Meet Our Young Leaders

Connor Larkins

I had a chance to visit orphanages on a recent trip to South Korea. It was heartwarming to see youngsters striving to better themselves without the support of family. I wanted Nanugo Youth society to help the kids somehow, and that was the start of a big project for NanuGo:  an online English Summer Camp!

The importance of community service cannot be overstated! I learned a great deal about collaboration, focus, and creativity, as well as patience, communication, and positivity from my past years of community service experiences! In the process, I discovered much about myself, and I am better for it.  If you are up for the challenge of making the world a better place and learning about yourself, Nanugo Youth Society is for you!​

           Jia Yu

When I first joined the NanuGo Youth Society, I was just a quiet student who liked to blend into the background. I never really saw myself as a leader. However, through my involvement inside NanuGo, I started to learn of a different side of me– stepping up, taking initiative, and guiding the new members.

Getting my hands in the community with Nanugo members in a passionate environment, I saw myself grow in confidence as a leader. Whether organizing events, leading projects, or simply assisting members with regular tasks, I realized that leading others was not all about making big decisions but was central to listening, staying attentive, and impacting the people around me.

Working with an encouraging team allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and grow as a leader. As I continue to participate in future outreaches and opportunities, I am excited to develop essential skills and add more dimensions to myself as a member of my community.

Audrey Park

NanuGo has been my way of directly repaying my community and putting it forward. My time as a Project Manager and now a Division Manager has given me plenty of experiences where I'm able to help groups of people from the area I'm from, that I didn't even know needed help. Volunteering at places like Bracken's kitchen, helping the food insecure, and Watered Garden Mission, helping out with the mentally disabled, makes me realize that even at such a young age, there's plenty to give back. I've grown my leadership skills in being able to efficiently and effectively lead large groups of students my age for big community events. I've learned that contributing and giving back to the places that have helped me grow may be difficult, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of spaces to grow and have fun. 

Ethan Choi

Joining NanuGo Youth Society has given me invaluable opportunities to grow as a leader and contribute to meaningful service. Working with organizations like Watered Garden Missions and Bracken's Kitchen has deepened my understanding of community and the importance of supporting others. These experiences have reshaped my view of leadership, showing me that it is not about authority but about service, collaboration, and empowering those around me. Transitioning from a member to project manager has reinforced the value of teamwork and shared purpose. Leadership is not just about individual growth but about creating an environment where others can succeed. NanuGo has provided the tools and support to foster that impact, strengthening my ability to contribute both within my team and in the broader community. As a whole, NanuGo Youth Society has encouraged me to take initiative, embrace challenges, and drive meaningful change. It is an organization that cultivates future leaders, helping them develop the skills and values needed to make a lasting difference.

Josephine Bae

NanuGo Youth Society has given me countless opportunities to become a more confident leader, a proactive team member, and most importantly, someone deeply committed to serving others. Through volunteering, participating in our events, and collaborating on meaningful community events, I’ve grown both personally and professionally. I am very proud to be a part of NanuGo as it not only strengthened my skills but also deepened my passion for making a positive impact in the world. Before, I assumed that volunteering would just be busy work for hours but this youth society has taught me that it goes way beyond this, and it helped me grow as a person and learn that behind every volunteer work, there is a purpose for it to help others and to benefit the community. As NanuGo continues to evolve, I look forward to witnessing the impact our collective efforts will make in communities near and far. I’m especially excited to help YOP (Youth on Point) grow into a meaningful part of our community—one that inspires service, leadership, and lasting change.

Rebecca Park

Being in NanuGo has provided me with many volunteer opportunities as well as the chance to become a leader.  Though many might view volunteering as too much work and a hassle, they might not realize that volunteering can be fun when you're doing it together in a community.  I enjoyed talking and laughing with my teammates as we volunteered together.  I believe that by being a part of the NanuGo society, one learns a lot of responsibility and communication.  As the Project Manager of my club, communication is a key part of my role.  I hope my team and I will give back to the community while making good memories of our time together volunteering!

Jayden Lee

Taking the First Step

During my time in NanuGo, I learned the importance of making sure that no one feels left behind.

Because of our busy schedules, it was often difficult for members to gather and discuss plans together. As a result, some members felt unsure about what to do or how events would be carried out. I noticed that this sometimes led to confusion within the group.

As a leader, I tried to help by taking the initiative to check in with others and make sure everyone understood their roles. By helping organize information and keeping communication clear, I was able to support my team so that we could work more smoothly together.

Through this experience, I realized that even small efforts to support others can make a meaningful difference. When people feel more prepared and included, the entire group becomes more effective.

NanuGo taught me that leadership is not about being in charge, but about helping others feel confident and supported.

Megan Song

The NanuGo Youth Society provided me with the platform to be more proactive in supporting my community through service and volunteer work. 

I love volunteering and fundraising with my club - from brainstorming ideas, planning and preparing every step, executing sales and raising funds to donate to the needy - it’s incredibly rewarding to see our efforts come to life and make a difference together.  

NanuGo has taught me that even small efforts can create a big impact. Each initiative strengthened my responsibility and teamwork skills, and planning projects with my group has been both engaging and rewarding.  

Initially, I was hesitant about meeting new people, but the kindness and warmth shown by this organization's members made me feel welcome. I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive organization and hope to continue growing while helping to create a welcoming space for future members.