Meet the Team
Founder
Ashley Chon
Ever since I was young, my father and I went hiking all across the country. From the Appalachian to the Rockies, I have enjoyed every trail. But with more hiking experience, I started to recognize flaws in the sceneries I trekked past--trash, littered to the point where it was practically embedded into the mountains and streams.
We are blessed with beautiful scenes and hiking trails but what we give in return is plastic bottles, crushed styrofoam plates, and tin cans. From these observations bloomed Hiking Heroes. Originally a hiking club, as my passion for protecting the environment grew, Hiking Heroes began initiating environmental action as well. I hope Hiking Heroes inspires others to maintain a healthy well-being while being aware of today's environmental issues.
CEO
Sean Kim
Centreville High School, 12th
Hi! My name is Sean Kim, and I am a current senior at Centreville High School. My passion for the environment began when I joined this club in 8th grade. While participating in hikes and fundraising for global environmental issues, I realized that students like us have the power to make strides within our community. This is what has inspired me to lead as Hiking Heroes CEO, as I look forward to continue to clean the environment we know and love, while impacting the community around me with driven students from all across the world. At Hiking Heroes, I’m looking to increase our membership across the world and build our organization for the future leaders of tomorrow.
President
Daniel Lee
Oakton High School, 12th
My love for hiking stems from the neighborhood trail I walked each day to get home from school. I still remember those moments of solitude with the natural world as a getaway that sparked imagination and joy in my young mind.
Parks serve as a gateway between humans and nature. Both coexist in the same environment to the benefit of all. But when we litter our prized trails, hikes not only become less enjoyable for people, but also more dangerous for animals and the environment.
I’ve had the privilege of serving in Hiking Heroes for five years. During my time, I’ve led as the organization’s webmaster, public officer, and project coordinator. I’m excited to take the initiative even further now as President, expanding our efforts to clean more parks, raise greater awareness, and create a better environment. Because the parks deserve to be clean for us all: humans and animals alike.
Co-President
JoonWoon Lee
Thomas Jefferson High School, 12th
As a member who has been part of this organization since its founding in 2018, I remain deeply committed to the change in our environment and community that we have envisioned from the start. I have served as chapter coordinator, project coordinator, and webmaster, and I am honored to now serve as your co-president. I am passionate about fencing, music, and just about any outdoor activity beyond Hiking Heroes.
Secretary
Madison Han
Chantilly High School, 11th
Hi, my name is Madison Han, and I am currently a junior at Chantilly High School. I joined Hiking Heroes in 2022 because I enjoy being outdoors and engaging with my community. Outside of the club, I love playing basketball, drawing, baking, and spending time with friends.
As Secretary, I help keep the team organized by taking meeting notes, coordinating event schedules, and ensuring clear communication among members. Through this organization, I hope to raise awareness about environmental responsibility, support efforts to keep our community clean and healthy, and inspire others to spend more time outdoors.
Secretary
DoWon Lee
Oakton High School, 9th
As a member of Hiking Heroes since 2018, I hope to change the environment and our community through hikes and raise awareness about the environment. I love fencing, basketball, and any outdoor activities outside of Hiking Heroes, and I hope to share my love for nature, as well as my passion for keeping the environment clean with others through hiking heroes.