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Michelle Ye
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:05:10 GMT
Michelle Ye - California
Nomination by Diya Mankotia
Photography by Zhen Li
Issue 101 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
Nomination: Michelle Ye is the Co-Founder of Project EDSA, a youth-led organization that embeds eating disorder prevention and support systems in schools. In less than a year, she scaled the organization to over 100 chapters across 15 countries, serving over 100,000 students worldwide. At just the age of 16, she is an inspiring youth changemaker dedicated to uplifting others beyond her own community.
What inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you were not mentioned in your nomination that you’d like readers to know about?
In school, I serve as one of two eleventh-grade representatives on the Judiciary Committee, where I help develop restorative approaches. I am also a member of the Social Entrepreneurship Club and our Bring Change to Mind chapter, advocating for mental health, and a dancer. Outside of academics and extracurriculars, I am a friend who’s easy to talk to and always here for you.
What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
As of now, I’m pushing myself beyond my comfort zone by putting myself out there, taking on leadership roles, and learning from new experiences. For Project EDSA, I hope that we establish at least one chapter in every U.S. state.
What is something you feel passionate about or could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
One individual per 52 minutes die from an eating disorder and one in three youth report lacking reliable access to mental health resources yet less than 10% of schools in the United States offer eating disorder education, leaving teachers unequipped to support students. I am passionate about expanding access to eating disorders and mental health support for youth, and I can talk for hours about how big of an impact awareness and peer support has. This matters to me because without access to resources and support, many students struggle in silence, and I believe no one should have to face that alone.
What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or person in the past year?
Over the past year, I’ve learned that being adaptable and open to new ideas makes my leadership more effective. Adjusting our approach to fit a diverse community helps our system thrive, and this flexibility has strengthened both my leadership and the organization.
What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?
Some of my favorite moments with Diya are being on calls and yapping about the most random things. She’s one of the kindest, sweetest people I know, and I feel so lucky to have her as my friend.
Tell us about the photographer or person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like?
My mother took the photo, and I am grateful for all the sacrifices, care, and trust she has put into me.
How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you?
I first heard about Inspiring Teens Magazine through Instagram. Being part of it matters to me because it provides a platform to raise awareness about eating disorders and inspire other teams to lead change.
If you win a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine, how would you plan to use it and what goals would it help support?
All funding will go to ANAD and Project EDSA’s initiatives, including our chapters, which will help reach more students and provide greater access to mental health resources and eating disorder support.
Look for Michelle in issue 101 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
* Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.
What inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you were not mentioned in your nomination that you’d like readers to know about?
In school, I serve as one of two eleventh-grade representatives on the Judiciary Committee, where I help develop restorative approaches. I am also a member of the Social Entrepreneurship Club and our Bring Change to Mind chapter, advocating for mental health, and a dancer. Outside of academics and extracurriculars, I am a friend who’s easy to talk to and always here for you.
What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
As of now, I’m pushing myself beyond my comfort zone by putting myself out there, taking on leadership roles, and learning from new experiences. For Project EDSA, I hope that we establish at least one chapter in every U.S. state.
What is something you feel passionate about or could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
One individual per 52 minutes die from an eating disorder and one in three youth report lacking reliable access to mental health resources yet less than 10% of schools in the United States offer eating disorder education, leaving teachers unequipped to support students. I am passionate about expanding access to eating disorders and mental health support for youth, and I can talk for hours about how big of an impact awareness and peer support has. This matters to me because without access to resources and support, many students struggle in silence, and I believe no one should have to face that alone.
What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or person in the past year?
Over the past year, I’ve learned that being adaptable and open to new ideas makes my leadership more effective. Adjusting our approach to fit a diverse community helps our system thrive, and this flexibility has strengthened both my leadership and the organization.
What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?
Some of my favorite moments with Diya are being on calls and yapping about the most random things. She’s one of the kindest, sweetest people I know, and I feel so lucky to have her as my friend.
Tell us about the photographer or person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like?
My mother took the photo, and I am grateful for all the sacrifices, care, and trust she has put into me.
How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you?
I first heard about Inspiring Teens Magazine through Instagram. Being part of it matters to me because it provides a platform to raise awareness about eating disorders and inspire other teams to lead change.
If you win a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine, how would you plan to use it and what goals would it help support?
All funding will go to ANAD and Project EDSA’s initiatives, including our chapters, which will help reach more students and provide greater access to mental health resources and eating disorder support.
Look for Michelle in issue 101 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
* Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.
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