Hi, I’m Hugo Chiasson! I’m 17 and a senior at Geffen Academy at UCLA. In August 2021, I watched as the planes took off from the Kabul airport and could not help but feel like I had to do something to help all those people forced to leave their homeland, most especially the teenagers like me who would be uniquely impacted by their displacement.

I love politics, film, and learning about people and the systems around me. I am also passionate about Constitutional Law. My favorite activities are reading, working on campaigns, writing, and watching movies. Recently, I served as a Delegate to California Boys and Girls State 2023, where I was selected as one of two students to represent California as a Senator at Boys Nation this past July. While there, I presented my resolution on refugees. You can read more about it here. I’m also a member of the Olivia E. Mitchell LA City Youth Council, where I am advocating for policy on behalf of youth in Los Angeles, including refugee youth. Most of all, I hope that in the future I can help to make the systems which protect refugees function better than they do today.

Introducing Ryoji Inatsugi, a passionate solo musician hailing from Japan, currently residing in the vibrant city of Inglewood. Ryoji’s musical journey began at the tender age of 5, and since then, he has brought the joy of music to the young ones, performing for children aged 0-3 at various beautiful locations, including parks in Venice, Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, and the waterfront restaurant in Venice. His weekends are filled with the laughter of birthday parties for toddlers aged 2-4 all around town.

Ryoji’s versatile talents shine as he plays the acoustic guitar, harmonica, cajon drum, and serenades with nursery rhymes, world music, and rock tunes. His experience is not limited to solo performances; he’s been a part of various bands, exploring traditional music from Japan, Okinawa, and Africa. In 2023, Ryoji made his mark on Spotify with a diverse range of songs, from the rock anthem “Construction Song” to the lively ska track “Garbage Truck,” designed to delight children. His upcoming release, “Cry Like a Baby,” combines Japanese and English lyrics to create dance music suitable for all ages.

Ryoji’s dedication to music extends to his professional life as well, working as a drum tech at the esteemed African drum store, “Motheland Music,” in Inglewood since 2005.

In his ongoing journey, Ryoji is forming a performance band called “Ryoji and Friends,” dedicated to creating memorable experiences for families and children through the power of music. His music is a vibrant celebration of diverse influences and a testament to the universal language that connects us all.

Hi, I’m Chloe Berkowitz! I’m 17 and I’m a junior at Geffen Academy at UCLA. I became inspired to co-found our organization, “Teens at the Door,” when I was watching the news on the Taliban in Afghanistan forcing people out of their homes and country. When refugees began to travel to America, I thought about all of the teenagers just like me, who would have to suddenly adjust to such a different environment.

I’m excited to study environmental science next year in college, and to contribute to the solutions to Climate Change. Currently, I am the captain of my varsity volleyball team and I’m leading us to the semi-finals of the Regional Championship, and then to States! In my free time, I love to draw and paint.