Michelle Yu
Founder & Executive Director
Michelle Yu is a college student, student pilot, and the Founder & Executive Director of WhaleX Arts Foundation. Her connection to aviation originated with Where Are You, Amelia?, a song she wrote with her father as “California Whale” in tribute to Amelia Earhart and her exemplary legacy of courage and advocacy. The work is now part of the permanent collection of the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. As Michelle began learning to fly and became a member of the Orange County Chapter of The Ninety-Nines, aviation became a significantly more personal aspect of her life. These experiences eventually inspired her to create WhaleX Arts Foundation to support other young women in finding their place in this field.
Today, Michelle leads the Foundation’s work supporting young women through flight training, mentorship, education, and community programs. Her experience as both a college student and a student pilot has made her more aware of and proactive about the practical challenges youth in society face, including disparities in access to education, social support, and health and safety resources. Through WhaleX Arts, she strives to make these opportunities more accessible to her community.
Isabelle Yu
Co-Founder & Youth Director
Isabelle Yu is a co-founder of WhaleX Arts Foundation and a high school student with a strong interest in medicine, community health, and service. As Youth Director, she helps develop initiatives that connect young people with health, safety, and community service opportunities.
Within the Foundation’s aviation mission, Isabelle is particularly interested in helping young women beginning their flight journey better understand aviation medical requirements and connect with appropriate resources and qualified professionals. She also supports efforts to help young people learn about recognized First Aid, CPR/AED, and emergency preparedness training that can prepare them to serve their communities.
Sofia Martinez
Aviation Program Volunteer
Sofia Martinez is a college student and an Aviation Program Volunteer with WhaleX Arts Foundation. Aspiring to become a pilot herself, she brings a genuine passion for aviation and a desire to encourage other young women to explore opportunities in flight. Sofia supports the Foundation’s aviation programs and community outreach, helping more young women discover their own path into aviation.
Dorian Sequeida
Volunteer Social Media Coordinator
Dorian Sequeida is a high school student who supports WhaleX Arts Foundation as a Volunteer Social Media Coordinator. Through social media and digital storytelling, Dorian helps share the Foundation’s mission, programs, and community impact with a wider audience. Dorian hopes to use creativity and communication to connect more young people with opportunities to explore aviation, the arts, and meaningful community service.
Lyssa Vereen
Volunteer Fundraising & Development Assistant
Lyssa Vereen is a high school student who supports WhaleX Arts Foundation as a Volunteer Fundraising & Development Assistant. She helps strengthen the Foundation’s fundraising and community outreach efforts while supporting initiatives that expand opportunities for young women in aviation. Through service and collaboration, Lyssa hopes to help turn community support into meaningful opportunities for the young people the Foundation serves.
Daniel Lowery
Community Outreach Volunteer
Daniel Lowery is a college student with a strong interest in law, public service, and community engagement. As a Community Outreach Volunteer with WhaleX Arts Foundation, he supports the Foundation’s efforts to connect with local communities, civic organizations, and community partners. Through outreach and participation in community initiatives, Daniel helps strengthen the Foundation’s local presence and supports its mission of creating meaningful opportunities for young women in aviation.
Camille Bartok
Volunteer Creative & Design Coordinator
Camille Bartok is a college student with a strong interest in creativity and design. As WhaleX Arts Foundation’s Volunteer Creative & Design Coordinator, she helps shape visual content and creative materials that bring the Foundation’s mission to life. Through thoughtful design and collaboration, Camille hopes to inspire more young people to discover aviation, the arts, and the spirit of exploration.
Tori Santana
Volunteer Design Coordinator
Tori Santana is a high school student with an interest in creativity, design, and visual expression. As WhaleX Arts Foundation’s Volunteer Design Coordinator, she helps create visual materials that support the Foundation’s programs and community outreach. Tori enjoys using design to turn ideas into meaningful visual stories and help bring a fresh youth perspective to the Foundation’s work.
Kaeli Vereen
Volunteer Outreach Coordinator
Kaeli Vereen is a high school student who enjoys connecting with people and getting involved in her community. As WhaleX Arts Foundation’s Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, she helps introduce the Foundation’s mission and programs to young people and community members. Kaeli believes that meaningful connections can bring people together, encourage participation, and turn shared ideas into positive action.
Linh Mai
Volunteer Event Coordinator
Linh Mai is a high school student who enjoys bringing people together through creative and engaging activities. As WhaleX Arts Foundation’s Volunteer Event Coordinator, she helps support the planning and organization of Foundation events and community programs. Linh hopes to create welcoming experiences where young people can participate, connect with one another, and become more involved in their communities.