We all have a story to share. Our stories show who we are and develop our individual identities. These stories may take form as lifelong biographies, short experiences, art and photography, or even a dessert recipe we love. The Diversity Story is a platform that allows people to submit and share stories of culturally diverse experiences around the world. Sharing our unique stories connects people from all generations and cultures. Some stories have the ability to educate others about different lifestyles, unique experiences, or various global issues. Other stories may serve to inspire others to take action and change the world. Stories may also empower readers to embrace their own identity and share stories of their own. Through reading and sharing our stories, we can help create a more educated, compassionate, and well-connected world.
ELEANOR PARK
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Growing up among three cultures (Chinese/Korean/American), Eleanor has always been interested in cultural identity and its influence on life. Through one formative conversation with an international friend, she realized how valuable it was to hear everyone's unique stories and developed the vision for The Diversity Story. She wants this platform to provide a place where people can share and read others' stories and experiences since they are often unheard. Other than writing, editing, and interviewing people for The Diversity Story, she enjoys playing piano, painting, and fencing.
EMILY DJOHAN
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Emily was motivated to join the Diversity Story team as a result of where she was raised. Growing up in New York, she has met so many people with so many differences from herself. She wants to embrace these differences and spread a sense of love and acceptance for all of these cultures. Therefore, she decided to become a part of the Diversity Story team! Other than being an advocate for spreading love for different cultures, Emily enjoys the magical world of theatre and music.
ALLISON MI
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Having always been immersed in various cultures from the cosmopolitan one of Montreal to the vivacious one of her Chinese heritage, it was a no brainer for Allison to join the Diversity Story. She hopes that the Diversity Story also gives others that same chance to share their unique stories, whether it be through writing, visual arts, or simply raw ideas. When not finishing up school work, you can find her snuggling with her chubby cat, binging Gossip Girl, or spending time with family.
SUZANNE VO
SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR
Suzanne joined The Diversity Story to expand her worldview to new cultural perspectives and to help others do the same. She is so excited to read and share stories that reflect people with entirely different walks of life! Suzanne hopes The Diversity Story can show readers that all cultures are beautiful, unique, and worthy of being embraced! In her free time, Suzanne enjoys music, theatre, and being mediocre at Duolingo.
.jpg)
CAMILLE ZHOU
RECRUITMENT DIRECTOR
Situated in Montreal, Canada, Camille joined The Diversity Story in hopes of helping raise more awareness about diversity, and she aims to contribute to the growth and reach of the organization. She absolutely loves learning about cultural traditions and is fascinated by the vast differences between each culture, and can’t wait to be a part of The Diversity Story to help spread stories about those cultures! In her free time, you'll find her most likely writing, reading, scrolling through YouTube, or sleeping in the library.
PRABHPREET GILL
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Prabhpreet Gill is located in Vancouver, Canada. His passion for culture and exploration made him join The Diversity Story, as he loves to learn and enhance his horizons of what culture means. Balancing his heritage of punjabi culture while living in Canada has truly broadened his perspective towards diversity and embracing all sides. Prabhpreet loves to swim, travel and dream of the future.
GERALD GAO
OUTREACH DIRECTOR & STAFF WRITER
Gerald is from China and came to the US in 2019. In China, he studied at a public school in Qingdao. He currently lives in Winchester, Massachusetts and goes to school in Connecticut. He plays sports, piano, and likes to create artwork in his leisure. Gerald loves to write and share the culture of his country, city and town.
KATE WEXELL
Kate is a senior at O'Fallon Township High School and a piano teacher in the St. Louis metro area. Due to her relatives living in a Swedish colonial village in Northern Illinois and her living in a largely German region, she has grown up attending different ethnic festivals and taking interest in the traditions from her cultures, along with others. A large supporter of education, she believes that encouraging people to learn more about other cultures will not only increase well-roundedness, but also promote harmony amongst humanity. Apart from writing, Kate enjoys playing piano, a multitude of brass instruments, photography, baking, and genealogy.
.jpg)
BREANNA BURKE
Breanna is a junior at Campion College in Kingston, Jamaica. She has always been fascinated by the way in which our cultures shape us as people. Breanna joined The Diversity Story as she believes that it is important to create a space that highlights the beauty of various cultures in order to promote acceptance and understanding. Through her writing, she hopes to show that our differences have the power to unite us. Along with being a passionate writer, she is an avid crocheter, photographer and film buff.
FIZZA AYUB KHAWAJA
Fizza is from Lahore, Pakistan and is currently doing her A'Levels (translation: senior year). Through The Diversity Story she wants to educate people about Pakistani culture and their norms. Seeing the misinformation that global media spreads, Fizza wants to raise awareness about the reality of her country which is very different from the global perspective. Other than being an avid reader and a passionate writer she enjoys doing art, graphic designing, volunteering at non profits and binge eating KFC.
.jpg)
AJA LYNN
Aja Lynn is a junior at Hampton High School in the Pittsburgh area. She believes that there is immense value in everyone’s personal story and loves learning about others’ cultures. She finds it fascinating to see how shared culture allows communities to become families and how taking time to understand different cultures fosters empathy, appreciation, and awe. She is eager to learn alongside of the readers of The Diversity Story, to find better questions to ask, and to discover new ways to celebrate others. Her favorite way to wrestle with her thoughts is through spoken word poetry, and performing has a special place in her heart. Whether it be in the musical, through her church, or at a speech and debate tournament, she loves finding new spaces to engage with other voices.
YU XIAO
Yu is a freshman at North Allegheny Intermediate High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She believes that culture plays a vital role in connecting people because it encourages mutual respect and reflects values. Inspired by the various cultures around her, Yu hopes to acquire more perspectives by joining The Diversity Story. She is excited to learn with readers, foster compassion and pride, and deepen her connection with her own identity. Yu enjoys playing flute, reading, baking, and spending time outdoors.
Sharing culturally diverse stories to educate, inspire, and empower others
