Voices in Liberty - Free Speech Brochure
Amaris Y., Leslie C., Reed K.
Student led and ran, we are a project dedicated to advocating for freedom of speech and first amendment rights through advocacy and education initiatives.
Voices in Liberty offers a range of accessible resources designed to educate and empower students and communities to protect free speech and civil liberties. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or advocate, these tools help bring the conversation on liberty and expression to your community.
Fish With Legs - Gentrification Documentary
Coming Soon
Taiki E., Owen H., Anju H., Audrey K., Ellis K.
Fish with Legs focuses on themes of gentrification, immigration, and cultural preservation throughout Little Tokyo. Like a fish with legs, we believe that our group and Little Tokyo itself are constantly evolving, even in the face of challenges.
Our documentary explores the impact of gentrification on Little Tokyo, one of the most endangered historic neighborhoods in the United States. Through the voices of business owners and community leaders, we highlight the ongoing fight to preserve its rich cultural heritage while balancing survival and advocacy.
Threads of the World - Immigrant Rights Workshop & Event
Thanathai S., Ethan L., Katie L., Sabrina S., Chelsea C., Evelyn L., Maleeya M.
We are a passionate group of high schoolers, united by our commitment to making a difference in our community. Together, we are organizing an impactful public event that celebrates the richness of our diverse cultures while shining a light on the pressing issues of racial injustice and immigration rights.
“Threads of the World: A Multicultural Celebration” aims to combat racial injustice by weaving together the filaments of global cultures within our community, creating a tapestry of shared stories, traditions, and diverse voices. Now, it is imperative that we come together as a community amidst the increased stigma surrounding immigration. This is why we hope to foster understanding, appreciation, and unity among people of all backgrounds by celebrating cultural differences through speakers, performers, and workshops.
Empower Her Rights - Reproductive Rights Fashion Apparel
Angela J., Athena K., Jacqueline S., Safia Y., Natalie Q.
We are a group of high schoolers in the 2025 Kizuna Leadership in Action program. Our topic is reproductive freedom, and with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we aim to promote female reproductive rights through fashion apparel.
Behind the Story - Disability Rights Documentary
Coming Soon
Taylor N., Jayden L., Dennis L., Yoshiko M.
Our organization, Behind the Story, is focused on raising awareness about disability rights by sharing the experiences of individuals with disabilities. Through personal testimonies, we aim to create a documentary that highlights the challenges, achievements, and daily lives of the disabled community.
By engaging diverse voices and collaborating with advocacy groups, we strive to drive change, inspire action, and promote inclusivity. Our goal is to educate, encourage advocacy, and foster a society where every story is valued, every voice is heard, and all individuals can thrive without barriers.
Behind the Story - Disability Rights Poetry Book
Emma M., Mana I., Kaydyn M., Siddhi K.
We are the Book Team for our Behind the Story organization. We hope to spread awareness of different disabilities and special needs, create an environment where people with conditions can be represented, and change the stigma regarding disabilities and different needs. We wish to represent all individuals of all ages and conditions, and provide them a spotlight to share their story.
Project Heirloom - Racial Justice Interactive AI Webpage & Curriculum
Kira L., Maya N., Rebecca C., Audrey N., Allison L.
Project Heirloom’s mission is to preserve and share stories from the Japanese American incarceration during World War II through interactive AI technology. By bringing firsthand accounts to life, we provide students and educators with a deepened understanding and empathy for those impacted by civil liberties violations. Just as an heirloom is passed down through generations, we want to ensure these stories live on forever.
We use StoryFile’s Conversa AI technology, which powers an interactive storytelling experience like never before. This cutting-edge technology allows users to ask questions and receive responses from pre-recorded video interviews, making it feel as though they are having a real conversation with those who lived through history.
Unspoken Women - Women’s Rights Art Gallery
Alisa B., Elaine S., Amaya N., Emily G., Elly L.
We are 5 teenagers who have a dream that women would be less unrepresented! That’s why we started “Unspoken Women.” We are a way for women who aren’t talked about enough to finally be seen for the work that they have done.
Our goal is to put on a pop-up art gallery showcasing amazing women throughout history and currently. Through the medium of an art gallery, we wanted to display writing, give others a chance to contribute, and support women artists.
Anonymous, 2024 Leadership in Action Participant
“I loved being able to step out of my comfort zone and embark on a meaningful project through ways I never could have otherwise had the opportunity to do. Additionally, being surrounded by a group of people who are also driven to make a positive impact on our community made me feel like I belonged there.”
Anonymous, 2024 Leadership in Action Parent
“I love that your program allows our kids to experience real world struggles through their group projects - negotiating differences of opinions, project planning, managing a real budget, pivoting when faced with adversity, moving on from disappointment - but all within the safety rails of having mentors nearby. Thank you for providing the opportunity for our kids to explore their community, discover their interests, and find their place in it in order to develop their own voice.”
Sophie, 2023 Leadership in Action Participant
