The South Coast Chinese Cultural Center hosted the Asian American Youth Leadership (AAYL) Fall Showcase on November 15, where students presented the results of three months of speech and creative expression training.
Their growth in confidence, critical thinking, and communication reflected the emerging leadership of the next generation of Asian American youth.
Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai and Councilmember Melinda Liu attended the event to show their support and commend the students’ achievements.
Rising Voices Stories Shine
From September to November, AAYL implemented a Ted-ED–based public-speaking curriculum, guided by instructors JC Fermin and Lucia Do, who led students through a structured and supportive training program.
The training guided them through narrative building, vocal delivery, and audience engagement, all within a “safe practice” environment designed to help students build confidence through trial and refinement.
Students selected topics drawn from their own lives—ranging from school pressures and family dynamics to cultural identity and community involvement.
During the final presentations, many students delivered their speeches with steady presence. Though still developing, their clarity, sincerity, and courage reflected meaningful steps toward confident leadership.
Inner Worlds Creative Journeys
During the showcase, 12th-grade student Victoria Dinh presented her community art project, “The Art of Self Care.”, explaining how she guided her peers in creating work inspired by shared experiences with cultural pressure, identity, and mental health as Asian American youth.
AAYL participants also shared how guest mentors helped them use art to process emotions, reflect on personal experiences, and recognize that leadership isn’t only spoken onstage—it can also be expressed through creative work that inspires others.
Vice Mayor James Mai and Councilmember Melinda Liu praised the program, noting that AAYL’s multi-dimensional approach gives students meaningful ways to explore themselves and develop true leadership skills.
Youth Rising Futures Leading
As the showcase concluded, parents and attendees witnessed clear evidence of the students’ growth over the past three months.
Through speech training and creative expression, students strengthened their ability to observe, reflect, communicate, and connect with their community.
Vice Mayor Mai noted that AAYL helps students build resilience as they learn to understand themselves.
Councilmember Liu emphasized that the program prepares young people to engage with their communities and step into future leadership roles.
The South Coast Chinese Cultural Center noted that AAYL will continue developing youth leadership through diverse, empowering programs.
Students’ creativity and courage show that their voices matter and deserve to be heard. The center looks forward to seeing these young leaders shine even brighter in the years ahead.
