our mission

EMPOWERED SMILES INITIATIVE

Empowered Smiles Initiative is a community-driven, youth-led program with strong, growing partnerships among community-based organizations that serve the unhoused and undeserved across eastern Los Angeles  County and Orange County. Founded in 2025, ESI works alongside partners such as orthodontist Dr. Kenneth J. Tsang to deliver dental hygiene resources and oral health education to those who need them most.
EXPLORE
WHY WE STARTED      /      MEET THE BOARD      /      OUR COMMITTEES

why we started

IT ALL BEGAN AT A LOCAL RESOURCE FAIR…

...where co-founder Peter Lee noticed something easy to overlook: people had access to many resources, but free dental essentials weren't among them. That gap stuck with him. Teaming up with co-founder Kenneth Jin, whose passion for medicine fueled the vision, Peter set out to do something about it. 

Together, they founded Empowered Smiles Initiative in 2025 — a youth-led nonprofit built on the belief that everyone deserves a healthy smile. What started as a single observation has since grown into a community-driven 501(c)(3) dedicated to creating lasting change through access, education, and care.
meet the board

Kenneth Jin

Co-Founder & Co-President
Kenneth serves as co-founder of Empowered Smiles Initiative, directing dental research and evidence-based oral health education, kit optimization, event logistics, and website development while managing the internal affairs that sustain the organization’s daily operations.

Peter Lee

Co-Founder & Co-President
As co-founder of Empowered Smiles Initiative, Peter oversees strategy, operations, and finances. He leads fundraising, grant development, community and corporate partnerships, external relations, and coordinates the team's efforts to expand ESI’s impact and advance its mission.

Emma Li

Vice President
Emma serves as Vice President of Empowered Smiles Initiative, overseeing all organizational activities and acting as the key link between the team and the co-founders.

Evan Tsang

Fundraising and Kit Director
Evan serves as Fundraising and Kit Director for Empowered Smiles Initiative, overseeing kit contents, manufacturer relationships, and grant applications to support the logistical backbone of our work.

Liliana Lee

Media and Branding Director
Liliana leads Empowered Smiles Initiative’s social media committee and is in charge of the organization’s graphics, visuals, and branding, shaping a consistent creative identity that brings our mission to life across every platform.

Sophie Yu

Secretary
Sophie serves as Secretary of Empowered Smiles Initiative, lending experienced guidance while managing the technical behind-the-scenes operations and logistics that keep the organization on track.

our committees

SOCIAL MEDIA

Liliana Lee, Media & Branding Director
James Hensley, Content Director
Elizabeth Hartono, Committee Member
Jacob Chao, Committee Member
Jeremiah Oh, Committee Member

FUNDRAISING

Peter Lee, Fundraising Officer
Kenneth Jin, Fundraising Officer
Emma Li, Fundraising Officer
Sophie Yu, Fundraising Officer

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ethan Tsai, Photography Lead
Mathieu Jette, Photography Lead

OUTREACH

Evan Tsang, Outreach Lead
Carson Li, Outreach Director
Jonathon Liang, Outreach Officer
Tinlok Tsai, Outreach Officer

TECHNOLOGY

Ocean Leung, Lead & Advisor
Koen Wang, On-Site Director