At Northside, students are going above and beyond to create change in their communities—and even the world. From fundraising for international nonprofits to organizing city-wide cultural performances, their efforts show how passion and initiative can create remarkable impact. 

Turning Vacation into Advocacy: Eleshaday Mengiste (‘25) 

For Eleshaday, a family trip to Ethiopia became an opportunity to give back— effort that have gained her national recognition. Recently named a Coca-Cola Scholars Program Semi-Finalist, she stands out for her dedication to service and global health.

While visiting Ethiopia, Eleshaday volunteered with the Mathiwos-Wondu YeEthiopia Cancer Society (MWECS), an organization that supports families of children with cancer. During her time there, she connected with families, played with kids, and worked closely with social workers and oncologists.

One moment particularly stood out to her: “I overheard the staff saying they didn’t have enough food for the week. It was heartbreaking to realize how underfunded they were.” 

Motivated to help upon returning home, she organized a charity soccer event with the Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago. The event raised around $3,000 for MWECS, a success that highlighted how local efforts can have global impacts.

Her advice to peers? “Take initiative. Whether it’s searching for opportunities or talking to role models, anyone can make a difference.”

Fostering Community and Cultural Connections: Noah Hong (‘25)

For Noah Hong, celebration and connection across Chicago’s Asian Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities has been a driving force behind his leadership in the Asian Pacific Islanders Teen Alliance of Chicago (APITAC). This organization unites teens from across the city to plan cultural showcases and events, amplifying AAPI voices and fostering collaboration among schools and neighborhoods. Students may know APITAC from its annual Summer Showcase, which highlights dance clubs across Chicago at the Chinatown Summer Fair. 

Noah’s journey with APITAC began in his freshman year, when he performed at their annual collaborative showcase and Chinatown fair. Inspired by the experience, he realized the organization had untapped potential to engage more schools beyond Chicago selective enrollment’s schools, which previously made up most of the organization’s performances. This vision to expand inclusivity has been his guiding mission as this year’s Co-President in APITAC.

Reflecting on what he’s gained through his involvement, Noah highlights the sense of community it has brought him: “I’ve met so many new people from different schools and gained new insights about our diverse city. It’s been incredible to hear everyone’s stories and see how our shared efforts bring people together.”

For students looking to connect with APITAC, Noah encourages attending their next showcase on February 15th. “Come see amazing dances and art forms celebrating cultures across Chicago!” he says.

Noah’s story is a testament to the power of cultural collaboration and how students can lead initiatives that celebrate diversity and strengthen community ties.

Empowering Refugees Through Education: Amal Ishraim (‘28)

For Amal Ishraim (‘28), making a difference starts with education. Amal volunteers at Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America (FORA), a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to ensuring refugee families have access to quality education that promotes economic self-sufficiency and civic engagement. Her work at FORA has shaped her understanding of global justice and her compassion for marginalized communities.

“I tutor students from countries like Afghanistan, Syria, and Myanmar—many of whom have faced disrupted education systems in their homelands,” Amal shares. “One of my first students, Maryam, was a 13-year-old refugee with limited English skills. Helping her learn to read and solve math problems was humbling and inspiring. It taught me patience and showed me the privilege of growing up fluent in English.”

Amal’s involvement at FORA has deepened her commitment to service and leadership. She reflects on how these experiences connect to her future aspirations in engineering and the arts, fields where innovation and creativity can drive global change.

“Volunteering has challenged me emotionally and intellectually,” she explains. “I’ve learned to communicate across cultural barriers and come up with creative solutions to support my tutees. These experiences have motivated me to help refugees pursue their dreams and opportunities.”

Amal encourages her peers to get involved, emphasizing the transformative impact education can have on refugee communities. “As young people, we have a civic duty to support new immigrants and refugees,” she says. “Volunteering at FORA or similar organizations is a meaningful way to make a difference.”

Amal’s story highlights the power of education to empower individuals and foster community connections. Her dedication is a reminder of how Northside students continue to turn compassion into action, creating meaningful change both locally and globally.

Whether it’s raising funds for global health, celebrating cultural diversity, or empowering refugee communities through education, these students demonstrate that leadership starts with empathy and initiative. At Northside, the drive to make a difference is more than an individual effort—it’s a shared spirit that continues to make a tangible impact on global communities.