About

My inspiration to create Embracify Foundation began with a quiet realization that our screens were speaking louder than we were. At family gatherings and dinners with friends, I noticed how often conversations were cut short or never even started because we were too immersed in our devices. One moment I’ll never forget was sitting beside my grandparents. They spoke a Chinese dialect, and I often struggled to bridge that gap. But instead of trying, I found myself retreating into the comfort of my phone. That silence, magnified by both a language barrier and my own hesitation, made me realize how easily opportunities for connection can slip away.

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However, I wasn’t the only one holding back. I saw friends and classmates avoid raising their hands, dreading presentations, and shrinking from speaking in front of others. The accessibility of technology made it easier to hide behind screens, but the deeper issue was fear. Like many others, I feared saying the wrong thing and not being understood. Even when facing personal challenges, I struggled to speak up.

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Speech and Debate transformed that for me. It not only gave me the courage to find my voice, but also become an advocate for communication, self-expression, and human connection. Through Embracify Foundation, I strive to promote mental well-being by reducing isolation and stigma, while also providing equitable access to life skills education in public speaking, interpersonal communication, and responsible technology use. Along with my team, we work to ensure every individual to be heard, understood, and empowered.