About Us

Educating the whole student since 2023 through research-backed learning strategies and hands-on community service.

About the National Youth Visionaries Association (NYVA)

The National Youth Visionaries Association (NYVA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization dedicated to empowering the next generation through environmental leadership, civic engagement, and community-based education. Established in December 2023, NYVA was founded on a commitment to educating the whole student through proven, research-backed learning strategies. By structuring a diversified curriculum that seamlessly bridges robust academic knowledge with hands-on, interactive experiences, we prepare diverse youth to contribute meaningfully and succeed within today’s dynamic global economy.

Guided by our “world is our family” philosophy, NYVA provides an inclusive platform where young minds can directly confront global issues, voice their unique perspectives, and build profound personal connections across cultures. Our core programming is built upon Five Strategic Pillars: Environmental Stewardship, Creative Arts, Community Engagement, Adaptive Education, and Media Literacy. Through cross-disciplinary initiatives—ranging from rigorous watershed data-tracking and field investigations to civic action projects—we challenge youth to move beyond passive learning and transform their insights into visible public impact.

Since our founding, NYVA has rapidly expanded its institutional footprint across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. by cultivating powerful community alliances. Our milestone initiatives include a formal partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority established in July 2025, alongside celebrated collaborative projects hosted at prestigious venues such as the Chinese American Museum and The REACH at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Whether staging international youth art exhibitions, honoring students with the Presidential Award for service hours, or leading critical regional outdoor investigations, NYVA continues to foster high-trust ecosystems that nurture active, vision-driven young citizens.

Tim Zhao

Co-Founder & President

Tim Zhao is a visionary educator and creative strategist with over two decades of experience bridging international design and community leadership. As the Co-Founder and President of the National Youth Visionaries Association (NYVA), Tim leads the organization’s mission to empower the next generation of artists through high-impact programming and national recognition.

Before dedicating his career to youth empowerment, Tim served as a high-level creative leader on the global stage. His professional portfolio includes serving as the Creative Director for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and as a lead consultant for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. Formerly a regional Creative Director for Jack Morton Worldwide, Tim’s experience in large-scale storytelling and cultural event planning now serves as the foundation for NYVA’s premier events, including the annual Rising Visionaries Honors at The Kennedy Center.

In addition to his leadership at NYVA, Tim is a Governor-appointed Commissioner for the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the founder of Smart Art Studios in Fairfax County. A graduate of Renmin University of China specializing in Design and Art, his work today focuses on integrating the STEAM model into youth education, ensuring that creative vision is recognized as a critical pillar of future leadership.

Donna Jones

Climate Strategy Executive

Donna Jones is a climate strategy executive, writer, and systems thinker whose work explores the intersection of sustainability, institutional transformation, and human connection.

Her experience spans climate risk strategy in private markets, regenerative development, and the future of consciousness-based education. Working across finance, education, and community innovation, Donna brings a multidisciplinary perspective to building systems and environments designed for long-term resilience and human well-being.

Throughout her work, Donna has collaborated with leaders and institutions seeking to reimagine how investment, education, and community development can create deeper meaning and lasting social impact. She is especially passionate about designing spaces — from investment frameworks to universities and mixed-use communities — that foster resilience, creativity, and authentic human connection.

Her work reflects a broader belief that the future of leadership must integrate environmental responsibility, systems thinking, and a more human-centered vision for society.

Yingxi Zhao

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Yingxi Zhao is a Co-Founder and the Executive Director of the National Youth Visionaries Association (NYVA), where she oversees the organization’s strategic growth, institutional partnerships, and programmatic excellence. With a deep background in arts administration and creative development, Yingxi has been a driving force behind the establishment of NYVA as a premier national platform for youth leadership.

As Executive Director, Yingxi leads the development of the “Rising Visionaries” platform, ensuring that young artists and advocates from diverse backgrounds have the mentorship and resources necessary to translate their creative vision into tangible community impact. She is instrumental in the execution of the annual Rising Visionaries Honors at The Kennedy Center, managing the complex coordination between national cultural institutions, academic partners, and youth participants.

Yingxi’s work is rooted in the belief that creative expression is a fundamental tool for civic engagement. Her leadership at NYVA is dedicated to creating a sustainable ecosystem that bridges the gap between early artistic talent and professional leadership opportunities. Through her strategic outreach, she has successfully expanded NYVA’s reach, fostering collaborations that empower the next generation to lead with both empathy and innovation.

Debra Jones

Board Member

Debra Jones brings more than 30 years of experience in education and a deep commitment to helping students grow both academically and personally.

Throughout her career, Debra has created classroom environments rooted in empathy, flexibility, and acceptance. She believes every child deserves to feel valued and supported, and she has consistently fostered this through open discussions, multicultural learning experiences, and a strong emphasis on kindness and collaboration.

Debra is passionate about preparing students not only for academic success but for life beyond the classroom. She has integrated essential life skills into her teaching, including communication, active listening, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and adaptability. Her goal has always been to help students build confidence and develop the tools they need to navigate the world with curiosity and compassion.

Recognizing the importance of global awareness, Debra encouraged students to explore and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives. Through projects and discussions focused on world traditions and shared human values, she helped students develop respect for others and an understanding of the broader world around them.

Today, Debra continues her work in education and personal development by teaching and practicing Transcendental Meditation, a simple and natural technique for reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being. Supported by hundreds of peer-reviewed studies, Transcendental Meditation has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and promote emotional balance.

Debra’s lifelong dedication to education, personal growth, and helping others has positively impacted countless students and families.