Elliette

One of the most inspiring young leaders we’ve had the joy to work with is Elliette, a 7th grader from the Boston area who brings heart, insight, and leadership to every space she enters. From co-leading her school’s AAPI Affinity Group to stepping up as our very first youth volunteer back in December, Elliette embodies the spirit of Bibim Together: joyful cultural connection, courageous voice, and community care.

In our workshop featuring the bilingual book 할머니와 봄의 정원 (Grandma and Spring Garden), Elliette joins us as a storyteller and shared her reflections on identity, advocacy, and the deep cultural bond known in Korean as "jeong". Below, we highlight pieces of her story in her own words.

Advocacy Rooted in Representation

From an early age, Elliette has used her voice to create positive change in her community. When she noticed that her school’s faculty did not reflect the diversity of its student body, she took action.

“My school prides itself on having a diverse community, but I still felt like we didn’t have enough faculty or staff of color. I sent an email to my school’s administrators about my concerns… and was invited to interview a candidate of color. That process grew, and more voices were invited in.”

Elliette credits her strong voice and drive for change to how she was raised: “to say what I believe needs to happen” and to understand that “your voice has power.” Her advocacy work stems not just from concern but from joy—finding purpose in creating a better environment for those around her.

Celebrating Korean American Identity

When asked what she loves most about being Korean American, Elliette speaks with deep affection for the stories that connect her to her roots:

“I love hearing stories from my relatives… whether I hear about my grandparents going on a trip to Jeju-do with their hairdresser or my mom picking gosari with my emo halmeoni. These stories make me feel connected—even to people I’ve never met.”

She explains the Korean word jeong (정)—a concept with no direct English translation but often described as a deep emotional bond built through time, community, and care. Through storytelling, Elliette says, she feels that jeong, even when she's not physically in Korea. “I feel connected through storytelling and my culture,” she reflects.

Memories with Halmoni and Food that Connects

Elliette’s favorite memories with her grandparents are grounded in moments of food and togetherness.

“I loved it when I sat in my halmoni’s kitchen and ate godeungeo (mackerel) or yogurt-covered raisins. They worked near a trail by the river, and we used to picnic there together in the summertime and talk. These are some of my favorite memories because we had such good times surrounding food.”

These stories—shared in Elliette’s thoughtful voice—remind us of why Bibim Together exists: to hold space for stories that connect us, memories that nourish us, and youth who lead with both courage and compassion.

Thank you, Elliette, for sharing your story and for being part of the Bibim Together Storytellers.