Iris Clark (Host): Hi, everyone. It's Iris Clark with For the Girls Podcast with The Valentina Campaign. Today, I'm here with Tenica Zhou and Jazmin Miguel, two high school seniors who are leaders, big time leaders, and I'm so excited to have them here. They're pioneers and they're also the leaders of Heroes for Hope, which is a subset for the student visionaries of the year for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. And I am just so excited to have you both here and talk to you guys more about Heroes for Hope, all the things that you've done with it, how you started it, and how to be a leader.

So just to kind of get into it, I'd love to just hear a little bit about each of you, and also how you started Heroes for Hope. What was your inspiration and how you got involved in it? Tenica, if you want to start, and then we can go to Jazmin.

Tenica Zhou: Okay. So, hi! My name is Tenica Zhou and I am a senior at Mark Keppel High School. And I actually met Jazmin through a different program during the summer. I believe it was the summer of 2022, and it was through a Red Cross campaign called READYteens. And from there, we actually grew our friendship, and that's how we kind of started this little team called Heroes for Hope with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

So, I had a friend. He actually did the campaign a year ago, so 2023, and he actually was able to have a really fun time. And he told me about it and I was like, "Hey, I'm interested in doing this, but I don't want to do it alone," because I would say just try to have like a team. And so, me and Jazmin are really close. So, I'm like, "Jazmin, would you want to help me lead this team, create a multi-generational team to just try to do something good for the community?" And she was like, "Yes." And I was like, "Okay. Fun." And so, that's how the Heroes for Hope program kind of started.

Host: I love that. Oh my gosh, that's amazing. Okay, Jazmin, what's your little background?

Jazmin Miguel: So, my name is Jazmin Miguel. Me and Tenica met through READYTeens, and I remember her texting me like, "Oh, do you want to do this?" And I was like, "What is it?" And she sent me the link to the website, and I saw what it was. And the potential that you can do with helping others. And I was so interested and intrigued. I was like, "Oh yeah, for sure, we're going to do it." And I know Tenica, so I know her skills and I know how much she can accomplish. So, I joined her because it's just such a wonderful opportunity.

Host: I love that. You guys seem like such a great team. And it's cool that you guys were friends and then decided to do this leadership opportunity together because friends just get each other. And I can tell you guys get each other in that way and you guys can work well together. So, that's just amazing.

So now, I'd love to hear more. And I'm sure our listeners would love to hear more about what this campaign consists of. How long is it? And how are you guys doing outreach? How are you guys doing fundraising? And what's the overall end goal?

Tenica Zhou: So, our planning phase did start back in June of 2023. So, that's when we got nominated and went through that whole nomination process. And then, we actually met with our managers and they were telling us a little bit more about the campaign and how we can fundraise for that. And so, during those couple of months, we took the time to reach out to these people. We'll get these meetings set up. We'll try to do a bunch of events trying to raise money towards our end goal of $50,000. And so, right when December hit, we were like, "Okay. We got to keep rolling, we got to keep the train running." We were thinking of like, "Okay. We should just reach out to Instagram pages and the city council in our areas." We were able to do that. We were able to meet with city council members. We were able to meet Iris and the Valentina campaign, as well as Dylan. +And

when February hit, February 25th, the start of our campaign hit, we were like, "Okay. We're set. We're ready to go." We got our different items for Charitybuzz, which is an auction site. And then, right now, we're just in the middle of the campaign. So, we have a couple of weeks left. And by April 5th, that's when the whole campaign ends. And so, going back, our goal is $50,000. So, we're trying to raise money through sponsorships, so sponsorships through companies, Charitybuzz, which is an auction site that I did mention before. So, we're trying to get fun, but exclusive items for people to bid on to try to raise money through there.

And then, one special thing that our team's doing is hosting a bake sale. And we're actually going to have our bake sale this Sunday and we're collecting orders for them. And we're trying to outreach to the community and be like, "Hey, we have a bake sale and it would be lovely for you guys to come and check it out and see if you want anything," but yeah...

Jazmin Miguel: Yeah. Just adding on, we have a lot of opportunities to meet with different people. And I honestly think that it's such a wonderful thing because I personally have horrible speaking skills. I get really nervous and anxious. I stutter on my words. So, having this opportunity to speak with mayors or ex-mayors or just different people in general is something that I really enjoyed and it helps me develop my own skills, not only in English, but also in Spanish, because I've been working alongside with a Spanish-speaking community. So, I've been able to expand my vocabulary, have more of those connections, like cultural ties to this. And it's wonderful seeing how people also gather together, like, "Oh, yeah. We can help" or, as Tenica was mentioning, we have our bake sale and various people are reaching out to me saying, "How can I help?" or "I would like to purchase this" or they're just really involved and it's just wonderful seeing everybody come together.

Host: Yeah. Wow. You guys are just doing so much and I can tell you're so devoted to this campaign that you're doing. And I just love all of your hard work and I've seen it all. And I've talked to you both before about this, and I just think it's so cool what you're doing. And it's very important to have purpose in the way that you guys are and you have a driving force. You're trying to raise this money for a really important cause. And I just love all the work that you're putting into it. It's really, really awesome to see. And I'm sure it's inspirational to a lot of girls watching this as well, just seeing two girls pioneering this group. And doing it in such a great way and so impressive, all the work you're doing, the Charitybuzz and, you know, bake sale, you're doing so many different ways of fundraising, which I think is so cool.

So kind of bouncing off of that, you guys have had to come up with all these ideas on creative ways of fundraising and kind of be pioneers in that way. So, I'd just love to hear both of your perspectives on being a leader and having to kind of do this stuff and, Jazmin, as you were saying, talk to these people that are like really cool people, like mayors, that's so intimidating and kind of like nerve-wracking, even that would make me nervous. It's just kind of a lot. And so, how do you guys think you manage being a leader in these different spaces, being so young? And, you know, I just love to hear what your guys' experiences have been.

Tenica Zhou: For me, I think definitely being a leader, sometimes it can be really difficult and then sometimes it'll be really worthwhile. Because for me, I did mention to Iris before that I was a part of the color guard at my school as their captain this year. And I would definitely say that this year has been one of the challenges that we face a lot, since we didn't have a coach, as well as we had to make our own choreography, and just try to lead a team of 22 through the thick and thin, and just try to make it all the way to championships, which we did, which is really, you know, wow.

But I think sometimes there's always that hardship, that barrier that you have to overcome. And I think with the team, it's definitely something that we try to work together. If someone has differences, we'll try to work that out. If someone's not able to come to this event, that's okay. We'll tell you about what happened and just talk to you about, "Hey, we did this, this, and this," just so they can be up to speed. And that's the same thing with this team right now. And everyone in our team is either high school students, adults, or even really young. And so, we're trying to work with their schedule and just be like, "Hey, would you be able to work on this infographic?" If not, I can try to help you as well, or Jazmin can help you, or anyone else on the team can help you. And so with this bake sale that we're doing, we're just divvying it up just so everyone has like a little task to do. And if someone isn't able to do that one task, we'll offer them help or, if a team member can help them with it, then they can help them with it.

I think just working it out together is just the one thing that you can do as a leader and just put your members first over yourself. Because I think, for me, my leadership skill's like servant leadership, so I put others before me.

Host: Yeah, wow. No, I love everything that you said. Jazmin?

Jazmin Miguel: Yeah. I agree with the fact that putting others first. Also, it's like seeing what skills they bring to the table, because we're not all good at everything, to be quite honest. So if one person is really good at something, then we make sure that they're in charge of that certain stuff. Because not everyone has the same skills, and using those skills to the best of their abilities to help us as a whole is just something that's really important. Also, taking a step back as leaders, and seeing how your own teammates go and develop on their own is also something really important. Some of the teammates I work alongside separately, because I have that personal connection, which is also really important. It's not like you're like forcing them. It's like they're coming out of their own little shell and telling you, "Hey, we should do this," or "Hey, I have this idea," and hearing them out and kind of like coming as a group then and sharing those ideas and having that reinforcement on our teammates, I think, is really important too, because it encourages them to continue and be a greater part of the campaign.

Host: I love that. I think positive reinforcement is so important when you're a leader and leading the path for others in a positive way and showing that you guys can communicate with each other and work around issues and schedules and all that kind of thing is so important when you're a leader. So, I loved hearing your guys experience with that. And I'm sure, Teneca, as you were saying with like color guard, you guys are leaders in so many other parts of your life too, beyond just this campaign that you've gotten so much experience with it, which is so amazing at such a young age to get experience with leadership. It really is such an important skill to have. So if you could narrow down like the top three qualities that you feel like are important to bring forth when you're being a leader, what do you think those three would be? For me, if I were to say three, I think I would say just kind of being, as you guys were saying, positive reinforcement, being a positive role model for the people that are a part of your team. And maybe another would be obviously being inclusive, like making sure everyone feels included and making sure you build that sense of community within your group. What do you guys think?

Jazmin Miguel: Having an open mind, kind of open-mindedness to any idea that anyone has. Also, communication is a really big one. So, we have a group chat on Discord where we communicate all of the events or like, "Hey, can you do a poster for this?" And they'll be like, "Yeah," or "No." And I'll be like, "Okay, that's fine." We can work our way around it. And another word would be, I think, time management, also having that organization skill, because we are balancing a lot on our plate. Tenica has Color Guard, and then also has Red Cross, and I'm also part of Red Cross. We're within the e-board of Red Cross. And I also have other programs on the side. So, it's having a balance on everything, and also figuring out schedules and opportunities for others that fit also into their schedule.

Tenica Zhou: I think what Jazmin touched upon was something similar to me. One really big thing as a leader is organization. So, I know when when Jazmin mentioned the Discord server that we have, we have like little folders for each of our team members, their own little chat that they can just like pop questions at at any time of the day so we can like answer it whenever. And so, they find that little space really comforting instead of just reaching out through the giant chat room that we have. So, that's really good. And then, we also have a Google drive where we have all of our documents. So if members need help with their workbooks, we can just send it out to them. So, their workbooks consist of their contact lists, their emails, or whatever they're working on. It can be flyers or infographics. And so, if they ever need anything, we'll just pop them a link or, if we ever need anything from their folder, we'll either look in the folder and just be like, "Hey, can you give us a link real quick?" But yeah, I think those are the main qualities of a leader.

Host: Yeah. I think those qualities are great. They're all so important. Organization is so important, and communication, all very important things in, you know, pioneering something and creating a community within the group that you guys have made. So, I have to circle back around to your guys' Heroes for Hope. I just want to hear how you everyone listening can support you guys in donating if they can donate or, you know, getting involved by following the Instagram. What are the top ways that people on here can help you guys out with your fundraising?

Tenica Zhou: So, one way that we're trying to fundraise a lot of is through a bake sale. I'm not too sure if the podcast is going to be out before the 17th.

Host: Unfortunately not.

Tenica Zhou: So, we also have an Instagram page with all of the information that you guys can check out. So, it's @lls.heroesforhope. And so through that, it's going to tell you our Charity links as well as Charitybuzz items that we have. So, our link is in our bio and it should be an LLS link that sends you directly to our page and you can just donate through there or you can see all of the Charitybuzz items or auction items that we have that might interest you. And just a little heads up The Valentina Campaign's on there too. And we also have different council members and one ex-mayor and then one current mayor on there. And other than that, I think those are the biggest way to support. And one bigger way to support is to also share through your social media or through whatever platform that you can.

Host: Definitely. I love that. And Jazmin, if there's anything else? I think Tenica covered a lot of it.

Jazmin Miguel: I think that's pretty much it. I think the biggest outreach would be the biggest one, emphasis on outreach. Because, honestly, me and Tenica coming together and contacting our people and seeing how they also know people who want to donate to our campaign. And just seeing it grow and grow and grow, it's just something wonderful. And you may think that, "Oh, I don't know many people," but those people know people and it's a whole network.

Tenica Zhou: And I have a story about that. So, we tried to get a sponsorship, but that didn't quite go through. So, I'm not going to name drop. But through that organization, we were able to actually get in contact with the mayor, the mayor pro tem and the current mayor. And they were able to give us an auction item, like a little exclusive event, exclusive lunch. And then through them, we were able to talk to one of the vice presidents of, I believe, API, lawyer association. And we were able to get a lunch with him as well. So, there's more little networks out there. You just got to get in touch with them.

Host: Totally. And I love to see your guys' outreach, because I know we talked about this a little bit a few weeks ago. But you guys just have to email like crazy, and you guys are doing this reaching out, and you're putting in all this effort. And Jazmin, I know you were saying were learning your email skills, and learning how to kind of reach out to people. And you've seen it pay off firsthand, which is amazing. Reaching out really does help. And I hope that this podcast provides you with an even more bigger network for you guys to keep growing this fundraising and your group and support for your fundraising as well. So, word of mouth really does work. And it's cool to see that with you guys through your bake sale and all the things you guys are working on, really just reaching out to one person can snowball and really build something big, which I love.

But just to kind of close out, are there any closing thoughts you guys have on. It can be from leadership to just one piece of advice that you would give, you know, girls out there who want to be pioneers or who want to work on something that really gives them a purpose, like what you guys are doing. Do you guys have one last piece of advice to close out the episode on that?

Tenica Zhou: I think one piece of advice from me is reach out. Because you only have two options, a yes or a no. And sometimes it could be a yes, but it's okay to get nos as well. People might have, you know, other things in mind that they might not be able to support. So through this campaign, we were actually able to talk to other people. Even though we got a couple of no's, that's totally fine because we were able to have the opportunity to talk to them, learn a little bit more about their company, learn a little bit more about what they do. And in that, we were able to gain some knowledge that we can put into other meetings. And we can get like more experiences from that. So, I really think that reaching out is okay. So, just reach out.

Host: Rejection is redirection. I always say that. Rejection is not a bad thing. It's just moving you to the next step, and I think that that's such a good piece of advice.

Jazmin Miguel: I think one advice I have-- Actually, I have various advice, but I think kind of like honing it down to one is also the fact of put yourself out there because you never know what the outcome might be. It's okay to be rejected. I saw a TikTok of this girl. I know, I spent too much time in there, but this one was a good one because she said that how she was putting herself in situations to be rejected. She applied to a job where she didn't have the skills that they were asking for her, but she got hired in the job. But she's like, "Oh, just be out there." Be present is also a good one, because sometimes you think about the future and you're just like all caught up in the future or in the past, but being present is also important. Being in the moment is just something really amazing. As I see the campaign going on and, in the moments, every time I get a donation in that moment, it's just something wonderful. I smile and I'm like, "Oh my god, I can't believe I sent them a thank you text. It's like a paragraph long," but it's just I want to express to them how much this means to me and how much it also means to the people who are receiving the support by the donations that are given.

Host: Yeah. You guys are just so well-spoken and everything you have to say is so insightful and I know it can help so many girls out there who are also wanting to be pioneers and leaders. And I know they can learn so much from you. So, I'm so glad you guys could both come on today. It was so lovely to talk to you guys here on the podcast. And again, check them out on Instagram to support their campaign, Heroes for Hope. And The Valentina Campaign is all in support of them, wishing them the best in the Student Visionaries of the Year.

Tenica Zhou: And I just wanted to pop this out there, it all started off with a Stanley. That's it.

Host: It all started off with the Stanley Cup giveaway. That was it. That was the beginning. Thank you guys so much for listening. And that's all for this week. Bye guys.