Summer Intern Spotlight: Angel Yuan
Hi everyone! My name is Angel Yuan (she/her), and I am ecstatic to be working with AALEAD as a DC Summer Program Intern. Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, I am currently a rising senior at Pomona College in Claremont, California, studying International Relations and French. This is my first time in the DMV, and I intend to make the most of it this summer with AALEAD.
In my fall 2023 semester, I had the opportunity to study abroad in the “City of Love” (or so they say…) at Sciences Po Paris. It was my first time in Europe, and I certainly made the most of it, traveling to twelve cities in eight countries over the span of five months. As an avid language learner, I got to practice all five languages that I know—English, Mandarin, French, Spanish, and Arabic—in a variety of settings, and I also picked up a few phrases in German, Italian, and Czech. As a strong believer in expanding your worldview through such experiences, my study abroad semester has definitely been one of the best parts of my college experience so far!
At Pomona, I am part of the Pomona College Model United Nations team, which has allowed me to travel across the country for competitions as well as cultivate a family within the Claremont Colleges. Having been a part of the team since my freshman year, I am excited to lead the team next year as its Co-President and hope to foster a fun, dynamic, and accessible team culture. I am also a Tour Guide at the Pomona Admissions Office, where I not only introduce the College to prospective families but also work with the Office to increase access to higher education for marginalized communities. Next year, I am looking forward to strengthening our tour guiding internal programming and social bonds as a Head Guide. If you or someone you know is interested in applying to Pomona College, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions! As an international student (and yes, I know that Canada isn’t all that far or different from the U.S.), I am also pretty invested in our small but mighty international student community at the Claremont Colleges.
The 2023-2024 Pomona College Model UN team!
I officially began my AAPI advocacy journey as an intern with the Chinese American Citizens Alliance - Los Angeles Lodge, before going on to join the 2023 Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) Leadership Academy, where I had the opportunity to intern at Congressman Jimmy Gomez’s (CA-34) district office. Through the CAUSE Leadership Academy, I became immersed in the world of public service and AAPI advocacy, which has led me to AALEAD. This summer, I am interning with AALEAD as part of my participation in the Conference for Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL), through which I attend weekly panels, receptions, cohort sessions, and will complete a policy research project with StopAAPIHate.
Over the years, I have also interned with various non-profit organizations, such as the Alliance for Children’s Rights, Special Service for Groups, and InReach, working in client intake, development, and translation, respectively. I am hoping to eventually pursue a career in law, although I hope to spend some time exploring my other passions such as language, education, and international affairs. Regardless of what industry or job sector I end up in, I hope to be able to serve my communities, elevate marginalized voices, and empower others to reach their potential.
In my free time, I enjoy cafe-hopping for the best matcha lattes, rewatching my comfort show Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and playing the New York Times puzzles. I also love cooking new dishes and hope to rediscover my love for baking this summer. I cannot wait to spend my summer with the AALEAD team as well as the youth in our summer programs.