The Executive Team
Operations Committee
The Operations Committee oversees all other executive committees. They work closely with the Executive Director to make decisions on action plans for nationwide campaigns.
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Executive
Director
Chief Operations Officer
Alvin Lee (he/him) is the founder and Executive Director of GENup. In this capacity, he oversees day-to-day operations of the organization as well as strategic development and expansion of the organization as a whole.
Email: alee@generationup.net
George Ashford (he/him) is a senior at Claremont McKenna College and a dual Public Policy and PPE (Politics, Philosophy, and Economics) major. Before joining GENup, George worked for positive policy change as the Chair of the Takoma Park Youth City Council and as a Communications Assistant for Takoma Park Mayor Kate Stewart. He has worked on campaigns including that of Senator Gary Peters and President Joe Biden in Michigan, interned in the DC office of US Rep. Jamie Raskin, the Bipartisan Policy Center, and the Niskanen Center. In his spare time, George loves arguing about tax policy, backpacking, skiing, and otherwise enjoying the outdoors. He is excited to be supporting GENup in making education more equitable and accessible for students of all races and income backgrounds!
Co-Chief Operations Officer
Shaoxuan (Lily) Ma is an 11th grader from Tallahassee, FL. She first explored STEM through research and competitions, but discovered a passion for policy while working on historical analyses of ethics in STEM, particularly around issues that affect marginalized communities and students. She has witnessed firsthand the impact of educational inequities and recognizes the importance of initiatives like those led by GENup. Lily serves in many local and national initiatives, where she focuses on fostering community engagement. She hopes to continue bridging the gap between education, policy, and advocacy throughout her high school years and beyond, to ultimately pursue a career in politics. Outside of academics and advocacy, she enjoys lifting weights, building Legos, and going on boat rides. Lily is thrilled to join GENup this year and to be able to contribute to the organization’s nationwide impact!
Chief Executive of Policy and Programs
Sofia Shah (she/her) is a junior at The Harker School in San Jose, California. Her journey is marked by a deep commitment to women’s equality, climate activism, and an unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on her community and beyond. As a Youth Commissioner for the last four years, she actively engages with her local community. She was selected to the advisory council of the National Charity League, where she creates training programs for over 240 chapters. She has advocated the San Jose City Council for free feminine hygiene products for girls in public libraries and has personally created over 500 packs for unhoused girls. Sofia is an avid debater, and involved in several school clubs, including founding Fem Club. In her free time, Sofia enjoys dancing in diverse styles from modern jazz to tap to ballet.
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Executive Chief of
Communications
Rojan Mikael Habon (He/Him) is a student advocate,and aspiring policy innovator from Brentwood, California. Passionate about bridging cultures and amplifying underrepresented voices, he has founded and led initiatives that foster academic growth, cultural understanding, and social equity. His leadership extends to roles with the Brentwood Youth Commission, Brentwood Youth Press, the Contra Costa Juvenile Justice Council, and the Youth Advisory Council of Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach. Rojan has a large focus on social justice specifically with gender-based violence prevention, minority rights, immigrant rights, and LGBTQ+ rights advocacy. Rojan’s work reflects his commitment to creating inclusive spaces, whether through policy, education, or cultural exchange. Outside of leadership, He plans to pursue public policy to design equitable, community-centered solutions for the future. As a first generation student, Rojan aspires to uplift voices through both direct community impact and online. He believes that in an increasing digital age, it is important to increase political literacy.