A Spotlight on AAPI Youth Leadership
By Mikey J Smith
May is AAPI Heritage Month—a time to recognize and celebrate the vast contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to every facet of American life. From art and education to science, business, and philanthropy, AAPI individuals have shaped our shared story in profound and lasting ways.
But just as important as what’s been built is how it's been built: through values deeply rooted in generosity, mutual aid, and care for community. These values are alive and thriving in our work at Family Giving Tree and the partners we’re proud to work alongside.
One such partner? GLIFY (Global Leadership Initiative for Youth)—a local, youth-led organization that embodies both the spirit of AAPI heritage and the power of grassroots philanthropy.
Who Is GLIFY?
Led by Asian American high school students in the Bay Area, GLIFY creates pathways for young people to become active leaders in service, equity, and social change. The organization offers opportunities to build leadership skills and make a direct impact through community service.
GLIFY’s focus on youth agency and inclusive leadership reflects a powerful model of community-centered action. By equipping students with the tools to lead and give back, GLIFY is cultivating the next generation of changemakers. Their work shows us what’s possible when young people are empowered to lead with purpose, compassion, and connection.
Giving Back with Family Giving Tree
We get to see GLIFY’s commitment to service come to life each year during our Holiday Wish Drive. Since 2015, GLIFY members have gone above and beyond—not only collecting new toys, clothing, and gift cards for children experiencing financial hardship, but also volunteering their time to wrap, sort, and prepare those gifts for distribution.
The dedication of these youth volunteers is awe-inspiring. Many juggle school, extracurriculars, and college prep, yet still carve out time to make the holidays brighter for kids they may never meet. Their impact is deeply felt—and their example sends a message to all of us: that age is no barrier to generosity.
Rooted in Community, Driven by Purpose
GLIFY’s ongoing partnership with Family Giving Tree is more than just a seasonal volunteer effort. It’s a year-after-year commitment that reflects a shared belief in the power of collective action and giving. In a time when narratives around youth can sometimes skew toward disengagement, organizations like GLIFY remind us that the next generation is already leading—and they’re doing it with integrity, heart, and vision.
A Shared Mission, A Shared Future
At Family Giving Tree, we know that solving systemic inequities requires all of us—every background, every age, every voice. That’s why partnerships like ours with GLIFY mean so much. They show what’s possible when values meet action, and when young people are empowered to lead with heart.
As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, we honor the organizations and individuals who carry forward a legacy of giving—and recommit to building a Bay Area where every child has what they need to thrive.
