AAYL In the News

Timeless Ties Spring Program at the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center (March 2025)

The event featured two distinct segments where students utilized resources like A People's Guide to Orange County, to explore local Asian American history, and the "Tasting Traditional Recipes" project, which examined immigration through the lens of family culinary traditions. Each student demonstrated their leadership and communication skills by presenting slideshows and posters reflecting on their culture and heritage, paired with a delicious food item that brought their stories to life. The showcase was attended by prominent local officials, including Irvine Vice Mayor James Mei, Council member Melina Liu, and Scotty Hong (representing Major Larry Agran), who praised the program for fostering cultural confidence, community unity, and the next generation of Asian American leaders.

AAYL x Asian Youth Liberty League (September 2025)

Irvine City Council member Melina Liu states in an Instagram post how she found it incredibly inspiring to speak with middle and high school students during the collaborative "Future Horizons" event. She viewed the engagement as a vital opportunity to motivate the next generation to become active participants in their local community. During the event, Liu shared her own professional experiences and discussed various projects undertaken by the Irvine City Council, noting that it is always rewarding to witness youth civic engagement in action.

Speaking Out: Asian American Stories & Voices (November 2025)

Irvine Council member Melinda Liu expressed her deep inspiration following the students' presentations. She shared a powerful sense of optimism for a future where young leaders feel empowered to confidently share their unique identities, cultures, and personal stories. Highlighting the program's partnership with TED-Ed and the SCCCA, Liu emphasizes its vital role in cultivating the next generation of leadership. She offers specific praise for Victoria Dinh, Thao-Vy Guyen, and Yuxin liu, whose presentation, "The Art of Self Care," provided a meaningful look into the essential topics of youth mental health and wellness.