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. 

Leona Ji

When I joined NanuGo Youth Society in April of 2023, I was initially hesitant to join but ultimately optimistic of the experiences that I would have due to my love of volunteering and community service. Over the years, I feel very proud of what NanuGo Youth Society has become and what it has been able to accomplish for disadvantaged people abroad. Seeing our small community flourish into something as big as what NanuGo is today makes me affirmed in my commitment to this organization all those years ago. NanuGo has given me the opportunity to work alongside people who are truly passionate about doing our best to change the lives of the less fortunate. From my personal experiences participating in the community service opportunities offered at Nanugo Youth Society, I became more open-minded and learned better to work alongside others. Additionally, the leadership experiences that I had running different programs here at Nanugo taught me to be a more responsible individual and allowed me to better develop my skills in adapting to various situations. With all that NanuGo has accomplished so far, I cannot wait to see how it will grow in the future.

Ryan Shim

Throughout my two years at NanuGo, I learned a lot from collaborating with my peers. My experiences with Nanugo have shaped my character and given me the joy of continuing to volunteer while having fun doing so. The organization allowed me to lead my group to help others while also giving the the skills to become a good leader. Joining NanuGo can help give and build upon strengths you never knew you had while also giving you a community to work with.

Donna Wi

As someone who has been a part of NanuGo since the beginning of its creation, I'm proud and honored to say that I truly love the space it has become. As I go through the journey of finding out my abilities as a leader, team member, and as a member of today's society, I find myself growing. Through the opportunities being a part of NanuGo has given me, I got to witness first hand how I could contribute back to the community and learn first hand what it means to make a meaningful impact. Along the way, I’ve gained not only valuable skills but also unforgettable memories and friendships. This experience has been both fulfilling and inspiring, and I’m excited to see how we continue to grow and make a difference in the future. 

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.

Irene Park

Joining NanuGo Youth Society has given me countless opportunities to experience new activities and grow as a leader within my club. From creating new friendly memories with those at Watered Garden Missions to packing goods for those in need, I’ve learned the importance of creating a fulfilling community full of love and support for one another. With my time spent as a part of NanuGo, I was able to experience the roles of being a member and now a PM of my club. Within these roles, I was taught the importance of community and of working together to build our personal values in addition to striving to make bigger changes as one team. As a whole, NanuGo Youth Society has supported my club and I in participating in activities that have created positive change for the community and for the world. It is a great organization that truly supports future leaders and their values.

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!

Chloe Nam

NanuGo Youth Society has allowed me to emerge as a leader to help our community. Leadership is an integral component needed in everyday life. From learning essential tasks to cleaning up our community, it is evident the amount of growth I experienced from joining this club. Community service allowed me to reshape my outlook on life and provided solutions to many challenges that hinder the growth as individuals. In other words, NanuGo ensured my attempts in improving the world around us. It is an irreplaceable opportunity not taken for granted. 

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.

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.