I first met Iris through mutual spaces in Fridays For Future USA and the Sunrise Movement. Although we lived 400 miles away, I’ve worked with Iris and been their friend over the years and it’s been amazing watching them grow into the activist they’ve become. Iris is loud, unapologetic, and unafraid to stand up for what’s right. While most activists with Iris’s accomplishments or stature would let it go to their head and chase clout, Iris has stayed grounded in their desire to do good and make change in the world. They share their accomplishments to share, not to compare or one-up anyone else. They network and make connections not to gain something for themself but to forge bonds that benefit the community around them as well. It’s been an honor to be a part of their journey and I can’t wait to see what they’ll do in college.
-Grace Danqing Yang
When I first heard about Iris, I was so inspired because they were so committed. Iris had run organizations that influenced elections and they had spoken on panels with Greta Thunberg! I definitely aspired to be more like Iris in my activism, as they're so unapologetically loud and passionate. I think they have a level of initiative that carries an initial idea into a full blown movement when many people get stopped up after the first challenge or two.
- Lindsey Sands
Iris is one of the most outgoing people I have met since arriving in DC. Despite being younger than most people I have met so far, their ability to network and foster connections is among some of the best I’ve ever seen. Not only do they reach out to people individually, but they create opportunities for other likeminded people to connect and share their experiences, which is crucial for this moment. They are committed to the cause of fighting climate change, and we are lucky to have them in the movement.
- Michael Poosikian
Iris was one of the first people who found me through social media and was incredibly willing to help me find my voice in the climate movement. They have inspired me to take others younger than me under my wing in the same outgoing manner that Iris had when we first got to know each other. A few years later, Iris continues to consistently reach out to know me better as the person behind the activist.
It is no surprise that their commitment, enthusiasm, and intelligence have landed them several competitive and well-deserved positions. Iris is someone who jumps to help others, fosters a more meaningful environment and world, and introduces many to a world of possibilities, all of which are crucial to youths navigating their role in fighting climate change. We need more changemakers and motivators like Iris!
- Siyeon Joo
Iris is an incredibly community oriented activist- they have helped many other students who seek to be involved feel heard and supported. They've served not only to inspire me but has also helped me learn many grassroots and organizing strategies they use.
- Oliver Song
I first met Iris through a webinar hosted by Fridays For Future Digital and I was so impressed with the planning and vision of the organization. From then, I admired Iris's environmental activism from afar and only recently got the chance to chat with them over some coffee. I learned so much from Iris. I can't wait to see what they do in the future!
"Sometimes we forget that in the process of fighting for a certain movement or goal, we are going to lose along the way, but eventually [we will prevail]."- Iris Zhan, 8/13/2023
- Jane Shin
reviews about my activism - Llorenc
-Grace Danqing Yang
When I first heard about Iris, I was so inspired because they were so committed. Iris had run organizations that influenced elections and they had spoken on panels with Greta Thunberg! I definitely aspired to be more like Iris in my activism, as they're so unapologetically loud and passionate. I think they have a level of initiative that carries an initial idea into a full blown movement when many people get stopped up after the first challenge or two.
- Lindsey Sands
Iris is one of the most outgoing people I have met since arriving in DC. Despite being younger than most people I have met so far, their ability to network and foster connections is among some of the best I’ve ever seen. Not only do they reach out to people individually, but they create opportunities for other likeminded people to connect and share their experiences, which is crucial for this moment. They are committed to the cause of fighting climate change, and we are lucky to have them in the movement.
- Michael Poosikian
Iris was one of the first people who found me through social media and was incredibly willing to help me find my voice in the climate movement. They have inspired me to take others younger than me under my wing in the same outgoing manner that Iris had when we first got to know each other. A few years later, Iris continues to consistently reach out to know me better as the person behind the activist.
It is no surprise that their commitment, enthusiasm, and intelligence have landed them several competitive and well-deserved positions. Iris is someone who jumps to help others, fosters a more meaningful environment and world, and introduces many to a world of possibilities, all of which are crucial to youths navigating their role in fighting climate change. We need more changemakers and motivators like Iris!
- Siyeon Joo
Iris is an incredibly community oriented activist- they have helped many other students who seek to be involved feel heard and supported. They've served not only to inspire me but has also helped me learn many grassroots and organizing strategies they use.
- Oliver Song
I first met Iris through a webinar hosted by Fridays For Future Digital and I was so impressed with the planning and vision of the organization. From then, I admired Iris's environmental activism from afar and only recently got the chance to chat with them over some coffee. I learned so much from Iris. I can't wait to see what they do in the future!
"Sometimes we forget that in the process of fighting for a certain movement or goal, we are going to lose along the way, but eventually [we will prevail]."- Iris Zhan, 8/13/2023
- Jane Shin
reviews about my activism - Llorenc