Expanding Our Mission Beyond the Classroom
We are excited to announce a new milestone for the Dissident Project, a platform dedicated to sharing the powerful stories of immigrants who have escaped oppressive regimes. Since its launch in 2022, Young Voices has sponsored over 140 live talks, reaching 25,000 students in high schools across the country.
Now, we are taking this mission further by launching the Dissident Project Media Fellowship, a program designed to bring these impactful stories to a broader audience through digital media, social platforms, and broadcast channels.
Meet Our Media Fellows
Two of our most inspiring speakers, Alvin Hailin from China and Gabriela Blanco from Cuba, are leading this new initiative.
Alvin Hailin – A Voice Against Oppression in China
Born in Beijing, Alvin Hailin and his family were denied a Beijing “Hukou”, a caste-like system restricting citizens from freely moving and living within China. He has faced constant threats for speaking out against the Chinese Communist Party. Now in the United States, Alvin shares his personal story to educate Americans about the realities of authoritarian rule.
Gabriela Blanco – A Cuban Story of Resilience
Raised under Cuba’s communist regime, Gabriela Blanco and her family endured decades of government oppression. Her great-grandparents’ business was seized and nationalized, and she was separated from her father for over 10 years. In 2019, she finally reunited with her family in the United States. Today, she is a passionate advocate for freedom, using her story to inspire others.
Reaching Millions Through Digital Storytelling
Alvin and Gabriela have undergone specialized training in digital storytelling, content creation, and strategic social media engagement. Their mission is to educate and inspire even more young minds through targeted social media outreach and media appearances in the coming months.
