Our Team
Meet the Team!
Abbie Ha
Founder / Executive Director
Hi! My name is Abbie and I am a senior at New Trier Township High School. I am passionate about supporting young artists in their journey, and also channeling creative expression to champion political change. We have made it our responsibility to utilize our assets to uplift the voices of those faced with injustice. Art is not just a medium of technical expertise, but a rationalization that unveils how our own essence informs the physical and abstract world around us. I use art not only as a tool to express or state, but to bring people together and build community. Art is so powerful in its influence on emotion, and by integrating the arts with humanities, I believe that we can be a vessel to a more empathetic world.
El Thelen
Chief of Networking
Hi! I’m El, a senior at New Trier High School. I’ve always been deeply involved in both the fine and performing arts, but what really drew me to Vessel to the Voice is how it uses artistic expression as a way to uplift stories that deserve to be heard. My own work explores themes such as identity, nature, and social justice, so being part of something that combines my passion with my values is what drove me to be apart of this organization. As Chief of Networking, I work to build meaningful partnerships and help connect our mission with those who care about using art for impact. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a voice, and I believe it’s only right to use it to help others find theirs.
Jordan Leinberger
Chief of Research
Hi! My name is Jordan, and I’m a senior at New Trier High School. I joined Vessel to the Voice because I’ve watched the spread of unadulterated hatred and suppression of minority groups throughout the world, and I want to try and make a difference, coming from a place of privilege on Chicago’s North Shore. I love supporting my community and those who need support most urgently, and as such I’m involved in activities like tutoring kids on Chicago’s Northside, making bracelets and cards for kids undergoing treatment in hospitals, and Vessel to the Voice! I don’t consider myself a particularly artistic person, but I love the ability that art has to capture emotion and convey messages that are too often silenced. As Vessel to the Voice’s Chief of Research, my hope is to convey to the world some of the greatest and most politicized tragedies of our time in a way that can lead to a greater shared understanding for everyone, regardless of who they are.
Angie Zreiqat
Operations Lead
Hi! My name is Angie Zreiqat I am a Palestinian American high school student with a passion for poetry, activism and environmentalism. I believe art, especially poetry, has the ability to capturing complex emotions and real-life experiences, especially in the face of difficult world issues. It creates space for connection and understanding across different backgrounds. As a Palestinian, I understand the feeling of being unheard, of having your voice disregarded in spaces where it matters most. I believe that when we amplify voices that are often overlooked, we not only foster empathy but also challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality. As Operations Lead, I aim to create a welcoming space and facilitate a productive work environment for the Vessel team.
Angie Zreiqat
Partnerships Manager
Hi! My name is Angie Zreiqat I am a Palestinian American high school student with a passion for poetry, activism and environmentalism. I believe art, especially poetry, has the ability to capturing complex emotions and real-life experiences, especially in the face of difficult world issues. It creates space for connection and understanding across different backgrounds. I joined Vessels to the Voice because I want to contribute to this mission. As a Palestinian, I understand the feeling of being unheard, of having your voice disregarded in spaces where it matters most. As Outreach Manager, I aim to focus on expanding our reach, building meaningful connections, and ensuring we uplift voices that are often silenced. I believe that when we amplify voices that are often overlooked, we not only foster empathy but also challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality.
