Chloe Yau

Intern

I am currently a sophomore at Tufts University, pursuing a degree in International Relations and Environmental Studies. Growing up in Hong Kong, a diverse melting pot of cultures, ignited my passion for exploring global issues and fostering social change.

During my gap year, I interned at a local refugee center in Hong Kong, where I learned about the challenges and discrimination refugees face, including their lack of work rights. This experience inspired me to write and publish "The Displaced Cookbook: Untold Refugee Stories and Ethnic Recipes," a collection of compelling stories and recipes from eight women seeking asylum. The project’s impact extended beyond fundraising, winning the Spark for Goods Awards X Ethikaal "Special Mention Award”, garnering local media attention, and amplifying the voices of refugees and asylum seekers in my city.

At fifteen, I was selected as the only student from Hong Kong to attend United World College Costa Rica for the last two years of high school. Living and studying among passionate peers from over 70 countries enhanced my appreciation for intercultural collaboration, as well as the interconnectedness of global challenges. My interest in immigration and human rights continued to grow as I established a student group, "Through Their Eyes," to raise funds and support Haitian and Venezuelan refugees in Costa Rica. Recently, I produced the short film Dreams of Asylum under the Salmanowitz Program at Boston College. I brought together a group of passionate young individuals to create a compelling film that delves into the struggles of young adult refugees in Hong Kong. Through their stories of navigating stability and identity amidst adversity, the film invites viewers to critically reflect on Hong Kong's role in the refugee crisis and the broader challenges of displacement.

At Tufts, I actively pursue my commitment to immigration and human rights as the co-president of Tufts Amnesty International. I also lead the Hong Kong cultural community as president of the Hong Kong Student Association and volunteer to teach English to Latin American immigrants at the Chinatown Asian American Center.

Outside of class, I enjoy surfing, watersports, practicing kung fu, and backpacking. I was acquainted with Sherman by my professor Heather and have since been introduced to Trebuchet’s incredible and tightly-knit community. I am excited to learn from Sherman and Trebuchet’s interconnected community, to explore the world through different lenses, and to find common ground in making a positive difference in the world.