Our Team

Get to know us!

Jiawei (Eric) Zhang

President

Eric is a senior at BASIS International School Park Lane with a deep commitment to advancing health equity and wellbeing among Asian youth athletes. Growing up in Shenzhen’s rigorous academic environment, he saw how pressure, poor nutrition, and cultural stigma around mental health harm teenagers’ growth. When a close friend faced anxiety and burnout, Eric began self-learning Python and C++ to explore how technology could make wellness support more accessible.
As both a student-athlete and researcher, Eric noticed that many Asian athletes lack tailored guidance that respects cultural dietary habits and emotional needs. This insight led him to study exercise medicine and nutrition, integrating scientific understanding with empathy. Drawing from his academic experiences at Wake Forest, UC Berkeley, and UCLA, Eric now focuses on promoting holistic, culturally grounded health solutions that empower young athletes to perform—and live—sustainably, with confidence and balance in both body and mind.

Sissi Li

Co-Founder

As an athlete committed most of my life to being an Artistic swimmer, I began my swimming journey at around 8 years old. My partner and I came in sixth place at the tournament held in Slovakia in August.
Although I didn’t go home with any shiny medals, I felt it was an honour to represent my country at a top-tier competition Sometimes, people think my sport is easy, because synchronized swimmers are always smiling. With a strong background in swimming, many of my friends thought the discipline would be easy for me to pick up, but I know the Olympic sport requires skills from three separate fields – swimming, of course, but also gymnastics and ballet.
Though travelling between Hong Kong and Shenzhen for training is exhausting, but it's all for the love of the sport. I hope to bring my energy to build a community where members are supported, embraced, empowered, and feel belonging and connection.

Nava Modanlou

Co-Founder

My name is Nava Modanlou and I am currently a rising senior at the Madeira School. Throughout my athletic career, I have been inspired by countless hard working teammates, coaches, and friends to help create the Asian American Athlete Alliance. I came to athe understanding that Asian American athletes face a specific set of expectations and struggles when it comes to academic versus athletic careers. Many are pressured to achieve academic distinction while simultaneously striving for athletic excellence. I often experienced many of my peers getting caught up in their struggles to achieve their best, while mental and physical health were overlooked. Although every circumstance is special, I wanted to foster an environment in which Asian American athletes would feel comfortable coming together in support of one another.

Nobel Zhou

Co-Founder

As a female basketball player with no height advantage, I once doubted myself. However, I realized that I would likely be quicker than my taller counterparts if I had developed my quickness and agility. Now I am lightning-fast and an excellent scorer in competitions. Many things throughout life teach us lessons and morals.
Fortunately, I learned some precious lessons doing something I loved. When I first started playing basketball, it was just a hobby. Looking back, I have realized all the sport has provided for me, not only in my personal life but also in my professional life. I learn a lot when I keep going and decide not to give up. I can learn that there are hidden strengths and potential within me. I hope to bring the spirit to empower more athletes in my community.

Jiawei Bio

Dongchen

Co-Founder

My dream, ever since I was young, was to be a professional football player. I have loved the game of football since I was a little kid because it’s a good sport, and I can tackle the player and do anything in the sport as long as I follow the rules. Growing up around sports my whole life was so fun for me, loving to compete with others was the best feeling ever. As an international student in my high school, I can relate to the challenges facing Asian athletes. We are seen as perpetual foreigners. It’s our responsibility to address prejudices within our own communities and stand alongside our partners in the multi-racial community to dismantle the systems that advance an unequal society. I hope to stand united against discrimination and violence and welcome those who can help people in my community thrive.

Hi, my name is Dongchen, though you can also call me Matthew. I’m both a wrestler and a scientist, and I’m passionate about combining these two aspects of my life. Sports have always played a major role for me, and through my experience as an athlete, I’ve seen firsthand how neglecting wellness can affect student athletes. That’s why I joined the Asian American Athlete Alliance (AAAA). Our mission is to build a network of support for Asian and Asian American athletes, helping them achieve their highest potential both in sports and in life. We strongly believe in the power of athletics to teach essential life skills from a young age, and we advocate for every child--regardless of race, gender, class, or ability--to have access to positive and enriching
athletic experience.