Youth for Global Smiles

We are a student-led initiative based in Maryland, working to support and amplify

Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft-focused organization.

Through fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement, we aim to raise

awareness about clefts and help provide access to life-changing care

for children around the world. Inspired by Smile Train’s sustainable model,

we’re dedicated to promoting health, confidence, and equal opportunities

one smile at a time.

At Youth for Global Smiles, we believe that youth have the power
to create real, lasting impact.

Our Purpose

Empowering youth to lead with compassion by educating communities,
raising awareness about cleft conditions and global healthcare disparities,
fundraising for life-changing treatment,
and building strong partnerships to drive meaningful change in global health.

Meet Our Team

Julia lee

President & Founder

Julia is a rising sophomore at Howard High School. As the founder of Youth for Global Smiles, she was inspired by a family member born with a cleft lip and palate, as well as by the dedicated surgeons and Smile Train’s impactful mission. She aspires to lead YGS in raising awareness, supporting families in need, and expanding access to cleft care worldwide. Julia also hopes to become a maxillofacial surgeon specializing in cleft care in the future. Outside of her advocacy work,
she enjoys playing the violin and spending time with her friends.

Abigail Lee

Vice President

Abigail, a rising sophomore at Howard High School, serves as the Vice President of Youth for Global Smiles. With big dreams of becoming an orthodontist, Abigail brings energy, humor, and charisma to the team. She's an ENTP who loves singing karaoke, going to the beach, and eating at Michelin-star sushi restaurants. Fun facts: she’s descended from Korean royalty, allergic to watermelon, and wants to drive a truck someday.

Mrugkashi Badhri Vishaal

Secretary

Mrugakshi is a rising sophomore at Centennial High School and serves as the Secretary for Youth for Global Smiles. She enjoys crocheting, watching TV shows like Gossip Girl, trying new foods, and reading books such as The Silent Patient. As Secretary, she uses her strong organizational and communication skills to take detailed notes, manage schedules, and keep the team informed and aligned. Passionate about healthcare and inspired by the impact of cleft surgery, Mrugakshi hopes to contribute to the club’s success while pursuing her dream of becoming a pediatrician.

Noelle Lee

Treasurer

Noelle is a rising sophomore at Howard High School and currently serves as the Treasurer for Youth for Global Smiles. With a passion for organization and a deep commitment to helping children with cleft conditions, Noelle is dedicated to ensuring that the chapter’s finances are handled efficiently and transparently. Outside of her role, she enjoys reading, baking, watching dramas, and has been playing golf for nine years. As Treasurer, she aims to manage budgets and fundraising efforts that allow the chapter to grow and make a meaningful impact.

Rayka Service

Community Outreach Coordinator

Rayka is a rising sophomore at Centennial High School and serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator for Youth for Global Smiles. With a love for watercolor painting, gardening, and crocheting, she brings a creative and compassionate approach to everything she does. Rayka is fluent in three languages, enjoys sewing, and is known for her strong organizational and follow-up skills. As the Community Outreach Coordinator, she hopes to build meaningful connections with other groups and organizations to amplify the impact of cleft care awareness. Passionate about making healthcare more accessible, Rayka is dedicated to helping children live healthy, confident lives through
Smile Train’s mission.

Astley Ng

Public Relations Officer

Astley is a rising sophomore at Centennial High School and serves as the Public Relations Officer for the chapter. With a love for the color blue, Astley enjoys playing music and spending time with her two cats. Known for her strong communication and organizational skills, Astley is passionate about using her role to build connections, manage social media outreach, and raise awareness for Smile Train’s mission. Astley brings adaptability, perseverance, and a collaborative spirit to the team, and is excited to help children with cleft conditions by spreading the message and impact of life-changing surgeries.

Jimin Kim

Social Media Coordinator

Jimin is a rising sophomore at Howard High School. As the Social Media Coordinator, she is the creative force behind the chapter’s Instagram, where she designs engaging posts to promote events, spread awareness about cleft care. Outside of her work with YGS, Jimin enjoys watching K-dramas and movies, playing games with friends, and listening to music, such as Enhypen, BND, TWS, and SEVENTEEN (SVT). In the future, Jimin hopes to become a pediatrician, where she can continue helping children and making a difference in their lives. Through her role, she aims to encourage others to get involved and help make cleft care more accessible to children around the world.

Grace Choi

Historian

Grace is a rising sophomore at Marriotts Ridge High School and serves as the Historian for Youth for Global Smiles. She loves capturing memories through photography, playing guitar, and crocheting in her free time. A big fan of cute plushies and fruit tea, Grace brings creativity and warmth to the team as she documents YGS’s journey and impact.