At YES Prep, we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for students to connect with their heritage, build community, and celebrate who they are. One of these powerful opportunities is the Heritage Ignited Summit, a special event that brings together students to explore the rich cultures of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIA) through performances, workshops, and shared experiences. Leading this impactful initiative is Jennifer Reyes, a dedicated educator and leader who has spent the past 15 years empowering students and building supportive communities across YES Prep campuses. Read more about her dedication to this initiative in her own words.
My name is Jennifer Reyes, and I am the Director of School Operations for Secondary Campuses at YES Prep. I am currently completing my 15th year with the organization, and it has been an incredible journey. Over the years, I have had the privilege of supporting students, staff, and campus operations, contributing to the growth and development of thousands of students.
About the Heritage Ignited Summit
The Heritage Ignited Summit is a powerful celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) cultures. It provides a vibrant space for students to connect, learn, and celebrate their heritage through cultural performances, workshops, and guest speakers. Designed to build connections and encourage self-discovery, the summit helps students understand their unique cultural backgrounds and create lasting bonds with peers from across the district.
The Heritage Ignited Summit celebrates, educates, and explores different aspects of APIA cultures. It is created for students to build connections and discover more about themselves and others across the district.
Personal Connection to the Summit
For me, the Heritage Ignited Summit is deeply personal. Growing up, I was often the only Asian in the space and did not really connect with my Chinese heritage until I was older. I joined the Heritage Ignited Summit Planning Committee in 2020-2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure that APIA students would have a place to connect and celebrate their identities during a challenging time.
In a time when human connection was so important, I wanted to ensure APIA students still had a place to connect and celebrate the uniqueness of their identity. Each year, I am excited to see the connections and celebrations that come from this event.
The Power of Representation
With many YES Prep campuses having smaller APIA student populations, I understand the importance of creating a sense of belonging. Most of our campuses have a small APIA student population, and for these students, campus can feel isolating. The summit every year allows APIA students to see that although their campus is small in numbers, they are part of a larger community in the district.
For me, the summit is a way to remind students that they are seen, valued, and part of a vibrant community. The summit has had a profound impact on me, as it has allowed me to reconnect with my heritage and see the positive influence it has on our students.
Why This Work Matters
I believe that events like the Heritage Ignited Summit are critical for building understanding and empathy among students. It is important to create opportunities for students to learn about the many backgrounds and experiences that shape our world. By exploring different perspectives, we help students grow into thoughtful, compassionate individuals who appreciate the unique stories of others.
As YES Prep continues to expand its reach and impact, I remain committed to ensuring that every student feels seen, valued, and celebrated for who they are.
See event highlights from this year's Heritage Ignited here.