Meet the Team
Founder/CEO
Ashley Chon
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Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, 12th
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Ever since I was young, my father and I went hiking all across the country. From the Appalachian to the Rockies, I have enjoyed every trail. But with more hiking experience, I started to recognize flaws in the sceneries I trekked past--trash, littered to the point where it was practically embedded into the mountains and streams.
We are blessed with beautiful scenes and hiking trails but what we give in return is plastic bottles, crushed styrofoam plates, and tin cans. From these observations bloomed Hiking Heroes. Originally a hiking club, as my passion for protecting the environment grew, Hiking Heroes began initiating environmental action as well. I hope Hiking Heroes inspires others to maintain a healthy well-being while being aware of today's environmental issues.
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Co-President
Joshua Lee
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Oakton High School, 12th
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The volunteering service experience I gained throughout my two years in high school has shifted my passion towards solely dedicating myself to helping others. Whether it's picking up a single piece of trash along a hiking trail or raising hundreds of dollars to fund national charities, each act of compassion has only made me wonder what I can do to make at least a little bit of difference in transforming society into a brighter place. I received the privilege of joining Hiking Heroes in 2020 and have risen from being a regular member to a project coordinator last term, and now I am the president. As Hiking Heroes has always remained a club in which environmental preservation and support towards broader issues remain the core of what we do, we look ahead to not only picking up trash like we consistently did in our local parks but also to expand upon our impact on a greater scale. Therefore, I pledge to lead in carrying out our core values as a club and also to expand upon my passion to support more people in need.
Co-president
Evan Lee
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Langley High School, 12th
Saving the environment takes more than one person: The whole world has to unite and emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship. Since my youth, I was exposed to several environmental problems, whether it be witnessing small-scale littering in local parks or researching the diverse causes of climate change. As I grew curious, I intended to become more proactive about protecting our Earth. I eagerly joined Hiking Heroes in 2020 as a regular member ready to make an impact through the power of collaboration on a global scale. After 2 years of being an active member, I was given the privilege of serving as Hiking Heroes’ president for a term, managing fundraisers, hikes, and taking part of the annual summer bulletin. As I move into my second term, I wish to implement more projects aimed towards local legislation as well as removal of invasive species to save our parks and trails. As President, I vow to lead a united front that solves environmental issues while also mobilizing inspired individuals who – as I once did – want to become part of something bigger than themselves and do so proactively.
