Meet our leadership team.
Max Wu, President
“I have been incredibly fortunate in my life to never have to experience the difficulties I’ve seen in the world. When I came back from my volunteer trip to Ghana, I returned with a new understanding of the realities of living in extreme poverty and hardship. I decided then that volunteering my time wouldn’t be enough to resolve these injustices, even on a small scale. I started this organization not just to continue to help the vulnerable families I met in Ghana, but to help those all over the world. I hope only that those who have a desire to help make the world a fairer place will channel their aid and abilities through the World Family Children Foundation, as a vehicle to provide the right kind of change to the world. It would mean everything to me.”
Emily Lee, Vice President
“I have been a part of the Young Mentors branch ever since it started at my high school. Seeing this branch establish itself as a mere club on campus and slowly developing into a bigger and more reputable program has been indescribable, and I am forever thankful for all of the opportunities that it has brought others and myself. I believe education is the key to any kind of success, and every student deserves an equal opportunity to access resources to further their academics regardless of their family financial situation. Unfortunately, the real world often does not allow for that and forces many students from low-income families to suffer disproportionately. This is why I have been so adamant on expanding Young Mentors for the past couple of years. I am eager to take up this position in WFCF because I have seen and truly believe in the positive impact these programs can bring.”
Sudheeksha Nettam, Program Director of Young Mentors
“I have always believed in the importance of educational equity. The World Family Children Foundation, specifically Young Mentors, has allowed me to transform my belief into action. Through my roles as a tutor, school officer, and president in my local YM branch, I have seen the positive impact that YM has on children in their efforts to succeed in their academics. We get new families requesting tutoring services almost daily because they don't have the financial resources to gain proper tutoring resources. This only proves that there is a lot of ground left untouched in terms of introducing Young Mentors to underprivileged families. In my position as Director of Young Mentors, I want to spread the reach of WFCF so our organization can take a closer step to providing everyone with an equitable education. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as a leader in the WFCF to help grow Young Mentors and the positive impact it has on society.”
Raine Prieto, Deputy Project Manager of Young Ambassadors
“I have always been passionate about research, writing, and tutoring. Recently, however, I have been feeling overwhelmed seeing that I do so much, and yet, I have barely impacted the community around me long-term. WFCF has given me a way to apply my efforts to causes that benefit the disadvantaged, which a person of my privilege should be doing. After all, there is nothing better than helping our generation stride towards a future of good health, quality education, reduced inequalities, and more.”
Clara Estan, Public Relations Manager of World Family Children Foundation
"The importance of education has always been apparent to me. Growing up, I always loved to learn and I observed the remarkable changes it made to my worldview and mindset. Education is not only necessary for success in school and a career but for us to succeed as a united society. Through the World Family Children Foundation, I hope to help grant this opportunity to as many as we are able. Everyone is entitled to the resources necessary for an education, and I am honored to be able to make an impact in alleviating this inequity."
Michelle Zhang, WFCF Secretary & Program Coordinator
“It is my greatest honor to serve this team of dedicated young volunteers. Their love and care for disadvantaged children has touched me deeply; when I see that all of them have busy schedules every day and still use their spare time, weekends, and holidays to work for the organization, I am inspired. When programs and projects encounter difficulties, they never give up. I hope that my contributions to WFCF will help to reduce the heavy workload for these young volunteers, and make it possible for more young volunteers to join us in making a real impact for vulnerable children.”
Mark Zhang, WFCF China Representative
“I have been leading numerous teams of high school student volunteers from both US and China to help in Kong Zhenlan's Safe House in Shanxi, China for the last 5 years. It has undoubtedly been the most rewarding experience in my life, and I am very lucky to be chosen as the team coordinator and the representative of WFCF program in China. I look forward to continuing to serve this community and supporting the youth in China.”
Camila Guerrero, Project Manager of YA Mozambique
“Throughout my life, I moved from country to country and saw the variety of inequalities children faced in educational spheres. Upon hearing that I would be going to Mozambique, I immediately began the search for volunteer possibilities. Finally, I found Milton Mujovo’s association, Amor à Vida, and I knew this was the perfect opportunity to make a difference in my newfound community — and Young Ambassadors Mozambique was born! Our partnership strives to improve educational support, promote human rights protection, shape public policy, and provide healthcare means for children with albinism.”
Interested in joining the leadership team?
We have open positions! Find them here.
The World Family Children Foundation is always expanding. Although Young Mentors is based in the Bay Area, we have established a dozen different chapters in locations all over the United States. If you’re interested in starting a local YM chapter in your community and becoming a branch leader, our head director will guide you through the process of setting up a formal branch, recruiting volunteers, and contacting schools. Fill out this form to begin!