EMILY
ZHOU
(founder)
Hi, my name is Emily Zhou and I am the founder of UCAN. I’m a junior at Elkins High School and I enjoy playing the cello, cooking, and learning more about the world around me! I started UCAN because I recognized the lack and inaccessibility of quality education in underprivileged areas. I wanted to provide free English lessons for children all around the world as a way to broaden their world-view and open more opportunities for their future. Another goal of mine is to connect students through culture and language, so we may get to see how life is like in another country. My dream is to start a school one day, making education accessible for children all around the world, providing opportunities for those who are oppressed so that they may break the cycle of poverty. Through UCAN, I hope we can reach as many children as possible and leave a positive impact on their lives. UCAN is already growing so fast, and I can’t wait to see what the future may hold for us.
SANA
HAMEEd
(co-founder)
Hello, my name is Sana Hameed and I am the co-founder of Uniting Children Across Nations. I am currently part of the graduating class of 2022 at Lawrence E. Elkins High School. Something that I would personally pride myself on is my ability to seek commitment in things that I am passionate about. Being able to use my passion and motivation in my work is what made me want to invest my time into uprooting UCAN. Knowing that I can connect my culture, knowledge, and persona to other children across the world is something that I find very extraordinary. I helped start UCAN because I realize the importance of what education can do to a person's life. My mother would always tell me that the greatest power a person could receive is their privilege to gain an education. I want to give hope and bring self-power to the kids who are not as lucky as others and using UCAN, I believe that I can make a difference. I can not wait to see what my team and I will accomplish throughout UCAN's standing.
mandy
nguyen
(administrative assistant)
Inspired by her parents' dedication to work from the ground up and the sacrifices they made for her future education, Mandy is determined to be the one giving instead and help students explore new opportunities that will develop them as skilled individuals. For a chunk of her high school career, she has reached out to schools to help manage school activities and events including carnivals, competitions, and general teaching. Through her experience, she has awakened her aspiration to help students maximize their full potential, academically and socially. One day, she wishes to open some sort of business to contribute and donate to causes—targeting education and current issues—where financial aid would help make a difference. Mandy loves building new friendships and working with kids, and can't wait to see the impact we'll make at UCAN!
_JPG.jpg)
SHREIA
SUNDER
(EVENT COORDINATOR)
Hey I’m Shreia! I am a junior at Dulles HS, and so exited to be Activities Director with UCAN this year. Some of my passions include dance, soccer, and Destination Imagination, and of course watching Grey’s Anatomy. But I think the most important is helping children and giving them opportunities to learn, which is why I joined UCAN in the first place. My biggest dreams are to first, become a doctor and help as many people as I can, and second, to travel the world and learn about new cultures with my friends and family.
Lademi
Ogunlana
(multi-media developer)
Hi! My name is Lademi Ogunlana and I am a rising junior at Elkins High School. Some hobbies of mine are drawing, playing violin and guitar, and watching Anime. I am a Nigerian-American volleyball player at Houston Juniors Volleyball and am looking to play at the college level. I've always loved designing and also wanted to give back to underprivileged families like mine in Nigeria, so here I am serving as multi-media developer for UCAN! I believe this organization can soar to greater heights and it's an honor to be a part of this organization to impact other lives. My ultimate goal is to own a biomedical engineering lab, just like the one in Big Hero 6! I am currently learning/fluent in these four languages: English, Spanish, Yoruba, and Korean. I'm so excited to be able to share my culture with you all and spread education awareness to kids around the world!
ARSHIA
VERMA
(EVENT COORDINATOR)
Arshia Verma is a junior from Dulles High School. She enjoys helping students in all school subjects and piano. Some of her passions include competing in taekwondo, coding, playing the piano, volunteering, and reading.
MASON
BURDETT
(director of communications)
My name is Mason Burdett. I am a Taiwanese-American from Houston, Texas. Despite living in Texas, I am an avid hockey fan and player and am grateful for the doors it has opened in my life. I also run an interview based podcast titled "The Burd Files" and have worked tirelessly to grow my audience and constantly evolve my interview tactics. I'm passionate about helping people and I believe that working with UCAN is a perfect opportunity to do so on a larger scale than I ever have before!
SAMVEDA
MENON
(DIRECTOR of engagement + partnerships)
Hi! I am Samveda Menon and I am currently a rising Junior residing in Delaware. I enjoy playing field hockey, dancing, and spending time with friends and family. As the Director of Engagement and Partnerships for UCAN I hope to expand our global connections and collaborate with groups, in order to better education everywhere.
Country Ambassdors
Ishita Jaggi
As early as three years old, Ishita began sailing on merchant ships with her dad. This exposed her to a professional environment, where she saw the officers and crew of varying nationalities, cultures and economic background. The biggest difference between the workers, however, was their education – on one end, there were seaman, with little education who worked long hours and endured many hardships, and on the other end were the officers, who were highly educated had an easier life, with almost no manual labor. This emphasized the importance of education. As a kid born and raised in a privileged family, she never experienced any difficulty gaining an education, but she soon realized many children did not have these opportunities. Thus, she is committed to providing opportunities and education for everyone, regardless of their economic background. Ishita began volunteering at UCAN in 2020 and is passionate about giving back to the community. She hopes to expand UCAN’s initiatives and impact the lives of many.
