Meet The Team
Founder + Chief Executive Officer
Keiko Rakin
Hi, my name is Keiko and I go to Alhambra High School in California! I have been writing since first grade and am currently working on publishing my first novel! I love to read and my favorite authors are Neal Shusterman, Rick Riordan, and Holly Black. I can't wait to see the amazing things YAA will accomplish and read your submissions!
Chief Administrative Officer + Chief Event Officer
Sophia Ramirez
My name is Sophia Ramirez and I am in the visual and music academies at Grand Arts High School in California. I have always loved reading and writing because I have a vivid imagination. My fatal flaw is starting books or book series and never finishing them. I am excited to have YAA as an outlet for my unrelenting habit of correcting people’s grammar and spelling.
Chief Financial Officer
Angelina Yip
Hello, I am Angelina Yip and I go to Mark Keppel High School in California. English has always been my favorite subject. Being able to express my thoughts in different ways keeps me happy and in the right state of mind. I love to collect blind boxes, especially Sonny Angels and Smiskis! YAA has so much potential to further your reading/writing adventures and I’m excited to work with you and be apart of the success YAA has to come!
Chief of Staff
Ada Tran
Hi! My name is Ada Tran and I go to Alhambra High School in California. Growing up, I entertained myself by reading and tried out writing later on. It allowed me to put my creative thoughts on paper which I really enjoyed. One fun fact about me is that I get compared to a rat because of my cheese addiction. I look forward to seeing students’ work and what becomes of YAA in the future!
Chief Operating Officer
Bonnee Song
Hey there! My name is Bonnee and I’m attending San Gabriel High School in CA. Ever since I was little, books and writing have been a safe space for me to express my opinions, thoughts, and further my sense of self. A fun fact about me is that I have my library card number memorized (don’t ask). I’m excited to work with YAA and get to know fellow writers.
Director of Communications & Outreach + Submissions & Literary Coordinator
Mari Evans
Hi, my name is Mari and I am in the theater academy at Grand Arts High School in California! I have been using writing as a creative outlet for a long time and enjoy utilizing it to express my identity and talk about issues that are important to me. My favorite genre is Mystery, and I love reading novels and plays by Agatha Christie. I look forward to learn more about writing while teaching and inspiring other young writers!
Graphic Designer + Submissions & Literary Coordinator
Emmett Lee
Hi, my name is Emmett, and I go to Alhambra High School in California! I’ve always enjoyed storytelling (either visually or through writing) and have recently started writing my own screenplay! A fun fact about myself is that I’m Korean, Japanese, and Irish. I’m excited to see the works of students of YAA as well as where the organization goes!
Chief Communications Officer
Leslie Chu
Hi! My name is Leslie and I go to Alhambra High School in California! Growing up, I always enjoyed reading and writing. I’m excited for the opportunities YAA can bring for other young writers. A fun fact about me is that I love to travel and explore new places. Looking forward to seeing the growth of students and YAA!
Podcast Manager
Linda Lin
Hello, my name is Linda and I’m attending AHS in California! I wanted to join YAA because I really enjoy reading fictional books. I want to help people so their imagination can come to life! A fun fact about me is that I love music and video games, so a lot of my inspirations come from the. Something I’m excited about for YAA is how we’ll be able to help out other youths get their stories pushed out!
Website Designer
Ivy Chau
Hi! My name is Ivy Chau and I go to Alhambra High School in California. A fun fact about myself is I love reading, my favorite genre being YA and romance. Writing and reading is something I've always been interested in as a kid. I joined YAA in hopes of giving other students opportunities to unleash their creativity and writing skills!