Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

click here for more information on issue 44

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Lexi Valdes-perez

3/17/2021

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Lexi Valdes-perez – Florida
Nomination by Jeannie Yvette Valdes
Photography by Candid Captures By Lexi
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: At the age of 14 Lexi began her photography journey. Now, just 2 years later Lexi is a state known photographer shooting everything from weddings to senior models, maternity shoots, children, events, even pet photography! On her free time she holds charity events for locals in our community offering free shoots for elders, homeless, or the less fortunate. She has even worked to better our local animal shelters and her church through donations. Lexi is president of her Key Club (community service club) where she has written over 120 letters for soldiers as well as St. Jude's patients on her own. Lexi learned at a very young age what it means to become a successful Christian business woman in a male dominated workspace! No age, gender, or obstacle will stop her from becoming her best possible self through hard work, dedication, and charity. She even took this head shot herself!

Photography by Candid Captures By Lexi

Tell us about your route in Entrepreneurship in Photography.
In 2018 I picked up my first camera! My grandmother asked me to help her take some business photos at a couple weddings for her as she was working as an officiant. From there I started shooting and realized I had a talent. I started an Instagram and began investing in my skill as well as local marketing from business cards, flyers, social media posts, and a website! I had countless amounts of troubles from age and gender discrimination to local competition. But none of that stopped me! Just 4 quick years later I now have a full business shooting photos from north Georgia to south Florida for everyone from senior models to couples to newborns! With the help of close friends and family I was able to build a brand, soon to be an empire, for myself that I will forever carry on. Candid Captures is a huge part of me and what I stand for as a 16-year-old Hispanic woman entrepreneur and through my work I hope to inspire tons!

Photography by Candid Captures By Lexi

What charity and service projects have you liked best and what were your specific roles in them?
The list of my charity projects goes on and on from Toys for Tots to Holiday Pics in Paradise, which tops the cake for me! Holiday Pics in Paradise was an open event I held in the Florida Keys where I set up a shooting space for local families to get all dressed up and have a chance to get free family holiday photos! We had treats for pets, gifts for the kids, and even hot cocoa! On the first day of the event, I shot over 12 families! For all my events I am always the coordinator. So, I plan, coordinate, and am always super hands on in every aspect of the project!

Photography by Candid Captures By Lexi

Share with us your path of Christianity and why it's so important to you.
I was raised in a very religious household and have always loved the ideals of being a good Christian woman. There is no greater gift that we have been given than to share! Which is why I love His Word alongside charity! Faith and Christianity have been an anchor and a gift for me. During the pandemic and during building my business and truly during any time I was I need I reached for my faith. Since I was a little girl everything about Our God touched my heart. Now I am a part of an amazing church and have taken the time to read into my faith and share what I know. During the pandemic I held an all girls 6 week zoom course regarding women in the bible and got to teach amazing girls my age about how He loves us and how when it comes to God, He leaves no stone unturned, no story unheard, and no heart untouched!

Look for Lexi in issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 41

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Samik Krishnan

12/18/2020

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Samik Krishnan – Arizona
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination and Photography by
Anjeanette Photography Phoenix
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Samik Puthucode isn’t just an amazing high school student who loves math- he also organizes a charity for glasses to give back! I was so encouraged by his heart of generosity- I have several older pairs of glasses that hopefully someone can use.

From Samik's website: "I have started with an idea to give away a couple pairs of glasses to local kids in Arizona, USA and to kids in Bangalore, India who couldn’t afford them. I also feel there is a need for helping people who have eye conditions such as Glaucoma, Cataracts, Bulging Eyes, Color Blindness, Crossed Eye, and Diabetic Macular Edema. I thought about this charity because I see many people that are older and younger, that have these eye conditions. Please help me in collecting eyewear and donating. Or if you can organize eye exams and related services to people in need in your own community. If you are an Eye doctor, you can be much more compassionate in organizing some events for free in and around where you live. If you have a loved one that is need of any of these services or has been through a tough time, you can see events that may be of interest to you on our website from time to time. Although we are based in the USA., we have a global reach with affiliates and friends in India and the continental USA and are always looking to do more with anyone that can and is willing to contribute. "

Photography by Anjeanette Photography Phoenix

Please tell us more about your charity.
Onepair charity (https://www.onepaircharity.org) was created with a vision to help people with eye care, whether it is to find a pair of eyeglasses, to find doctor for eye exam/surgery. It all started with my thought of when in middle school, here in a suburb of Phoenix, AZ, to give away a couple pairs of glasses to local kids in Arizona, USA and to kids in Bangalore, India who could not afford them. With some personal history of to wear glasses for quite a few years now, and ever-changing prescription for teenagers, I also realized and saw the need to donate pairs that are not of use anymore to the needy. Having traveled internationally, to Europe/UK and Asia (India), I found this to be one way I could possibly make an impact, however small it may be. I hence, started to write to the larger nonprofits in this same area such as manufacturers like Essilor, and VSP Global, and other renowned bigger international organizations such as Lions International, to see if they would be able to help in my collection drives and recycling efforts, and further distribution to the needy. I was pleasantly surprised to see their kind responses and ability to be more than willing to help.
In parallel, I also talked to many of my parents’ friends and contacts who are Eye doctors, Ophthalmologists around the world, and run hospitals to see their interest. They were kind and more than willing to assist. One renowned eye hospital in India, which is one of the oldest prosthetics and specialty eye hospitals actually organizes recycling efforts for used eyeglasses in reasonable condition and makes them available to needy. This really made my effort seem worth it and being able to create an impact. Hence OnePairchairty was created and is thriving now.

How did you get it started? Did you do it on your own or did you seek out others to help?
As I have explained above, the initial thought originated in me, and then I solicited inputs from my Parents and their friends, to see if it would be something that could help and had some chance of being able to launch & succeed in the mission. With a lot of positive initial feedback, I then went ahead and created an initial website with details, and also wrote about it on my Blog. And that is how I got it started.

Image by a parent

What were your biggest struggles and how did you overcome them?
It was initially to get inputs in a timely manner from friends of my Parents and their contacts, and eye doctors, and their time to think or talk about this. They are all busy individuals with a lot on their plate, however, everyone was very kind and wanted to get involved. Creating an initial website when I was in middle school was also a bit of a challenge, however my Mom helped out. We eventually used and continue professional small business (also run by a friend of our family)to help us out to now manage and maintain the site. Organizing annual or six-monthly collection drives has been my motive, although being in a school that encouraged it and were open to it in my middle school years, made it easy to get started with drives for collection. Before I was out of middle school, we organized drives for 2 consecutive years with great success. This also included 2020, when everyone was gripped with the pandemic.

Where is your charity now and what are your goals for its future?
Well, we have been continuing to organize collection drives for my charity, and like I said, even during the pandemic, it was so heartwarming to see how generous people are, and they think about giving back to the community. The most recent drive was in my middle school in March 2020 and that was in-fact the largest collection of eyeglasses so far! Very heartwarming! The plans for the future are to continue the efforts and helping out the needy as much as I can through contributions to the recycling efforts of the partners, we send them to. Also, one of the aims is to be able to raise some volunteer donations in terms of $$ by willing and able people, towards the surgeries for cataracts, or for prosthetics for eye, with all contributions directly going to the hospital in India.

Image by a parent

Tell us about your journey with flying.
I got interested in flying at a very young age (3 or 4 years if I remember) primarily due to traveling internationally, every single year since birth (except 2020, of course , due to the pandemic), with my parents. This really interested me in airplanes at first and the amazing technology in aviation. I started reading about it, and following people that are avid travel bloggers, especially Sam Chui, a favorite, (shout out to Sam!) and reading and seeing their video blogs and web blogs. I also got started on simulators, again, my parents who encouraged me and go on real simulators around the world. I started using simulator software and got really interested and started enjoying it. So much that every week I just felt immensely happy when I did that. I continue to do this. One of my friends at middle school was also incidentally into real flying school, and he has also advanced at the flight school at such a young age. (He was a year older than me), and so that got me to now getting started at flight school, as the minimum age is 15 years to be starting flight school lessons.

What is your blog about and who is your target audience?
One of my hobbies alongside my school, was to write about interesting topics including things I did – basketball which I play and keenly follow (NBA), interesting places around the world, events in technology and similar. A nice way to share writings with friends and well-wishers is a blog and that is how I really got started. I try and keep up at it., although it sometimes is time management and needs time. My target audience is teenagers and above age group and I seem to have a good set of people that read and comment and encourage me. As I advance into being a high school sophomore and then junior & senior years, I intend to write on more invigorating topics in technology, medicine, economy and of course continue existing areas of NBA and travel.

Look for Samik in issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Heaven Brown

12/3/2020

click here for more information on issue 41

Heaven Brown – Georgia
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Princess Brown
Photography by Savannah Glamour
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Heaven Brown’s determination is one of a few with a heart of gold and high expectations for herself are more than inspiring. It’s hard to believe she only 13 and has been successfully running a business since August 2018! She has does more than just rents bounce houses and waterslide; she’s providing memories and laughter! She always finds ways to give back by donating inflatables at community events and holding giveaways contest. She also employs high school teens and holds high expectations of them while in The Staff shirts. Whether she is working late or super early she always has a smile with a positive attitude!

Photography by Savannah Glamour

Why & How did you start Heavenly Inflatables? Tell us the story of your creation.
I wanted an Inflatable for my 11th Birthday (July), so we called around and everyone was booked or super expensive. My sister (Angel)and I bought our 1st inflatable together and rented to friends. January 2019 Angel took a different route and I refused to give up on Heavenly Inflatables. I was able to convince my mom in working for me full time, and well here I am at the end of this crazy year still inflating fun!

Where is your company now and what are your goals for it in the future?
I’m located in Guyton Ga but delivery to surrounding areas up to 50 miles. I hope to have a building where I can store my equipment and give my dad his man cave back.

Share with us about your cheer career.
I tried out for our school team but didn’t make the cut, so I enrolled in gymnastics and trained for 4 months. March 2020 I started on 1/2 year team at Cheer Savannah and now I’m proud to say I’m on the Elite Team Cashmere!! We just received Best Performance and Baskets at our “Showcase” in November 2020.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing is probably running Heavenly Inflatables time management is the key to my success

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Never give up, be yourself, never let others discourage you from your dreams and always change to be a better you.

Photo by Princess Brown

What do you want us to know about your love for animals?
I’ve had all kinds of animals from pigs, chickens, turtles, ducks, squirrels, kittens, horses and my favorite dogs “Sofie and Jazzabell.”

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I also know American Sign Language. My grandparents are hearing impaired so in order to have a conversation with them I had to learn. We live in different states, so I use it pretty regular at home with my parents.

Tell us more about your dirt bike excursions and a favorite memory you have from it.
I like riding my dirt bike with my friends my favorite memory is when I got stuck in the mud and my Mom had to pull me out with our ATV. Another honorable mention is when my Dad bought this for my birthday and him teaching me to ride it!

Photo by Princess Brown

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
Just graduating high school and preparing for college

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I used to play softball and met a lot of friends I still have now

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I will talk about how I started my own business and how it still runs today in hopes to inspire others to become entrepreneurs.

3 Things on your bucket list. I’m kinda young for a bucket list but I definitely want to go to Hawaii.

Photography by Savannah Glamour

Who do you find inspiring? My Mom and Dad

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I never give up and I learn from my mistakes and determined to do my best.

How do you keep your schedule straight when you are so busy?
Time management and my Mom of course.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I am grateful for this opportunity and I hope to inspire other teens to become entrepreneurs!!

Look for Heaven in issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Grace Pitts

10/16/2020

click here for more information on issue 39

Grace Pitts – Arkansas
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination & Photography by Christen Pitts
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Grace Pitts shines on and off the stage/screen! She performed in NYC in The America Project, an off-Broadway workshop, more than 20 plays/musicals (two world premieres), and many commercials/films. She is a member of the Dance Troupe, Thespian Society, NHS for Dance Arts, Choir, Tri-M Music Society, Teen Ensemble, Heart Ball Sweetheart (Silver Service Award), Girl of Distinction- Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame. Grace uses her artistic gifts to inspire, teach, learn, challenge, and create opportunities. She also created her own baked goods/custom art business, Grace’s Gifts, and has over 350 clients!

Photography by Christen Pitts

How did you get your start on and off the stage/screen? What are your most memorable moments at auditions and/or behind the scenes?
My mom is a dance teacher and choreographer, so I was “attending” rehearsals when she was pregnant with me! I loved being in the studio and playing onstage while she was rehearsing, so performing was a natural first step for me. I started modeling when I was nine months old, dance at three, and did my first commercial at five. I performed in my first musical at eight and was in my first movie at nine! I am so grateful for all the wonderful opportunities I have had. I have worked with incredibly talented people over the years. With every new character, I learn a new story. I can just stop being me for a moment in time and absorb the lessons of someone else’s life.
One of my most memorable moments was when I played Little Red Riding Hood in Into The Woods. I was the youngest in the show and was in my “safe place” with my “theatre family.” During a break from rehearsal one night, my phone lit up and mean messages appeared on the screen. As Little Red faces threats from the menacing Wolf, I was confronted with something far more terrifying: middle school bullies. Fellow Into the Woods actors noticed my distress and comforted me without hesitation. The next day, the director called everyone into a cast meeting and the woman who played Rapunzel presented a jar to me filled with sweet and encouraging notes from each cast member. Whenever I was sad, I could just open up the jar and pull out a note to cheer me up. That is the reason I love musical theatre: the family that it creates out of a community of strangers.

Let's talk about performing in NYC in the America Project. How did you find out about it, get involved, and what were your conditions like? (How often did you perform, where did you stay, how did you get along with the rest of the cast, etc.)
The creative team for The America Project (Dina Slawson, Dell Howlett, and David Dabbon) did a nationwide casting call. My brother, Corbin, and I submitted our auditions and were two of the twenty-two young artists cast in this new musical workshop. We rehearsed at Pearl Studios in New York City and performed at the Sheen Center. It was an incredible experience! We met some amazing and talented friends from across the country working on this show! It was exciting to originate a role for a show that will hopefully make it to Broadway one day!

Photography by Warren McCullough

With your many commercials and films, which are your most notable that you are proud of? Tell us about your top 2.
One - I was cast in a feature film last year called “Don’t Say My Name” which was inspired by true events about a young human trafficking survivor who escapes her captors and is on a journey of survival. We shot the film in and around Orlando, Florida and I had a great time meeting actors and filmmakers from across the country. The film is such an important subject and hopefully will shed some light into this tragic issue.

Two - My brother, Corbin, was cast as a recurring character in True Detective Season 3 on HBO with Mahershala Ali, Stephen Dorff, and Carmen Ejogo. I was so proud of him and was so happy to have been cast as a high school student in one of the scenes he shared with Carmen Ejogo. I loved being a part of the show and had fun on set watching my brother. We celebrated his 12th birthday on set followed by dinner with some of his castmates: Brandon Flynn, Rhys Wakefield, and Richard Meehan. It was fun hanging out in his trailer, meeting and working with so many talented actors, going to the red carpet premiere, and watching the show when it aired on HBO.

You belong to a LOT of clubs and organizations and volunteer a lot. Which 2 are you most involved in/closest to your heart or goals and why?
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used everything you gave me.” This quote by Erma Bombeck resonates with me because I am a strong believer that giving back to the community who supports you is very important. I have learned so many incredible lessons from working with and helping others, as well as, connecting with community stakeholders. Many of my volunteer experiences have been through the arts. I have performed for Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled’s Curtain Call for a Cause, Martin Luther King Megafest, Dark Night and Encore for Education for ACT, helped teach dance to ambassadors of the Children’s Tumor Foundation, assistant taught musical theatre classes for the Acansa Arts Festival, Argenta Community Theatre, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, and more! Through the arts, I have found my voice, self-confidence, and the ability to express myself. I hope to encourage others to find what they love and share in the joy of the arts with others!

I was honored to be chosen as a one of five Girls of Distinction for the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame. I was paired with Hall of Fame honorees, Academy Award Winner, Mary Steenburgen, and Dr. Carolyn Blakely- two incredible women blazing a path in their careers! It was so inspiring to hear all of the women empowering and supporting one another!

Through my volunteer work in the arts and my community organizations, I have over 1,600 community service hours. I am proud to give back and feel I am a better person for sharing my time, talent, and energy with others.

Photography by Christen Pitts

You own your own business, Grace's Gifts. Tell us about it, including why and how you got started, any difficulties running it while you are busy doing so many things and how you manage it, and where you hope it grows in the upcoming years.
I was cast in “Bye Bye Birdie” at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre for the summer of 2020, but the show was cancelled due to COVID-19. With my newfound free time, I wanted to get a job, so I created Grace’s Gifts! I love baking and creating art, so this was the perfect opportunity! In just a few months, I have over 350 clients and am even getting an internship credit at school for my company! I am using the money earned to help pay for college audition coaching, workshops, and application fees. www.gracejpitts.com (website) and imdb.me/gracepitts

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about empowering others. There is so much negativity in our society and I think it is important to support friends, include others, and to make people feel important. The negative effects of social media on teenagers has led to many young people having depression and anxiety. I hope that the stigma of asking for help or understanding could be erased. Lift one another up...be there for each other. If you see someone being hurt in person or on social media- step up and help make things right.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
In addition to being a performer for most of my life, I have been a part of many community service organizations. I feel it is important to be a part of the community you live in. I was a member of the Mayor's Youth Council for two years, Student Council for four years, volunteered at homeless shelters, at local arts organizations, was an assistant teacher for musical theatre classes at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Acansa Arts Festival, and the Argenta Community Theatre. Being an active member of your community is very fulfilling and allows you to learn and grow. The arts can change lives.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why? (What do you feel passionate about or could talk forever about?)
Bullying...I am VERY passionate about this subject. It only takes one person to make a change. Step and stand up to help others. "Liking" mean and hateful comments on social media makes you just as guilty as the one posting them. Think before posting things. It is rude to exclude. If you see someone being left out- invite them to sit with you. If your friends are your true friends, they will love you in your good and bad times. They won't turn on you and post negative things or spread rumors. Encourage others to be a friend and to be kind.

Photography by Christen Pitts

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Never give up and ignore the “noise.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
Living in New York City and yes!

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I like to read.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I can make puppets.

Who do you find inspiring?
Lindsay Mendez. She got rejected from every drama program she auditioned for for college but she’s a big Broadway star now.

How do you keep your schedule straight when you are so busy?
Lots of calendars! I have to be good at time management and it is difficult at times (especially if things overlap).

Look for Grace in issue 39 of Inspiring Teens!

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Sydney Price

9/24/2020

click here for more information on issue 38

Sydney Price - Virginia
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Ainsley Abbitt
Photography by Lindsay Shaffer
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Sydney Price hand makes and sells her candles where 50% of the proceeds go to NSVRC.

Photography by Sydney Price

What inspired you to start your own non-profit organization hand-making and selling candles, and what is the cause for?
I naturally enjoy staying busy with school, athletics, work, and social life. My high school soccer season just began in early March and was immediately shut-down due to the pandemic. I subsequently found myself with an increased amount of free time from losing my soccer season, no longer working my part-time job, nor attending school. With the at-home orders in place at the time, I was desperate to find a distraction to fill the void. I started viewing videos on youtube and came across candle making! I began with a basic candle making kit and fell in love with the process. After a few candle orders for friends and family, the attention of the products exploded.
I took custom orders, which allowed them to choose from a small variety of colors and scents of their choice. Before I settled on making the business profession a part of my future goal, I always wanted to be a detective in the special victims unit. I decided to combine my passion for both and promote my business as a non-profit organization to raise money for a cause I felt needed more attention. To date, I have donated over $2000 in proceeds to the National Sexual Assault Resource Center (NSVRC). This organization conducts research and provides education and tools to encourage survivors to find healing from their trauma.

Tell me a little bit about how you have managed your organization and how you have helped make a difference by spreading awareness to the proceeds.
When I first started, I offered twenty fragrances and eight colors to allow close family and friends to choose between. When word spread about my custom candles, I realized I needed to prepare a better variety of supplies. I expanded to fifty scents and twelve colors, which made the business grow tremendously. I designed a business platform on Facebook and Instagram, and in the first week, I had over thirty orders. I keep track of my orders by making an "order board" with sticky notes in my workspace. I deliver 12 candle orders throughout the week, six deliveries on Mondays and another six on Wednesdays, spend Saturday and Sunday working through orders, and make trips to the post office on Fridays if required. I'm so thankful for this business and how loyal and trusting my customers are. Because of the organization I'm supporting, survivors share their stories with me and have looked into the NSVRC for more help. My followers share my post, which draws in more awareness of this crime. Between Facebook and Instagram alone, the NSVRC has reached over 800 dollars strictly in donations.

Photography by Lindsay Shaffer

What are some of the pros and cons of originating your own business?
This experience has taught me so much. The most significant gain is giving back to my community. I have met several incredible people in the past five months and have had amazing opportunities to advertise my candles in local businesses. One of my favorite parts of this journey is getting orders that require me to mix scents and provide them with a smell they can't find in stores. As much as I would love to say this journey has been "flawless," I'd be lying. The candle making process to achieve one order takes about four hours. This time frame allows the production and packaging of the order. The packaging alone takes an hour and more prolonged if its a shipment. Trusting the shipment process can be stressful because of how fragile the package is.

As a military child, how are you also involved in your parent's service branches, and what has that experience been like for you?
My dad retired as a senior chief in the navy three years ago. He was very in and out because of all his deployments over his years serving. I cherished being able to attend the family cookouts and functions hosted by his crew members. While he was away, I started applying my time to the Virginia Air National Guard Youth Programs. I began attending conferences for the program, camps, and worked as an assistant for the program's administrator. We packed food bags for troops overseas, participated at the yellow ribbon ceremonies, and created events for military families to bring comfort from missing their loved ones serving abroad. I was elected Youth leader of the year a few years after, and it opened my eyes to how rewarding it is to help people.

Photography by Kristy Price

How are you also involved in other passions of yours, including soccer? How has soccer impacted your plans you have for your future?
I have been dedicated to soccer since I was five years old. I joined a club team for Yorktown, Va, during my middle school years. I moved on to play varsity soccer for Menchville Highschool during my freshman year and have treasured every second of it. The sport has taught me patience, discipline, and how rewarding hard work is.

In what ways have you become a sensational inspiration for others to help spread awareness on important topics going on in the world that need to be addressed?
By taking the time to research the NSVRC, I used it in my business platform to gain awareness on the subject. When you claim that your consumer's money is going towards an organization, they generally want to see where their money is going, which gives them the ability to read and inform themselves of the crime. I aspire to get as many eyes on the charity as possible, trusting that we teach the future generations how dehumanizing sexual assault is and do our best as a community to put a stop to it. Survivors and their families have contacted me explaining how appreciative they were of discovering this charity and have used it to find healing.

Sydney will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Bincheng Mao

8/2/2020

click here for more information on issue 36

Bincheng Mao – New York
Interview by Olivia Bush
Photography by Angelina Lau
Issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Bincheng Mao founded the East Coast Coalition for Tolerance and Non-Discrimination (ECC), an nonprofit organization dedicated to serving marginalized communities in our society. ECC, under Bincheng's compassionate leadership, fundraised and donated over $30,000 of Personal Protective Equipment to frontline hospitals serving vulnerable communities. Today, ECC has over 3,000 members from 15 universities, launching 7 social equity initiatives to help minorities, especially African-Americans amid this pandemic. Bincheng's efforts have been featured by New York University and Yale University. (ECC website: eastcoastcoalition.com)

Image by Bincheng Mao, “Medical Supplies Donated by ECC to Frontline Hospitals

How did you get the idea to start your nonprofit East Coast Coalition for Tolerance and Non-Discrimination (ECC)? What steps a person must take to start a nonprofit from the ground up?
In late 2019, I witnessed a wave of anti-Semitic and xenophobic incidents in New York. One of my closest friends’ room was vandalized simply because he spoke a foreign language in public. At that moment, I realized what I have to do to protect people who are marginalized in our society because they are minorities. I decided to stand up and combat this injustice by establishing the EEC.

Image by Sally French

Tell me more about ECC! What does ECC give back to society and help minority groups?
Today, ECC has over 3,200 members from 15 colleges and universities on the east coast, promoting minority inclusion with 7+ social equity projects.

During this pandemic, as African-Americans and Asian-Americans are being disproportionately impacted, I led the ECC to fundraise and donate $30,000 in Personal Protective Equipment to frontline medical workers serving these vulnerable communities. We’ve donated to hospitals including Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, Yale-New Haven Hospital, and more.

In addition, to combat the rise of anti-Asian racism amid this pandemic, ECC launched the Minority Defense Initiative and partnered with Asia Society, a Rockefeller institution, to hold the “Stand Against Racism in the Time of COVID” forum. I, as ECC President, was humbled to be a guest speaker along with Congressman Ted Lieu and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti. By doing so, I hope to break the echo chamber and truly raise public awareness against minority exclusion.

Bincheng Mao - Bottom Row fourth face

How did you get involved with fencing and basketball? For those who may not know, tell me a little bit more about fencing!
In the past eleven years, fencing and basketball have been my constant source of motivation, confidence, strategic thinking training, and long-term friendship. My love for these two sports started when I was a child watching fencing and basketball games during the 2008 Olympics. The spirits that fencing and basketball athletes exhibited on their respective courts—perseverance, fair play, solidarity——really touched me, motivating me to start doing fencing and playing basketball competitively.

Four years ago, my arm was severely injured during a fencing match, but I strived to recover. Today, I still enjoy fencing and basketball in my free time. Looking back, I have become more self-disciplined, learned how to win or lose with grace, and how to channel pressure into positive energy. I am so grateful for my coaches and teammates who have taught me so much.

Image by Sally McCormick

What are some goals that you have for your future? Do you hope to expand your nonprofit? What do you want to be when you are older?
In the future, I will remain dedicated to serving the vulnerable and the marginalized. I hope to, one day, become a civil rights lawyer to advocate for the vulnerable before the Supreme Court.

Image by Sally McCormick

Bincheng will be featured in issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Ashlee Wood

7/3/2020

click here for more information on issue 35

Ashlee Wood - Kentucky
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Aleshia Martin
Photography by April Manning Photography
Issue 35 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Ashlee is a very hardworking and determined girl! Since quarantine, she’s found a love for painting, especially door hangers. She’s now painting and selling door hangers left and right through a Facebook group she made! I’m so proud of her and I can’t wait to witness her accomplish her goals of becoming a labor & delivery nurse!

Photography by April Manning Photography

How did you get the idea to start painting door hangers?
I had seen so many cute ideas of door signs for Mother’s Day gifts on Pinterest, so I made one for someone for Mother’s Day and she encouraged me to make a business out of it!

How far has your painting business gone?
What are your goals for it? Right now it’s just starting out, I’ve made around 10 signs and sold them, but my Facebook group grows by the day! My goal is to make them for people for fun and to make a little bit of money, it’d be nice to make a business out of it once I get out of high school; but I don’t want to be super overwhelmed for my senior year.

Photography by Ashlee Wood

Why did you decide you wanted to become a labor and delivery nurse?
I have such a unique love for babies! For a while I debated back and forth between labor & delivery and NICU; but recently I decided my heart probably couldn’t take everything that happens in NICU.

Photography by April Manning Photography

What other goals do you have for your future and your career?
I plan to study nursing at EKU, hopefully minoring in photography. While working in labor & delivery, I’d like to eventually be able to offer mothers/families quality newborn pictures for a low cost!

Photography by friend of Ashlee's

Tell me more about playing golf in high school!
What is your favorite memory with the team? I just started golfing this past year, as dance is my main sport; I’ve been dancing since I was 4! Dance had become stressful last year, so I thought maybe I should try something to help balance my stress; which is when I discovered golf!

Ashlee will be featured in issue 35 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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William Cabaniss

6/25/2020

click here for more information on issue 35

William Cabaniss - Tennessee
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Jillina Cabaniss
Photography by Vanilla Feeds Tomorrow
Issue 35 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Upon hearing that local food banks were experiencing high demand due to COVID-19, William Cabaniss, already having a soft spot for people who are hungry wanted to help. William founded a nonprofit - Vanilla Feeds Tomorrow- where he is making, bottling, and selling homemade vanilla extract and donating all profits to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee where he also volunteers.
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Photography by Vanilla Feeds Tomorrow

How did you get the idea to start your nonprofit Vanilla Feeds Tomorrow?
I had just finished watching a news segment about the long lines at food banks around the country and I went to the kitchen to make my “Vanilla Brownies” and as I added the vanilla it hit me. I could sell vanilla extract to help support these food banks.

How did you decide that you were going to bottle and sell vanilla extract, rather than any other food or ingredient?
I have always enjoyed the flavor that vanilla can bring to your baking. Also, with the quarantine people started baking more and they required more vanilla extract.

Where will the profits that you make go to?
All profits are donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. I choose to donate to them because they are such an amazing organization. Their range of service is just incredible, they have so many different programs, and they can turn a one-dollar donation into 3 meals.

Image by Andrea Madeleine Photography

Is this nonprofit something that you hope to continue for many years even after the COVID-19 pandemic is over?
I see myself doing this for the foreseeable future. This need won’t end when there is a vaccine or the pandemic has ended.

When did you start volunteering at food banks? What inspired you to start doing this?
I had classmates in school who were truly hungry. It has bothered me as long as I can remember. I have been volunteering at food banks/pantries for many years. As a 7-year-old, I would work at a soup kitchen through my grandma’s church. I would donate bananas, my favorite fruit, to a local food pantry along with monetary donations from my allowance starting in Kindergarten.

How can people around the country and the world help food banks in their areas like you are doing?
To help the currently overwhelmed food banks in your local areas you can donate money, volunteer, or donate food. Reach out and contact your local food banks/ pantries for specific needs or volunteer opportunities. They would appreciate the help very much, and you would be helping your community.

William will be featured in issue 35 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Vivian Nguyen

5/10/2020

click here for more information on issue 33

Vivian Nguyen - Texas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Quang Nguyen
Photography by Victoria Nguyen
Issue 33 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Vivian Nguyen is a charismatic force to be reckoned with who pushes herself to exceed her limits. As a published writer and valedictorian of her middle school, Vivian excels academically. She was deemed one of the top 20 writers in the country as a finalist during the national TIME for Kids Magazine Kid Reporter Search. Furthermore, Vivian started her own business at 14, creating custom tie-dye pieces, donating a portion of her profits to charity. Her company, DyenosaurApparel, has racked hundreds of orders nationwide and from her community and received tens of thousands of views on social media.

Tell me about your business DyenosaurApparel and what inspired you to start your own business for creating custom tie-dye pieces.
DyenosaurApparel began as a small community service endeavor when I was 14. My school’s National Junior Honor Society chapter needed to raise money for charity, but we weren’t receiving enough donations. As Vice President, I decided to go a step further and take matters into my own hands. I began by making scrunchies and selling them at school to raise money. With my friends’ support, my little charity project garnered a lot of attention on social media. Fast forward a year, I’ve been fortunate enough to receive hundreds of orders from my community and across the country!

What do you love most about being a published writer, and what opportunities have you received through your gift for writing?
Being a published writer has given me the opportunity to share my voice, express my emotions, and stand for my beliefs. Writing has opened many doors for me in my educational career. I was deemed one of the top 20 writers in the country during the Time For Kids Reporter Contest and received the Barbara Roach Writing Award.

How were you able to manage your own business while immersing yourself in community volunteer work and being valedictorian of your middle school simultaneously?
Simply put, I made a schedule and stuck to it. Balancing my business and community service on top of school was definitely difficult but keeping a planner and sticking to a routine has been integral to juggling schoolwork and my life outside of school. If I’m being completely honest, there have been some long, tiring nights. But there’s nothing a little caffeine can’t fix!

What extracurricular activities are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about involving myself in my community and school as much as possible. At school, I’m especially devoted to biomedical sciences. Fortunately, I attend James Martin High School in Arlington, Texas, which has a specialized program for students who want to pursue a career in the STEM fields. Through their STEM program, I’ve been able to advance to state with HOSA, a biomedical competition, participate in GirlsWhoCode, and help plan a career conference as a member of the STEM Leadership Club.

How have your achievements, along with your determination and dedication to all that you are involved in, inspired other teens to become active just like you?
Before I began my shop, what hindered me the most was my fear of failure. If I had seen others my age take initiative and become successful, I would’ve been more eager to venture into what is now my greatest achievement. After DyenosaurApparel took off, many of my peers asked me for advice to start their own businesses. It’s like a ripple effect. By achieving my own goals, I can encourage others to reach for theirs.

Vivian will be featured in Issue 33 of Inspiring Teens Magazine. Check out some of her designs at
https://viviannguyxn.wixsite.com/website

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Trinity Jagdeo

4/18/2020

Click here for more information on issue 32

Trinity Jagdeo - New jersey
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Scott Ehlin
Photography by Image Is Everything Studios
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Trinity Jagdeo started her 501c3 nonprofit organization at 17 years old. She publishes and illustrates books featuring kids with special needs and disabilities as superheroes. She is also a motivational speaker and travels to different colleges, schools and organizations. A portion of the proceeds made from the books goes to a family in need. She reads for different programs and special needs schools. This year she is hosting a fashion show for the disability community at The Landis Theater in celebration of her two-year anniversary. She hosts "Spotlights On You" including people from the disability community and young entrepreneurs.

Photography by Image Is Everything Studios

Tell us about the nonprofit organization you started.
I started my nonprofit organization because of my best friend of 13 years who has spinal muscular atrophy. Throughout our friendship I learned the difficulties and financial struggles that people face with disabilities. Also, I learned how underrepresented the disability community is, so I decided to create a nonprofit that inspires people with special needs and disabilities. I publish and illustrate books that feature kids with disabilities as superheroes! And, a portion of the proceeds made from the books goes back to a family in need.

Photography by a friend

Tell us about the fashion show you are hosting.
The fashion show is called, “ I Love Me and My Disability”. My primary focus for hosting this event is to allow the disability community to be proud of who they are and what they look like! Our participants include people of all ages and all different disabilities.

Photography by Trinity

What is "Spotlights On You"? What does it do and how are you involved?
Spotlights On You is a show that I host where I bring on people from the special needs community. The idea is to highlight their journey, as their community is neglected in the entertainment industry. Along with that community, I bring on teens like myself to give them a platform where they can share the great things that they are doing in their community. I host this show, pick the content as well as the people!

Photography by Trinity's mom

Out of all the books you have published, which has been your favorite and why?
I really love all our books! I don’t think it would be fair to pick one book as my favorite as each book is based off local kids with disabilities in New Jersey. Each book is near and dear to my heart as I have created each story line, illustrated and, published each book. The books are so unique, as are the people who they are based off! Each book can be found on Amazon!

Trinity will be featured in issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Alyssa Kyzar

9/12/2019

Alyssa Kyzar - Louisiana
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Trudy Kyzar
Photography by Luckett Portrait Studio
Issue 26 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Not only is Alyssa Kyzar a 4.0 student, but she has taken on the role of SGA and Senior class president. She is active in her church youth group and has launched a youth missions committee, which she has been elected President. She has developed her own clothing line, “Thiest Threads” to help spread the word of Jesus to other teens. She was a member of FUGE SLA over the summer to become a church camp leader. She is currently enrolled in college classes while in high school.

What inspired you to design your own clothing line, and what is the meaning behind your brand?
Sharing my faith openly has always been something I’ve struggled with, so I had the idea of creating apparel that would open doors to easily share my faith with others. So, I created Theist Threads. What’s that mean? We are all aware of an atheist; someone who doesn’t believe in God. A Theist is the exact opposite. I’ve realized from previous experience, something as simple as a T-shirt can serve as an amazing tool for sharing the gospel with others. The design for most of my products is unclear. I WANT people to ask “Hey, what’s your shirt mean, or what bible verse is that?” Explaining the purpose and meaning behind the design can turn into a life changing experience for another person. My saying is “let’s open doors and wear cool clothes while we do it!”

How do you choose to stay active in your faith through your youth group?
Every day, I try to be a better person than I was the day before. My number one goal of each day is to always stand in the word and share encouragement. Being one of the oldest in my youth group, I try my best to set a good example to the younger ones. I try to keep special bonds and connect with each person. This summer, I created a youth missions committee to help the local community. Growing up in a small town, I learned little things can make a big impact.

Tell me a little bit about FUGE SLA and how you became involved in it.
The camp I got saved at, Fuge, holds a very special place in my heart. This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to be accepted into their Student Leadership Apprentice program. It’s a two week long experience for students who want to gain hands on leadership experience in a camp environment. I was trained to be a missionary, and even got to lead bible study for other students!

How do role models like Sadie Roberston inspire you?
My favorite quote by Sadie is, “My passion is to speak, to write, to encourage.” Even with her large social media platforms, she isn’t afraid to be vulnerable. She’s a loud voice to those in need of an inspiring, nonjudgmental presence in their lives. She embraces her role as a beacon of light and I strive to do the same.

How have you been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA while also being very involved in your community?
I wish I could say it’s easy, but it’s not. The biggest thing is to stay motivated. Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me. I’ve learned not to limit my challenges but challenge my limits.

What do you love most about helping others through your faith?
Serving others has been a Christian tradition since its establishment. Jesus Himself washed the feet of others and died for us! If Jesus, our Master, gave His life in service to others, how can we expect we’ll do anything less? You’ve probably heard the words, “love your neighbor as yourself” a thousand times by now. We live in such an individualistic society it’s easy to get caught up in our own thing most of the time and not even notice the needy. When I serve others, I’m joining the Lord in his work. And gosh, it feels so good.

Alyssa will be featured in Issue 26 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here to purchase issue 26

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Emily Williams

3/25/2019

Emily Williams - Texas
Interview by Larissa Chelius
Nomination by Addison Schale
Photography by Emily Williams, Addison Schale, & Tammy Williams
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Emily Williams is inspiring to me because she is hard working, patient and always has a smile on her face. At the age of 17 Emily started her own boutique from the ground up called Ellie Mae. She has put in lots of late nights, money and many phone calls to create a business she has always dreamed of. She is working every day to grow her business so she can eventually make it a full-time job & create a brand out of it. She is only a senior in high school, trying to figure out where she wants to go to college, make good grades & run a business. She always seems to amaze me with her uplifting spirit and hard work. I think that’s pretty inspiring to me:)

When did you become interested in fashion and how did it turn into running your own boutique?
I have always been interested in fashion since I was a little girl. The fun clothes and accessories have always fascinated me. I really began my fashion career my freshman year of high school. I began to find inspiration in older bloggers and that would inspire the style of my outfits. I was always the odd ball out because I didn’t wear a t-shirt and shorts to school like ninety percent of the girls. I dressed up as if I was going out to a nice restaurant. That’s what I love though. Like Coco Chanel said, “The World is your runway.” Every day is a day I can style an outfit and show it off to the world. Which, in the end, is my way of expressing my personality. How fun is that, that men and women can express who they are through styling clothes in different ways? I absolutely love it.

Taking it way back, Ellie Mae (my boutique) started with me bringing it up to my mom one day. I was very nervous because it was way out there. I worked at two boutiques prior to starting my own, and I realized I wanted to do that. So long story short, my mom agreed, and my dad invested. Then, we made a logo, set up a website, bought some clothes, took pictures, set up social media, and took a shot in the dark!

How do you maintain good grades while running the boutique & do you plan on running the boutique while attending college?
This is a tough one for sure. Time management is the key to this one. I organize my time and set my priorities accordingly.
Yes! I do plan on running the boutique while attending college. It’s a one woman show. I take the pictures, edit pictures, do the website designs/editing, all the marketing, shipping, buying new products, everything that goes into, I do (with help from my sweet mom). Regardless, I will be able to find a way to maintain it, especially since I have a passion for my boutique and everything that goes into it.

Do you plan on expanding the boutique?
Yes, I do! I have long term goals for my boutique, and short term. Overall, it is a huge learning experience. Learning time management, service to others, professional manners, financial components, maintaining consistency, and much more.

What advice would you give to others who are interested in starting their own business?

I would say two things. One, never give up. I know it’s cliché, but doubt and discouragement will creep in whether you start one or are thinking about starting one. You have to look past that and remember you are doing what you love. Two, hard work will pay off sooner or later. It took five months before I could start seeing my hard work pay off. It seems like a long time, but once you can sit down and say to yourself, “I did that”, then it was definitely worthwhile.

Emily was featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!