Having spent most of his life in Korea, he carries deep pride in his heritage and a strong sense of shared humanity. His leadership is rooted in empathy, inclusivity, and uplifting others. Joshua expresses himself through art and find fulfillment in mentoring others, ultimately hoping to leave a legacy of unity that shifts the narrative from 'us versus them' to 'us.
Hapse Kabir is a senior at Downtown Magnets High School in Downtown LA. She is a Bengali American who grew up in a diverse community in LA. At a young age she was introduced to many cultures and slowly, not intentionally, may have picked up some and incorporated cultural aspects into her life. She is the oldest sibling and grandchild in her family and overtime she has grown to be a mentor and caregiver that shaped her goal into becoming a pediatrician and attending medical school in the future. She has been volunteering at Kaiser Permanente for a while to get first hand experience of a healthcare provider and she also studied the stories of Japanese American Veterans at the Go for Broke Journalism Institute where she learned the power of preserving overlooked voices. At school, Hapse serves as Editor-in-Chief of their newspaper, where she builds a more modern and independent publication. She is an outgoing person who strives with the guidance of my family and friends and loves exploring and trying new things.
Kristin Kim is a junior at Rosemead High School aspiring to become a doctor. Through her leadership as Chairperson of the City of Rosemead Youth Advisory Council and experience volunteering at a hospital, she has developed the communication and empathy necessary for a career in healthcare. In addition to her interest in science and pharmacy, she is a passionate artist. As a Korean American, Kristin hopes to use this program’s workshops to reconnect with her cultural heritage and language to better understand her family roots.
Amy Lucha is a junior at Roosevelt High School who approaches her education with resilience and a deep commitment to personal growth. Shaped by the loss of her father, her best friend, Amy has developed profound patience, acceptance, and a positive shift in perspective. To overcome social anxiety, she has dedicated herself to stepping out of her comfort zone and becoming an active member of her community.
As a proud member of Roosevelt’s Mariachi Olímpico, Amy balances a demanding schedule of early rehearsals and frequent performances, embracing both teamwork and her cultural heritage. Additionally, she serves as the social media manager for LPS Leads and participates in the Upward Bound program to prepare for her future academic goals. With a strong interest in science, criminology, and psychology, Amy aspires to pursue a career in forensic science.
As a proud member of Roosevelt’s Mariachi Olímpico, Amy balances a demanding schedule of early rehearsals and frequent performances, embracing both teamwork and her cultural heritage. Additionally, she serves as the social media manager for LPS Leads and participates in the Upward Bound program to prepare for her future academic goals. With a strong interest in science, criminology, and psychology, Amy aspires to pursue a career in forensic science.
Daniel Nagata is a senior at Gabrielino High School who balances leadership as Varsity Cross Country captain and Varsity Basketball player with his role as ASB Senior Vice President. Outside of school, he creates lifestyle content focused on authenticity and self-confidence.
His international experience with the Yonsei Basketball Association in Japan strengthened his resilience and cross-cultural understanding. As a Project Bridge Youth Ambassador, Daniel looks forward to contributing his dedication to the program while growing as a globally minded leader.
His international experience with the Yonsei Basketball Association in Japan strengthened his resilience and cross-cultural understanding. As a Project Bridge Youth Ambassador, Daniel looks forward to contributing his dedication to the program while growing as a globally minded leader.
Marely Rodriguez Diaz is a senior at John H. Francis Polytechnic High School and a first-generation student inspired by her family’s immigrant background to pursue a career as an immigration lawyer.
Her passion for history and advocacy, sparked by her experiences as an English learner and her study of the 1968 East LA walkouts, led her to participate in the LAUSD International Relations Student Leadership Council and the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project. On campus, she leads community initiatives such as book drives and a closet project for at-risk students, while contributing as a soccer player and self-taught artist. Marely remains committed to fostering integrity and cultural understanding through dedicated community engagement.
Her passion for history and advocacy, sparked by her experiences as an English learner and her study of the 1968 East LA walkouts, led her to participate in the LAUSD International Relations Student Leadership Council and the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project. On campus, she leads community initiatives such as book drives and a closet project for at-risk students, while contributing as a soccer player and self-taught artist. Marely remains committed to fostering integrity and cultural understanding through dedicated community engagement.
Steven Tu is a senior at Van Nuys High School and holds leadership roles in Speech and Debate, Basketball, and the Asian American Association. Through these activities, he has built strong connections across campus and developed valuable leadership skills.
He enjoys exploring new hobbies, such as cooking a new recipe each week, juggling, palm reading, and playing the harmonica. A lifelong athlete, he has played basketball since fourth grade and currently competes on the varsity team, while also enjoying volleyball and pickleball. He is a dedicated Lakers fan and names LeBron James as his favorite player.
Steven also enjoys playing guitar and singing with friends. He hopes to one day travel the world to experience new cultures and cuisines.
He enjoys exploring new hobbies, such as cooking a new recipe each week, juggling, palm reading, and playing the harmonica. A lifelong athlete, he has played basketball since fourth grade and currently competes on the varsity team, while also enjoying volleyball and pickleball. He is a dedicated Lakers fan and names LeBron James as his favorite player.
Steven also enjoys playing guitar and singing with friends. He hopes to one day travel the world to experience new cultures and cuisines.