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Meet Our Executive Team

Why do you like helping out YAPA Kids? What motivated you to join this organization?

I love giving kids an education out of school as all my life I’ve had a thirst for knowledge and want to be able to keep giving people this type of education. I attended yapa classes during covid and it really helped me pursue my want for more education and I want to be able to give back to yapa by giving a similar experience to others.

What have you learned from teaching at YAPA Kids or otherwise contributing to the organization? Have you enjoyed your time here?

I have learned how to lead a team and when to make the harsh calls that are necessary to move forward. I’ve enjoyed my time here and hope to continue leading this Non-Profit for the next 2 years.

Vice President

Abhinav Chalasani

Why do you like helping out YAPA Kids? What motivated you to join this organization?

I love helping out at YAPA Kids because it is so rewarding to give back to the community and make a difference in the younger generation. I was once a student taking Spanish and Math classes at YAPA Kids, and the teachers were incredibly kind and encouraging. I hope to do the same for my own students and be a positive influence to their academic journey. I was motivated to join this organization because I wanted to give back and I’m so grateful to have received the opportunity to support YAPA Kids on a greater scale.

What have you learned from teaching at YAPA Kids or otherwise contributing to the organization? Have you enjoyed your time here?

I’ve learned so much from my time here at YAPA Kids. From learning how to teach young students to communicating with program leads to hosting teacher onboardings, I’ve gained leadership skills and developed confidence in my own capabilities. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here working with the other members on the Executive team, teachers, and students. As a team, we work collectively to promote academic curiosity in the next generation.

Director of Human Resources

Iva Setia

Why do you like helping out YAPA Kids? What motivated you to join this organization?

Working with students and volunteers from all across the country has allowed me to get to know so many new people.

What have you learned from teaching at YAPA Kids or otherwise contributing to the organization? Have you enjoyed your time here?

Through my time at YAPA Kids, I've learned the impact of small actions whether it be checking in with members within the organization or spending 10 extra minutes playing Kahoot with my students. Going that extra mile in the smallest ways possible can make a tremendous difference. I've enjoyed my time here, and I'm so excited for what's to come!

President

Ann Mary Thomas

Why do you like helping out YAPA Kids? What motivated you to join this organization?

I like helping out YAPA Kids because the students who join YAPA Kids are highly motivated, interested, and enthusiastic. When they can't make class, they ask me to teach on another day that week. When they don't understand concepts, I have the opportunity to make those ideas click by connecting them to what they already know.

What have you learned from teaching at YAPA Kids or otherwise contributing to the organization? Have you enjoyed your time here?

From teaching at YAPA Kids, I've learned the importance of effective communication and hands-on experience. I've learned to teach with lots of energy and to connect with students past their classes, skills that were invaluable in landing me a job. I've also gained a sense of achievement that only comes from giving to others.

Director of Operations

Roland Lee

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