Meet the Team!
Abbie Ha
Founder / Executive Director
Hi! My name is Abbie and I am a junior at New Trier Township High School. I am passionate about supporting young artists in their journey, and also channeling creative expression to champion political change. We have made it our responsibility to utilize our assets to uplift the voices of those faced with injustice. Art is not just a medium of technical expertise, but a rationalization that unveils how our own essence informs the physical and abstract world around us. Art is so powerful in its influence on emotion, and by integrating the arts with humanities, we believe that we can be a vessel to a more empathetic world.
Paloma Harr
Executive Assistant / Product Manager
Hello! My name is Paloma, and I am a junior at New Trier Township High School. I joined Vessel to the Voice to educate myself on topics that align with my values and morals. I know what I stand for, and deepening my understanding on global issues makes it easier to communicate my beliefs. Creating art is what drives me; it uplifts myself and others, and I’d like to portray my viewpoints through such expression.
Elle Kittikamron-Mora
Chief of Research
Hello! I’m a Thai and Colombian-American student, playwright, artist, screenwriter, and performer. My works draw on themes of love and the body, identity and language, coming-of-age, and family. I’m influenced a lot by my roots as a Latina and Southeast Asian American, and I’m passionate about creating a better place for trans kids and young kids of color through my works. I joined Vessel to the Voice because I want to speak up on global issues and issues that are censored, and because the voices and people that are being silenced by institutions are the voices that most deserve to be listened to!
El Thelen
Chief of Networking
My name is El, and I am a junior at New Trier High School. I’ve always been passionate about both fine and performing arts, but what truly draws me to Vessel to the Voice is its ability to harness art’s global impact. My artwork is driven by themes of justice, identity, and equality, so having the opportunity to use something I love to uplift others, amplify silenced voices, and raise awareness is incredibly meaningful to me. As treasurer of this organization, I strive to ensure that art remains a powerful tool for change. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a voice, and I believe it’s only right to use it to help others find theirs.
Angie Zreiqat
Partnerships Manager / Treasurer
Hi! My name is Angie Zreiqat I am a Palestinian American high school student with a passion for poetry, activism and environmentalism. I believe art, especially poetry, has the ability to capturing complex emotions and real-life experiences, especially in the face of difficult world issues. It creates space for connection and understanding across different backgrounds. I joined Vessels to the Voice because I want to contribute to this mission. As a Palestinian, I understand the feeling of being unheard, of having your voice disregarded in spaces where it matters most. As Outreach Manager, I aim to focus on expanding our reach, building meaningful connections, and ensuring we uplift voices that are often silenced. I believe that when we amplify voices that are often overlooked, we not only foster empathy but also challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality.
