Christina Mink - President and Founder

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Christina Mink, the driving force behind SMILEYS, has been a compassionate advocate for the community since her early years. Even in preschool, she performed at nursing homes, spreading joy and happiness to the elderly residents. In elementary school, she joined the esteemed Long Island Children's Choir, where she honed her talents and engaged in charitable activities regularly. From visiting nursing homes and veterans' hospitals to participating in Christmas events at Barnes & Noble, Christina's commitment to serving others never wavered.

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During the epidemic, Christina ventured into new hobbies like cooking and baking, and she generously shared her delicious creations, such as banana cakes and soybean soup, with family and friends. But her kindness didn't stop there; she extended her support to a new mother next door by delivering food and supplies to ease her postpartum journey.

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Charity, for Christina, is more than just giving back to the community; it's about making a difference and empowering those around her. As she transitioned to high school, she became a youth volunteer teacher at Princeton Learning Experience (PLE), a non-profit organization. Her dedication to education and service led her to create the PLE-Long Island Branch in 2022. With her team, she teaches various subjects, including English and STEM, to international students.

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Additionally, Christina is an active volunteer at the Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States (AYLUS), a student-led non-profit organization. In 2023, she founded the AYLUS-Oyster Bay Branch, which focuses on environmental conservation, further exemplifying her commitment to the betterment of society.

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Adrien Dai and Albert Wu - Co-Founders

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Adrien Dai and Albert Wu, both students at The Long Island School for the Gifted, have been devoted to volunteering at nursing homes since the tender age of third grade. Their genuine care and compassion for the elderly have been a source of comfort and joy for those they have visited.

When the COVID pandemic struck, Adrien and Albert stepped up to support their community. They actively participated in donating hand sanitizers to Columbia University Medical Center, contributing to the fight against the virus. Moreover, they organized fundraising efforts to purchase toys for the children's hospital and raised funds to support people in Ukraine during challenging times.

As dedicated youth volunteer teachers at PLE, Adrien and Albert continue to inspire and educate young minds in various subjects.

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Together, these inspiring founders of SMILEYS have set an example of selflessness, dedication, and community service. Their passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others continues to shine through the various charitable activities and initiatives of SMILEYS.