Meet Our Operating Team

Tessa Gin is a recent Loyola Marymount University graduate who manages TeachAAPI’s key event planning and marketing tasks – including scheduling, resource allocation, and logistical planning – for several of the organization’s key committees. She has gained a community-centered mindset from her leadership roles at LMU and her engagement with numerous civic organizations including Camp Kesem, Jenesse Center, and Social Justice Learning Institute. Tessa’s skills in operations, marketing, communications, digital media, event planning, logistics and organizational management have allowed her to serve as a representative for TeachAAPI at key community events, conferences, and partner events. Through these various roles, Tessa is passionate about amplifying the voices of Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities and dedicated to the mission of weaving their experiences into the fabric of our collective American identity.

Tessa Gin

Strategic Initiatives Lead

Sarah Hsiao HuYoung joins TeachAAPI with 15+ years of leadership experience in non-profit and education-related fundraising, philanthropic development & community organizing. A Baltimore native and graduate of Columbia University, she served as Assistant Director of Development of Individual Giving & Special Events at Sanctuary for Families, the largest domestic violence agency in New York City, and President of the Parents Association of Colfax Elementary, a National Blue Ribbon LAUSD charter elementary school. Sarah shares a deep passion for TeachAAPI’s mission to encourage, educate and empower our next generation of young Americans with a more truthful and complete picture of the long history and rich contributions of Asian Americans within the American story.

Sarah Hsiao HuYoung

Director of Development

Jennifer Kong, Manager of Global Procurement (Marketing & Media) at Mattel, has 15+ years of CPG experience in Product Launch Development, Supply Chain, and Operations. She believes in the power of community and connection, and loves devoting her time planning impactful events for non-profit organizations. Jennifer joins TeachAAPI supporting strategic operations, marketing/communications, and community activations.

Jennifer Kong

Strategic Operations Manager

Natalie Varkey is passionate about developing educational opportunities for children that foster joy and inspire curiosity. She joins TeachAAPI with a dynamic background in curriculum development, educator training, and policy research.

A Georgia native, Natalie holds an M.Ed. in Education Policy from Harvard University, as well as a B.S.Ed. in Social Studies Education (6-12) and a B.A. in History from the University of Georgia. Her career began as a Social Justice teacher at a high school in rural North Carolina, where she co-led a Young Activist Group—a team of passionate teenagers eager to use advocacy to transform their community. She then moved to Durham, North Carolina where she taught 8th grade English Language Arts and U.S. History. After several years as a classroom educator, Natalie transitioned to leading professional development programs introducing coding and computer science to K-5 educators in Title I districts across the country, including California, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Her strengths lie in building impactful school partnerships and advocating for equitable access to education.

Now, as Program Manager for TeachAAPI, Natalie is excited to contribute to the vital work of supporting ALL students nationwide in cultivating a deeper understanding of Asian American and Pacific Islander culture and history.

Natalie Varkey

Program Manager

Betty Zhao is a proficient travel tech professional with extensive experience in account management, market management, product development, and strategic operations. She has held significant roles at industry-leading companies like Hopper, Booking Holdings, and Hotelbeds. In addition to her professional achievements, Betty is a dedicated volunteer leader. She serves as a Board Member for the ACE NextGen SoCal chapter, and is actively involved in the APA Community Holiday Toy Drive. Betty’s expertise in customer relationship management, sponsorship management, and community engagement makes her a versatile and impactful leader in both her professional and volunteer endeavors, including her contributions to the Strategic Operations team at TeachAAPI.