MISSION

The mission of CAWA Youth is to empower Asian American high school students in Naperville and surrounding areas to develop leadership skills, strengthen their voices, equip them to be resilient and confident in their Asian American identity and achieve a sense of belonging. Through empowering students, we empower the community. Our program follows a strategy of adult and peer mentoring, educating, advocating and collaborating to maximize effectiveness

JOIN US: UPCOMING CAWA YOUTH EVENTS

Stay tuned for event updates beginning in the Fall of 2026. Contact us to help plan!

PAST CAWA YOUTH EVENTS

• 
  Fourth Annual Asian Youth Art Exhibition05/06/2026
  The Youth Team at Chinese American Women in Action (“CAWA Youth“) along with its partners  Naperville Community School District 203,… Read more: Fourth Annual Asian Youth Art Exhibition
• 
  Make Your Story Matter: A College Prep Workshop05/06/2026
  Check out our photos from 04/26/2026 and stay tuned for a Part 2 opportunity in Fall 2026! Background on Past… Read more: Make Your Story Matter: A College Prep Workshop
• 
  Bringing Us Together: Storytelling with Dr. Ada Cheng02/28/2026
  Workshop Highlights Dr. Ada Cheng is an award-winning educator and artist who uses storytelling to build connection and community. A… Read more: Bringing Us Together: Storytelling with Dr. Ada Cheng

YOUTH LEADERSHIP TEAM

2026

Hannah Horgan

President

Hannah is a junior at Naperville North High School and recently served as a City of Naperville intern for its Naper Settlement Board. She is also an award-winning flutist in the Chicago Youth Symphony’s flagship orchestra. Hannah loves making friends of all different backgrounds and hopes to help build an active youth community through shared experiences.

Waylen Xiong

Chair, Membership

Waylen is a junior at Neuqua Valley High School with a strong interest in mathematics and analytical problem‑solving. A Math Team and Chess Club member, he has earned top district rankings. Waylen volunteers as a teaching assistant at Ray Chinese School and enjoys violin, tennis, baking, and drawing.

Diya Marla

Co-Chair, Art Exhibition

Diya is a junior at Naperville North High School and serves as Curriculum Chair for The Mission Shanti Organization. She plays badminton for her school team, teaches art to younger students, and has featured her own work in CAWA’s Annual Art Exhibition.

Sravya Chevula

Co-Chair, Art Exhibition

Sravya is a junior at Naperville North High School and co-founder of Women Crossing Boundaries Foundation. She loves drawing and participating in CAWA’s annual Art Exhibition while also enjoying badminton and playing piano. Sravya hopes to learn about the community she lives in while also hoping to brighten it.

Sara Bansal

Chair, Partnerships

Sara is a senior at Waubonsie Valley High School and co-founder and co-president of the Asian Student Association at her school. She is an award-winning competitor in Business Professionals of America, and has earned recognition at both the state and national levels for user experience design. Sara enjoys painting, creative projects, and finding ways to bring people and communities together.