Meet Ellie Wang | Sophomore at Carmel High School

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ellie Wang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ellie, how does your business help the community?
ActDefy exists to make civic engagement accessible and empowering for young people, especially young women and students from underrepresented communities who are often left out of decision-making spaces. Through ActDefy, we give students real opportunities to learn about policy, advocacy, and leadership, while also connecting them with lawmakers, educators, and community leaders.

Our programs range from civic literacy and research initiatives to interview series with public officials and hands-on advocacy projects that allow students to use their voices in meaningful ways. Rather than just teaching students about civic engagement, ActDefy helps them actively participate in it—whether that’s writing to legislators, conducting policy research, or engaging in conversations that shape their communities.

On a broader level, ActDefy is helping create a generation of young people who feel confident speaking up, informed about the issues that affect them, and motivated to drive change locally and globally. By reaching students across dozens of countries and U.S. states, our impact extends beyond individual participants and contributes to a more engaged, informed, and representative future. To this date, ActDefy has members in over 46 countries and 31 US States, directly impacting over 200,000 individuals.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My work centers around building ActDefy, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people, especially young women and students from underrepresented communities, to engage in civic leadership, advocacy, and policy in real, tangible ways. What sets ActDefy apart is that we don’t just talk about youth empowerment; we actively place young people in spaces where decisions are being made. From interviewing legislators and conducting policy research to writing advocacy pieces and launching student-led initiatives, ActDefy focuses on participation, not just education.

What I’m most proud of is how far ActDefy has grown from a simple idea into an international community reaching students across dozens of countries and U.S. states. Seeing students gain confidence, speak directly with policymakers, and realize that their voices actually matter has been the most rewarding part of this journey. I’m especially excited about expanding ActDefy’s initiatives, from literacy and research programs to new in-person events and civic engagement opportunities that bring youth and leaders together in meaningful ways.

Getting to where I am today was far from easy. Starting and running an organization as a student meant constantly having to prove myself in professional spaces where age often worked against me. I faced rejection, skepticism, and moments where I questioned whether I was “qualified enough” to be doing this work. Balancing school, leadership responsibilities, and long-term goals was also challenging. I overcame these obstacles by staying consistent, seeking mentorship, learning through trial and error, and reminding myself why I started in the first place, to create access and representation for voices that are too often overlooked.

Along the way, I’ve learned that impact doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from persistence. I’ve learned the importance of trusting your vision, asking for help when needed, and not letting fear or doubt dictate your path. Most importantly, I’ve learned that meaningful change often starts small, with one conversation, one idea, or one young person deciding to speak up.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that ActDefy is proof that youth can lead with purpose and professionalism. Age should never be a barrier to impact. My story, and ActDefy’s story, is about challenging that narrative, creating space for young voices, and building a future where civic engagement is inclusive, accessible, and driven by the next generation.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting me in Carmel, I’d plan a mix of cozy local spots and fun Indianapolis experiences.

During the winter, I’d absolutely take them to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, it’s one of my favorite places and feels straight out of Europe. We’d walk around with hot chocolate, try the food, take way too many pictures, and just enjoy the holiday spirit. In the warmer months, we’d go to the Carmel Farmers Market, grab fresh food, and hang out at one of the outdoor concerts or community events downtown, which are super fun and relaxed.

We’d also spend a few days in Indianapolis, since that’s where a lot of the excitement is. I’d take them to explore the city, try different restaurants, walk around downtown, and go to a concert if one were happening. Seeing artists like Bruno Mars or Pitbull live would honestly be a highlight of the trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would dedicate my shoutout first and foremost to my mom, who has been my biggest source of support, encouragement, and belief throughout this journey. She has always trusted my vision, stood by me through the ups and downs of building ActDefy, and reminded me to keep going even when things felt overwhelming. Her constant reassurance and quiet strength gave me the confidence to pursue something bigger than myself.

I’d also like to shout out Olivia Zhang, whose content about starting nonprofits and youth leadership was incredibly helpful when I was first navigating this space. Her transparency and practical advice made the process feel less intimidating and helped me move forward with clarity.

Lastly, I want to recognize the mentors, educators, and students within the ActDefy community who chose to take youth voices seriously. Their willingness to support, collaborate, and lead alongside one another is what continues to drive ActDefy’s impact and purpose. I’m especially grateful to J.D. Ford, Andrea Hunley, Rodney Pol, and the many representatives and officials we’ve had the opportunity to interview. Their willingness to listen, mentor, and treat youth perspectives with respect reinforced the importance of civic engagement and inspired ActDefy’s mission to bridge the gap between young people and decision-makers.

Website: https://www.actdefy.org

Instagram: ActDefy

Linkedin: Ellie Wang on Linkedin

Youtube: ActDefy

Image Credits
The main image credit is from the Indiana Senate Page Program Official Website.