A group of six young people taking a selfie outdoors on a sunny day. The background shows a clear blue sky with wispy clouds.

Executive Team

Meet EUEC's executive team! These dedicated and successful high school students are the driving force behind our mission to empower young immigrants through education. With diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for making a difference, our team members bring a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and creativity to EUEC. They are committed to providing high-quality lessons and fostering a supportive learning community for all our students.

Meet the Team

  • A young woman with long, wavy brown hair wearing a school uniform, including a white shirt, dark blazer, and a striped tie, is outdoors with trees and another person visible in the background.

    Cindy Lin

    FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

    Cindy Lin, the founder of EmpoweredUth, EduConnect (EUEC), is a 12th-grade student passionate about creating a supportive community for young individuals. She is responsible for the overall vision, strategic direction, and leadership of EUEC and oversees all its activities. Cindy enjoys listening to music, reading, baking, and shopping. She loves working with younger kids, which fuels her commitment to building a nurturing and empowering space for all.

  • A young woman with long brown hair taking a selfie indoors. She is wearing a white shirt, a dark blazer, and a striped tie, with a neutral expression. The background includes a textured wall and a door.

    Nancy Xia

    CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER

    Nancy Xia is the art director of EmpoweredUth, EduConnect (EUEC) and an 11th-grade student. She oversees the art-related programs and initiatives, ensuring they are well-planned, executed, and aligned with the organization's mission of helping young children in our community. Nancy enjoys creating different kinds of art pieces, listening to music, shopping, and reading. She also enjoys working with younger kids and supporting them in various ways.

  • Jiayi Peng

    Jiayi Peng

    SOCIAL MEDIA LEAD

    Jiayi Peng is the marketing director of EmpoweredUth, EduConnect (EUEC) and a 12th-grade student at Oakville Trafalgar High School (OT). She is passionate about creating a supportive community for young individuals. Jiayi manages public relations, branding, and communication strategies, ensuring EUEC’s message is effectively communicated to the public and stakeholders. She also manages social media accounts and posts. Outside of EUEC, Jiayi enjoys playing badminton, drawing, painting, baking, and raising social awareness on various topics.

  • Portrait of a young Asian woman with long brown hair, smiling, wearing a black blazer with a white shirt and a pin on her lapel, against a plain background.

    Amy Yuan

    TERRITORY HEAD (CHINA)

    Amy Yuan is the Territory Manager (Head of China) at EmpoweredUth, EduConnect (EUEC) and a grade 12 student at Keystone Academy in Beijing. Fluent in both English and Mandarin, she holds a leadership position in EUEC’s outreach in China, helping connect and support young immigrants across regions. Amy loves working with younger kids and brings great energy and compassion to every project. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, watching movies and dramas, eating chips and spending time with friends and family. She wishes to help the future of EUEC in any way possible!

  • Close-up of a young woman with long dark hair, neutral expression, indoors with white walls and door in background.

    Annie Xu

    DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS

    Annie Xu is the Director of Academics of EmpoweredUth, EduConnect (EUEC) and a 11th-grade student. She empowers children through the program by emphasizing the importance of education and engaging young minds in learning. Annie is committed to fostering an environment where every child can access the support they need while maintaining personal growth. She is dedicated to building a future where young people can realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

  • Tong Li

    Tony Li is a student at Hillfield Strathallan College. Proficient in both Chinese and English, he plays an active role in supporting the organization’s daily operations and events. Tony is passionate about working with children, with a strong commitment through volunteer work, organizational support, and fostering a positive, disciplined environment. With a reputation for reliability, teamwork, and initiative, he brings energy and responsibility to every project. In his free time, Tony enjoys playing basketball, exploring music, and spending meaningful time with friends and family.

  • A young person with short, reddish-brown hair wearing a gray hoodie, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression, against a plain white background.

    Alex Sun

    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

    Alex Sun, the Administrative Assistant at EmpoweredUth, EduConnect (EUEC), is currently a 10th grade student at Iroquois Ridge High School. Passionate about building a supportive and inclusive community for young people, Alex plays an essential role within the organization. He takes the lead in organizing events, coordinating activities, and providing valuable support to team members and participants alike. In addition to his contributions to EUEC, Alex is an accomplished basketball player, skilled at playing both point guard and small forward, where his leadership and strategic thinking shine. His proactive approach, mentoring skills, and commitment to helping others make him a vital asset to the EUEC team.

  • Michael Yan

    Michael is a Grade 9 student at Appleby College, fluent in both Mandarin and English. He plays an active role in supporting program operations and engaging with young minds through leadership and collaboration. Michael is passionate about fostering smooth, effective program experiences and working with children, demonstrating his commitment through volunteer work, event coordination, and team leadership. Known for his reliability, responsibility, and initiative, he brings focus and energy to every project. In his free time, Michael enjoys playing racquet sports as a way to stay active and strengthen teamwork skills, as well as snowboarding and skiing to relax and recharge. He also has a strong passion for researching technology, where he continues to explore his deep interest in STEM. Michael will continue to help the EUEC team and program.

  • A young man with short dark hair, wearing glasses, and a patterned dress shirt, standing against a plain beige background.

    Darwin Zhang

    CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

    Darwin Zhang is the STEM department manager of EmpoweredUth, EduConnect (EUEC) and a 10th-grade student. He excels in math and coding, tutoring these subjects at school. Darwin has participated in the Waterloo math and coding contests, achieving honor roll status and placing first in his school. Outside of academics, Darwin enjoys playing piano, volleyball, 3D modeling, and making video games. He is passionate about using his skills and knowledge to support and guide students in their STEM education, ensuring they receive the help and encouragement they need to succeed.

  • A young man with black hair wearing headphones, a white dress shirt, and a black backpack taking a selfie inside a modern shopping mall or airport terminal.

    Darren Su

    OUTREACH DIRECTER

    Darren Su is the Outreach Director for EUEC and a Grade 11 student. Passionate about teaching, he leads STEM lessons in beginner coding and math. At school, he is active in Concert Band, Math Club, and Computer Science Club. Outside of school, Darren enjoys lifeguarding, swimming, hockey, and playing the clarinet.

  • Eason Chen

    Eason Chen

    PROGRAM COORDINATOR

    Eason Chen is the executive of the course management and mathematics department of EmpoweredUth, EduConnect (EUEC) and a 9th-grade student. He coordinates various educational programs and activities, ensuring they are delivered effectively and meet the needs of the participants. Eason enjoys regular walks, playing music, reading, and coding. He also enjoys working with younger kids and nurturing them through his experience in the Leader in Training program for community centres in Oakville.

  • A young man with black hair, glasses, wearing a dark suit, light blue shirt, and plaid tie smiling in an indoor setting.

    Richard Tuo

    DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

    Richard Tuo is a Grade 10 ALP student at White Oaks Secondary School and a proud member of the EUEC Marketing Team. Passionate about literature and creative expression, Richard spends much of his free time reading and writing. Outside of academics, Richard also enjoys playing video games as a way to relax and unwind. Within EUEC, his role focuses on outreach. Richard is excited to contribute his communication skills and creativity to help further EUEC’s mission.

These accomplished high school students are the heart of our initiative to empower young immigrants through education. As immigrants themselves, they understand firsthand the challenges of adapting to a new environment and navigating unfamiliar systems. With unique perspectives shaped by their own journeys, each team member brings a strong sense of purpose, leadership, and creativity to the table. Together, they are committed to delivering high-quality lessons while building a welcoming and inclusive learning community where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to succeed.