Youth Leadership Committee

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2021
Go-to boba drink: Matcha (50% sweet)
Armida Barretto is a senior at Palo Verde High School. She is passionate about medicine and the health sciences, aspiring to become a neurosurgeon. She also enjoys traveling, film, and sports. Armida strives to create a better future for AAPIs by increasing awareness of the community’s issues and expanding opportunities for AAPI youth. Furthermore, she hopes to see more engagement and unity within the AAPI community.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2021
Go-to boba drink: Earl grey milk tea, less sweetness and with grass jelly
Simon Zhu was born and raised in Las Vegas and has been a part of the Las Vegas valley for two decades. He has, both, a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting from UNLV. Simon recently spent two years in a corporate finance rotational program in New York City, completing it in July 2021. Since then, he has moved back to Las Vegas and has continued his career in public accounting. Simon is excited to be involved with the local community and AAPI advocacy through OCA Las Vegas, particularly during such an instrumental time in AAPI history. He hopes that the existing and upcoming AAPI generations discover (and rediscover) the significance of our voices, that intention and actions matter, and, finally, that each of us can make a difference.

Years in OCA Las Vegas: 2020 – 2023
Go-to boba drink: Honey milk tea with boba 75% sweetness
Janine Caigoy was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV and initially joined OCA Las Vegas as a mentee in 2020. She recently with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Nightingale College and plans to work in oncology. Janine hopes the next generation of AAPIs use their talents and passions to better the community and serve those who are in need.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2023
Go-to boba drink: Brown sugar milk tea with boba
Kanani Castellano is a junior at CSNHS. She wants to pursue a career in the medical field and enjoys baking and cooking. One day, she hopes to have a side job doing her favorite hobbies. She hopes to empower more of the younger generation’s voices as part of the Youth Leadership Committee. In the future, she hopes to see more people experiencing the same excitement she had in the OCA Mentorship Program.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2023
Go-to boba drink: Tiger sugar with creme brulee and boba for milk days or passion fruit black tea with boba and mango stars for fruit days.
Raenilynn Timbol (she/he/they), who also goes by Raeni, joined OCA Las Vegas in spring 2023. They were born and raised in Las Vegas. Raeni currently attends the University of Nevada, Las Vegas pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. They are active in the community for causes that are very important to them. Raeni is the president of Girls Who Code at UNLV where they bridge the gap between women and STEM-related fields for learners of all ages. When they are not at school, Raeni works at a middle school where they tutor 6-8th students in math. After attending the national OCA convention, Raeni knew they felt strongly about advocacy for the AAPI community. Now elected as the Communications Chair, Raeni has a drive to serve her AAPI community.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2023
Go-to boba drink: Matcha milk tea with soy milk, light ice, half sweet
Alexa Guloy was born and raised in Las Vegas and joined OCA as a member of the 2023 Mentorship Program cohort. As an undergraduate student at UNLV, Alexa is currently majoring in Biological Sciences and is pursuing a career as a physician. Her passions include civic engagement, crafting, and learning new things. Alexa is committed to a lifetime of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and approaches her responsibilities through OCA from an anti-oppressive framework. Alexa encourages the Asian American and Pacific Islander community to lead lives that are full of hope, and she will do everything in her power to work towards making this a reality.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2023
Go-to boba drink: Smoky Oolong Milk Tea
Cevan Louie is a high school junior at Coral Academy and has been apart of OCA since her childhood volunteering days alongside her Dad. She is deeply passionate about establishing community and building deeper connections with everyone she meets. Cevan is also the founder/president of her school’s Asian Pacific Student Union and speech president of Speech and Debate. She hopes for the next AANHPI generation to know their history and be proud of it, to whilst taking the next steps, to never forget the beauty and strength of the foundation right under their feet.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2023
Go-to boba drink: Hokkaido Milk Tea with Coffee Jelly 50% sweet, less ice
Brianna Pascua, who goes by Bri, is originally from the Bay Area and has been in Las Vegas for over two years, joining OCA Las Vegas as a mentee in 2023. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from CSU Channel Islands and a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco. Bri currently works at the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations as the Executive Coordinator and manager of Board affairs, a nonprofit organization formed to create a national voice to advocate for the unique and diverse health needs of AA and NH/PI communities and health providers. She is passionate about empowering AA and NH/PI communities and advocating for access, equity, and representation. She will be applying to Ph.D. programs in 2024 with hopes of exploring her passion in higher education policy with aspirations to start her nonprofit that helps AA and NH/PI students and families navigate through the higher education system and beyond. Bri envisions a future where AAPI communities thrive by the power of their voices, with each generation rediscovering their narratives’ significance while also nurturing the emergence of new leaders committed to equity and empowerment. She hopes these leaders will channel their unique talents and passions to uplift the most vulnerable, actively creating opportunities for positive change in their communities to pursue a brighter, more equitable future.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2023
Go-to boba drink: Taro milk tea with boba
Keoni Castellano has lived in Las Vegas for about 15 years. He graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Currently, Keoni is working on his PhD in Applied Mathematics with research focusing on Mathematical Biology. He plans on using his mathematical skills to pursue a career that aims to solve critical issues in both biology and medicine. Keoni believes in the power of representation and motivating current and future AAPI generations to speak up and be involved in their communities.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2024
Go-to boba drink: Avocado Slush with Brown Sugar Pearls

Monica Souza Sue has lived in Vegas for over a decade now, but for the other half of her life, Monica lived in Brazil. Her parents moved to America when she was 10, and since growing up in Vegas, she has strived to serve her community in kind for all the support they’ve granted for her and her family. Monica is the first person to attend college from both sides of her family; and she is proud to represent both Cameroon and Brazil, and to share more about the immigrant experience. She hopes to provide her best efforts and expertise to OCA Las Vegas, and to continue growing this organization.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2024
Go-to boba drink: Honey milk tea with boba 75% sweet

Brooke is currently attending UNLV in my first year as a Public Health Major. Coming from a mixed racial background and being born and raised in Las Vegas, Brooke has always enjoyed learning, helping, and meeting people from all different backgrounds. Through her education and her time involved in OCA, she hopes to find ways to better the health of the community by advocating and researching, and shine light on issues surrounding underserved and underrepresented minorities. Brooke hopes our community can approach life from a health-equity, fair and diverse mindset like she tends to and hope that the growing AANHPI community can serve as a voice for everyone in the community, no matter the differences that come with.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2024
Go-to boba drink: Caramel milk tea with boba

Alyssa Mangaya-Ay is happy to join the YLC Committee. She is passionate about medicine and finds joy in singing, dancing, and cherishing moments with her friends and family. She is truly excited about this opportunity to create meaningful connections within the AAPI community and hopes to inspire and uplift others through her involvement.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2024
Go-to boba drink: Peach/mango milk tea with boba

Stephanie Le is a high school sophomore at Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas. She is a staunch advocate for youth and the AANHPI community, using her leadership positions within her nonprofit organizations to create change. Stephanie is also active inside her school, having leading roles in DECA and Student Council. In her free time, she enjoys reading WEBTOON episodes, trying out new food recipes, and spending time with her loved ones. Stephanie envisions a future for every AANHPI to feel a sense of belonging within our community.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2024
Go-to boba drink: Thai Tea with egg pudding or boba

Jerwin Tiu is a first year Master of Public Policy candidate at the Harvard Kennedy School. He was born and raised in Las Vegas, recently graduating from UNLV as Summa Cum Laude. As an undergrad, he participated in several varying endeavors like interning for the Super Bowl, conducting research for NASA, being an Oral Historian for Las Vegas’s AAPI community, and speaking at the White House on the most pressing issues for college students. Jerwin now participates as a fellow for the Harvard Kennedy School’s Economic Development Seminar. Jerwin is broadly interested in resource accessibility, sustainability, and technological innovation and is deeply passionate about advocating for the AAPI community and those in need. He hopes to bring what he learns in at Harvard back to Las Vegas to become a more effective practitioner in effecting concrete and sustainable change. Above all, Jerwin hopes to work at the crossroads of kindness and compassion in everything that he does.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2024
Go-to boba drink: Hong Kong Milk Tea, 50% sweet

Landon Tsang is a senior at West Career and Technical Academy. He is passionate about engineering and hopes to become a biomedical engineer. He loves running, basketball, 3D art, and writing. Landon hopes to raise awareness about AAPI issues and learn more about leadership and social advocacy.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2024
Go-to boba drink: Honey milk tea 50% sweetness

Annie Wang was born and raised in Las Vegas, fostering a deep connection with the community. She recently graduated from UNLV, receiving her Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health with University Honors. She aspires to become a Physician Assistant, focusing on the healthcare of the underserved AAPI community. Annie also enjoys playing tennis, playing the piano, and scrapbooking. She hopes the up and coming generations embrace their identity, and work to fight for their rights and the possibilities that they can achieve.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2024
Go-to boba drink: Thai Milk Tea

Born in the Philippines, Roy Margallo immigrated to New York and finally settled in Las Vegas. As a senior in UNLV, he is pursuing bachelor’s degrees in economics, computer science, information systems, and real estate. Roy aspires to become a full-stack data scientist, start his own company, and eventually contribute to the development of the Philippines. He spends his time as an officer in the Rebel Venture Fund and Real Estate and Business Society at UNLV. In his free time, he enjoys coding, reading business books, and knitting scarves for his dog. By joining the Youth Leadership Committee, he hopes to contribute to the warm and inviting culture of OCA he experienced as a mentee.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2024
Go-to boba drink:  Brown sugar boba with creme brulee

Introducing Robert: part time thrillseeker, full time learner! As a senior at Ed W. Clark High School, Robert is very passionate about the finance industry and advocacy in his community. He loves learning new things and furthering his knowledge through things like his work with G2Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to providing resources to underprivileged children, and Nevada DECA, where he serves as 1 of 6 elected state officers. He’s very passionate about AAPI advocacy, and currently works with One APIA Nevada to increase civic engagement and advocate for policies that benefit the AANHPI community. He hopes to eventually pursue a career in finance and community work to amplify as many voices as he can. For fun, Robert loves spending time with his friends, playing sports, and binge watching TV shows.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2024
Go-to boba drink: Brown Sugar/Tiger

Zailee Barfield is a junior at Liberty High School and was born and raised in Las Vegas. She wants to pursue a career in accounting or business management. Her hobbies include being physically active, singing, and spending time with family and friends. Zailee aspires to build new connections within the AANHPI community and aid in its advocacy.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2024
Go-to boba drink: Strawberry Matcha from Brew Tea

Ethan Phui is a second year business student at UNLV. He is likely the world’s greatest Sacramento Kings fan, boba tea enthusiast, RNB listener and D-1 yapper. When Ethan is locked in, he is passionate about personal development, community, service and most importantly family time.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2024
Go-to boba drink: Taro milk tea

Brianna Sorrillo is a senior at Bishop Gorman High School and is planning on studying architecture in college. She usually spends her free time reading, creating music, and playing sports. Being half-Filipino in the US, it has been important for her to continuously connect with and learn more about her culture. She always strives to give back to the community and especially enjoys participating in events with OCA! She looks forward to meeting people apart of the AAPI community and wants to help strengthen their representation and appreciation everywhere.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2024
Go-to boba drink: Mango green tea with boba and mango stars

Clarisse Andrada is a public health major at UNLV, aspiring to reduce the gaps in healthcare and become an OB-GYN. She began with OCA Las Vegas as a Mentee in their 2024 Mentorship Program and is ecstatic to serve on their Youth Leadership Committee! Clarisse is dedicated to giving back, acting as the secretary for Hearts for the Homeless UNLV, and frequently volunteering in her community. In her free time, Clarisse likes to create — participating in artistic endeavors like singing and dancing whenever and wherever she can. Her ultimate goal is to become a role model for others, using her skills to advocate for the AAPI community and highlight the voices of the generations after her.

Mentorship Program Cohort: 2024
Go-to boba drink: Matcha milk tea with boba

Kaoni-Ville Logan is a senior at Beacon Academy of Nevada. She was born in California, but moved to Las Vegas 6 years ago. Kaoni wants to pursue a career in business management. She joined OCA in 2024. Kaoni wants to be more involved in the AAPI community, by inspiring, and encouraging others, by using her platform.