Sonia Li

Passionate high school student with experience in advocacy, policy, and leadership. From speaking at the UN to organizing campaigns and presenting research, I combine curiosity with a passion for advocacy to lead projects that promote equity, empower youth, and create real impact.

a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp

Leadership & Advocacy

Youth Action Institute Fellow (2024–2025):

Selected as 1 of 15 fellows for a nine-month LGBTQ+ advocacy program. Conducted independent research on Asian and Asian American cultural stigmas around homosexuality, partnered with The Moth to share stories of growth, and presented findings to policy leaders.

Bella Abzug Leadership Institute (2024):

Completed an intensive two-week leadership and debate program for underrepresented girls. Earned 2nd Place as Top Speaker in the final debate tournament. Participated in International Girls Day at the United Nations and youth-led town halls.

Supported campaigns for Alexa Avilés, Shahana Hanif, and Zohran Mamdani through canvassing, phone banking, voter outreach, and community engagement.

TreeAge Campaign Organizer (2025):
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp

Academic Programs

a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
Wharton Global Youth – Leadership in the Business World (2025):

Led a team analyzing DoorDash’s acquisition of Deliveroo, winning 2/2 debates on corporate strategy. Delivered final recommendations to improve competitive advantage.

Economics for Leaders (2024):

Awarded a $1,300 scholarship to attend this selective program applying economic analysis to public policy.

Wharton Global Youth – Essentials of Finance (2024):

Explored risk and return, equities, and corporate accounting. Delivered a final presentation evaluating Nike’s stock and ESG performance.

Baruch College STEP Academy (2024):

Studied Psychology: Human Development and Environmental Policy and Justice in a pre-college STEM program.

a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
Baruch College Now (2024):

Studied Psychology: Human Development and Environmental Policy and Justice in a pre-college STEM program.

Experience

New York County Defenders (2025–2026):

Currently shadowing and interning with public defenders, supporting case preparation and observing courtroom processes.

Teaching Assistant – Algebra 2 (2024–Present):

Selected by teacher to tutor peers twice weekly, helping classmates master difficult concepts.

Managed boys’ and girls’ fencing teams across three seasons, coordinating tournaments, practices, and events. Boys’ team won 1st Place in City Championships (Fall 2024).

Fencing Team Manager (2023–2024):
Sparks Within Reach Tutor (2023):

Chosen as 1 of 15 tutors for a six-week internship at P.S.188, working with 2nd graders in English, math, and social-emotional activities.

OnTreasure.xyz Content Creator (2024–2025):

Filmed and edited promotional videos at NYC card shows, collaborating with diverse audiences to create engaging media.

Skills & Interests

Debate, public speaking, research, tutoring, video editing

a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
Skills:
Interests:

Political science, public policy, economics, advocacy, education

Sonia Li