My name is Meher Kaur Bachher and I am a first-generation Sikh. I am a Senior at PHS this year! When I moved to Piedmont in first grade, I was one of the only Indian kids in my entire school. When you are constantly surrounded by a group of people that make up the majority, it feels like there is a need to conform to the identities of those around you. My goal is always to represent the finding of duality between embracing your own culture without having to conform to others, as well as being a support system for younger students in the district. This is my last year in the program and I’m so beyond excited to soak up as much time with my mentees as possible, as well as hopefully leaving a lasting impact on the district/program!

My name is Kalyani Spieckerman and I’m a senior at PHS. I identify as South Asian, Indian, or mixed (I am Eastern European Jewish on my dad’s side). In elementary school, I was one of only three brown girls in the entire grade of around 70 kids, and this gave me a huge disconnect from my identity: sometimes I felt like I wasn’t Indian enough, and other times I felt like I was “too” Indian. Navigating being a minority and having a mixed identity, I know I would have benefitted from the leadership of other people who had similar experiences, so I am extremely grateful that this program exists so other kids don’t have to feel isolated within their own identities. This is my fourth year of mentorship, and I am so grateful for this program and for my mentees. I am so excited for this year and to create change!

Hi! My name is Evolette Mak (she/her) and I identify as East-Asian American, half Taiwanese-half Chinese. I’m currently a senior at PHS and this is my third year in the Affinity Mentorship Program. I love talking with others and embracing my culture as someone who goes to Taiwan annually and understands the importance of connection. I especially recognize the need for mentors and role models for youth in Piedmont especially for those who feel overlooked. I’m excited to see what we can do this year!

Hi! My name is Stephanie Lee (she/her), and I am a senior at PHS! I identify as East Asian-American- I am half Chinese and half Vietnamese. This is my third year as an affinity mentor. I decided to join this program because I want to be someone that younger kids who are of similar ethnicity and race as me can relate to and feel comfortable confiding in. I have lived in Piedmont my whole life.The lack of diversity in Piedmont made me feel a little out of place: I always noticed the differences between my peers. Each little unique detail and difference I noticed about myself made me feel more and more insecure. Until middle school, I didn’t know any other Vietnamese children. I often got labeled into a broad category of “Chinese”: it felt as if the Vietnamese half of me was being neglected. I want to make sure that children, especially those of mixed culture and ethnicity, feel acknowledged, accepted, and embraced for all the parts of their identity. No one should ever have to hide or ignore a part of who they are. My goal as a mentor is to foster a sense of confidence, pride, and belonging in all my mentees. 

Hi, my name is Priyanka Seshan (she/her) and I’m a senior at PHS! I am Indian/South Asian and this is my third year in Affinity Mentorship. I joined the program because I wanted to be able to help kids navigate through the Piedmont school system, enable them to realize their importance to the community, and help them feel like they truly belong. I moved to Piedmont in the middle of 5th grade. Everyone already had their friends and it was hard to fit into the community that was already built. It was also hard because I was used to living in a mostly Asian community. When I moved to Piedmont, there were only 2 other South Asian kids in my grade. I felt like I didn’t have people to relate to or role models to guide me through the school system. I hope to serve as that role model for other kids and foster belonging.

Hi! My name is Amina, I’m a senior, and I am Mexican, Hispanic, and second gen immigrant. I’ve been in the Piedmont school district my whole life so I never had people of the same background in my same grade. Because of this, growing up I always felt out of place. This year I attended an international school where majority spoke Spanish and English and shared the culture that came with it, so for the first time I felt belonging among my peers, being a breakthrough for me. I’d love to do the same for others. I’m looking forward to being a part of this program as I love working with kids and would like make a positive impact on their lives. 

Hello! My name is Samantha and I go by she/her pronouns. I am a senior at PHS and have been attending PUSD schools since kindergarten. I am Vietnamese-Chinese American and enjoy trying new foods, travelling to new destinations, and meeting new people. This is my first year in Affinity Mentorship, and I’m excited to be a part of this amazing program! Living in a predominantly White community, I always questioned where I belonged and fit in. I want to help other kids who feel the same way and unite our community. 

Hi! My name is Maddie and I am currently a senior at PHS. Growing up as a Vietnamese and Chinese American, I often had to balance two cultures, which wasn’t always easy. At times, I struggled to embrace my heritage while also trying to fit into the community around me. Over time, I realized that I don’t have to choose one identity over the other and I can celebrate both and use that dual perspective to connect with others. Now, I want to share this experience and be a source of support for younger students, so they don’t feel the same pressure to suppress parts of who they are. My goal is to encourage them to embrace their identities with pride while knowing they have a community that understands and values them.

I am a senior at Millennium High School and a dedicated member of the Affinity Mentorship Program for the past four years, where I mentor neurodivergent students. Passionate about inclusion and community impact, I strive to leave Piedmont a better place and is committed to staying actively involved in creating positive change.

Hi! My name is Olivia (she/her), and I’m a senior at Piedmont High School. I identify as half Taiwanese and half white, and I transferred to PHS from a Chinese immersion school. Growing up surrounded by peers who shared my cultural background, I developed a strong appreciation for the sense of community, understanding, and connection that came with celebrating our identities. That experience shaped how I see the importance of culture and belonging, especially in more diverse spaces. I’m thrilled to join an affinity group this year to connect with others, share my perspective, and celebrate the diverse experiences that make our community unique.

Hi, my name is Adelina Mbise, I am an 11th grader at MHS and I identify as she/her. I am half American and half Tanzanian. I  lived in Tanzania until I was 8 and then moved to the USA. I am looking forward to being a mentor this year and helping younger students embrace their culture.