Meet the Team!
Abbie Ha
Founder / Executive Director
Hi! My name is Abbie and I am a junior at New Trier Township High School. I am passionate about supporting young artists in their journey, and also aiding disadvantaged groups around the world. With all our resources at hand, we have made it our responsibility to utilize our assets to uplift the voices of those in need. Art is so powerful in its influence on emotion, and by integrating the arts with humanities, we believe that we can be a vessel to a more empathetic world. Along with my passion for the arts and humanities, I enjoy playing volleyball and spending time with my friends and family.
Paloma Harr
Executive Assistant / Product Manager
Hello! My name is Paloma, and I am a junior at New Trier Township High School. I joined Vessel to the Voice to educate myself on topics that align with my values and morals. I know what I stand for, and deepening my understanding on global issues makes it easier to communicate my beliefs. Creating art is what drives me; it uplifts myself and others, and I’d like to portray my viewpoints through such expression.
Elle Kittikamron-Mora
Chief of Research
Hello! I’m a Thai and Colombian-American student, playwright, artist, screenwriter, and performer. My works draw on themes of love and the body, identity and language, coming-of-age, and family. I’m influenced a lot by my roots as a Latina and Southeast Asian American, and I’m passionate about creating a better place for trans kids and young kids of color through my works. I joined Vessel to the Voice because I want to speak up on global issues and issues that are censored, and because the voices and people that are being silenced by institutions are the voices that most deserve to be listened to!
El Thelen
Treasurer
My name is El, and I am a junior at New Trier High School. I’ve always been passionate about both fine and performing arts, but what truly draws me to Vessel to the Voice is its ability to harness art’s global impact. My artwork is driven by themes of justice, identity, and equality, so having the opportunity to use something I love to uplift others, amplify silenced voices, and raise awareness is incredibly meaningful to me. As treasurer of this organization, I strive to ensure that art remains a powerful tool for change. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a voice, and I believe it’s only right to use it to help others find theirs.
