About me
My name is Yushan Li, a first-generation Asian American from Queens, New York. I am the proud child of immigrant parents and carry with me a legacy shaped by resilience and perseverance. Growing up below the federal poverty line, I have always been deeply committed to advocating for social change. My passion for policy revision and public defense has driven my work, particularly in championing the needs of NYC’s youth.
I belong to and represent diverse communities that inspire, excel, and uplift. My cultural heritage and identity fuel my motivations and instill a strong sense of belonging wherever I go. As a youth representative, I remain dedicated to building a progressive future for the generations that follow. The work I have accomplished is not the sum of who I am, but rather a reflection of my abilities and aspirations.
Extraccuricular
I re-founded BTHS GlamourGals chapter, a club that supports intergenerational connectivity between young people and the elderly. I was the president of the chapter and now an alumni that continues to support the organization and its mission. I volunteered at many national events for GG national, like the
GLTI, My Dear Friends, and several
additional campaigns.
Bringing Joy to the Elderly!
I was a speaker for multiple AP Environmental Science events, including the World Vision Event.
I introduced the technology of hydroponics to visitors in order
to confront food insecurity in
New York City. I demonstrated
the technique of using water, instead of soil, as a nutrient rich solution. These production systems are small but costly, and are not affordable to the public. While they provide a solution to the alarming lack of food resources for NYC, they are unrealistic until further aid is provided. (Top left)
As part of the curriculum, I attended field trips to be educated on environmental careers and sustainability. On the bottom left I released trout, an indicator species, at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. On the top right I had traveled to Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant to learn about sewage treatment and careers under New York City's Department of Environmental Protection. On the bottom right, I participated in community gardening at the Rainbow Garden of Life and Health.
Yushan Li
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DRAGON BOAT is a cultural sport defined by a long, narrow, and traditionally wooden watercraft, typically manned by a team of paddlers who row in unison to the beat of a drummer. The sport dates back to Ancient China and is commonly associated with festivals, particularly the Duanwu Festival (Dragon Boat festival). I joined the team in my junior year of high school and have participated in competitions on a local, national, and international level.
I paddled competitively in 2023, with DCH Racing. The picture below is of my team at the Cooper River race in New Jersey. It was a combination of 250 meters, 500 meters, and a final race depending on qualification. The junior division placed first, winning gold.
This was taken during our Mercer County Dragon Boat Festival. It's a knockout race decided by timing, with 100 teams competing. Though we did not place on the podium, our mixed championship and women's division placed 9th. We had an incredible time competing. (I'm seated on the right.)
Achievements
I was a part of a youth research organization called Intergenerational Change Initiative (ICI). I participated in youth participatory action research (YPAR), in order to acknowledge the lives and needs of NYC youth. Our research emphasized youth experiences and confronted the system with statistics and projects. As part of the Youth Agenda, a coalition of youth organizations, I proposed recommendations to policy makers, people of authority, and public officials in order to incite change and gain recognition for young people. I am a co-chair of the Environmental Justice policy group and I have met one on one with government officials like Comptroller Brad Lander, David Khan, Sasha St. Juste, and Sam Eluto from the Public Advocate's office.
Environmental justice is something I want to emphasize throughout my academic and professional career by leading initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, advocate for equitable practices, and develop innovative alternatives to waste.
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I want to connect with professors and lawyers for part-time internship opportunities and shadow their work. Reaching out to small and mid-sized law firms battling legal issues like immigration, housing, or civil rights.
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My goal is to conduct research in social justice to create meaningful impact for underrepresented communities, amplify youth voices through communications and publications, and leverage social media to promote initiatives and programs that drive positive change.
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