LEAP Alumni Spotlights: Brian Kohaya
Connect with Brian Kohaya via Linkedin
“The best thing is after LEAP Emerge is being part of a BIGGER network of alumni from all over.”
Brian Kohaya is currently a graduate student in Urban and Regional Planning at University of California, Los Angeles(UCLA) Luskin School of Public Affairs. He was born and raised in Sacramento, California and moved to Los Angeles for his undergraduate degree in psychology and Asian American students also from UCLA. Since high school, he has volunteered and helped different non profit organizations involved with the Asian community. During his undergraduate career, he was required to take an internship class where he met other LEAP Emerge interns. This is where his journey with LEAP began.
LEAP Emerge is an eight week paid summer internship program designed to empower rising young leaders by providing students with practical leadership skills and the opportunity to immerse themselves in Southern California’s API Community. LEAP Emerge program is sponsored by Macys, Southern California Edison, and Macy’s.
Something Brian enjoyed about his experience is the connection he had with his cohort. Unlike other internships, LEAP Emerge has interns from all over the country.
“We still talk to each other, and like to hang out every now and then. Just really being able to just interact with people from backgrounds and areas I really wouldn't have had the opportunity otherwise. We supported each other, explored LA together, and made memories together from going to concerts and having our Friday meet ups.”
Brian’s advice to those incoming to LEAP Emerge is to open yourself up to learning the workplace culture that no one really can teach or prepare you for. And most importantly to just have fun and build your networks especially in the API non profit spaces where everyone in some capacity knows each other.
And if you are considering applying or know a college student who is, Brian shares two pieces of advice: Explain why the listed activities help you grow and share with us your personality by making the reader laugh or smile. Deadline for LEAP Emerge 2023 is Friday March 31st, 2023.
About the author
Danielle Lynk is the Communications Manager for LEAP(Leadership Education for Asian Pacific). She is responsible for driving and creating LEAP’s communications and marketing strategies to bring awareness and support development efforts.
