Our values determine our role as a positive force in society. These values, however, are not attained overnight; they result from habitual consistency. I aspire to consistently serve my community through a system of values as I look toward the future. One such value is a commitment to diversity and inclusion. I formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization CHATS (Caring for Hawaii Teens with Speech Challenges) to provide a safe place where youth with speech differences are met with acceptance and normalcy. CHATS is the first organization in Hawaii dedicated to providing support and resources for middle and high schoolers with communication challenges. As a teen with a stutter, I serve others who have also been bullied and teased for their communication differences. Though anti-bullying is condoned in today’s society, there are still areas where this message is not being heard; especially in communities where kids are mocked and teased for differences seen and unseen. Living in the most isolated populated landmass in the world, kids like me need a place where we can feel different together. CHATS is that place. A commitment to community engagement and volunteerism is another value I strive to emulate. Partnering with Mental Health America of Hawaii and the Hawaii Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, I presented a message of empathy and anti-bullying to over 5,500 students and medical professionals. According to Mental Health America, youth with speech differences such as a stutter, are 61% more likely to be targeted by a bully. As a result, these targeted youth have an increased likelihood of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideations. This was the case for a young stutterer whom I recently met. His non-fluid form of communication was met with ridicule from peers at school. After hearing his story, I welcomed him to our CHATS family where he is accepted with compassion. Committing to a global perspective, I first spread awareness to neighboring islands. I traveled to Hawaii island where CHATS was honored as the Aloha Pass it On! Charity of the Month. There, I spoke about my advocacy work and met with the president of the Hawaii Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, who has now become a partner. The Stuttering Foundation saw my nationally televised news story and wrote an article about me for their magazine with over 100,000 subscribers nationwide. Extending advocacy work beyond our borders, I established the “Bridge of Aloha” initiative, where I connect Hawaii-based speech and language resources to underserved youth in Kenya. In collaboration with an African-based organization and speech professionals from Hawaii, the seeds have been planted in this ambitious but much-needed project; providing resources and changing the narrative of how these kids are viewed in a culture fixated on myths and superstitions.   This value-focused road map leads to a common goal: the betterment of the world. My journey began with a dream to help others like me, followed by exploring support systems, educational resources, and collaborations, leading me to achieve things I never thought possible. Looking to my future as a college student, I plan on creating a CHATS Club in school. It will serve as a campus hub for connectivity and advocacy. I may stutter through words and phrases, but my message is clear: we have voices to be heard, and we must teach the world to listen.

My passion is to build a community of acceptance; to break the walls of misconception through education while providing support and resources for youth with speech challenges. I have had a stutter for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, my communication difference was met with bullying and teasing. At age 14, I began looking for a support group for teens like me in my community. To my surprise, there were no such organizations in Hawaii. That propelled me to create a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called CHATS (Caring for Hawaii Teens with Speech Challenges); providing a safe place where youth with speech differences are met with acceptance, respect, and normalcy. CHATS is the first organization in Hawaii providing support and resources for middle and high schoolers with communication differences. Living in the most isolated populated landmass in the world, kids like me need a place where we can feel different together. CHATS is that place. As founder, president, and lead advocate, I partner with Mental Health America of Hawaii and the Hawaii Speech-Language-Hearing Association, to present a message of acceptance, empathy, and anti-bullying. According to Mental Health America, youth with speech differences are five times more likely to be bullied. Youth with a stutter, are 61% more likely to be targeted by a bully. As a result, these targeted youth have an increased likelihood of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideations. This was the case for a young stutterer whom I recently met. His non-fluid form of communication was met with criticism and ridicule from peers at school. After hearing his story, I welcomed him to our CHATS family where he is accepted and heard with compassion.   I have presented to over 5,500 students, parents, teachers, and medical professionals in my community. I organize monthly events, support group sessions, board meetings, and CHATS fundraisers. I also lead CHATS team members; teens who serve as our event volunteers. Thanks to a soon-to-be published article in the Stuttering Foundation Magazine, my message will spread to over 100,000 households nationwide. Now, through my “Bridge of Aloha” project, I am connecting Hawaii-based speech, language, and hearing resources to underserved youth 10,000 miles away in Kenya.   My journey began with a passion to help others like me, followed by exploring support systems, educational resources, and collaborations, leading me to achieve things I never thought possible. I will continue to utilize my speech challenge as a beacon of strength for others. I may stutter through words and phrases, but my message is clear: we have voices to be heard, and we must teach the world to listen.