Youth Leadership

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Brooke Hira – Founder and President

Brooke is a sophomore at Duke University and founded Just A Smile (JAS) in 2016 as a way to raise funds and awareness for children with cleft lip and palates. An active member in her community, she is also a teen advisor on the City of Mission Viejo’s Community of Character Committee, which encourages character traits through community activities. Over the years, Brooke’s love for writing and art has led her to author and illustrate two children’s books– A Million Small Things and Una Bishop–donating her proceeds to JAS. Brooke loves playing tennis and soccer, and in her spare time, she enjoys painting, reading, and modeling polymer clay figurines.

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Chase Gugliuzza – Vice President

Chase is a junior at San Juan Hills High School and has been an active member of Just A Smile for the past four years. His dedication and involvement with JAS has grown into taking on a leadership role in fundraising and community engagement, bringing awareness for JAS. Chase is a Stallion Start-Up Leader for San Juan Hills High School, competes on the varsity wrestling team and also enjoys volunteering as a football coach for Matt Leinart Flag Football.

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Samantha Gugliuzza – Ambassador – UCLA Chapter

Sam is a sophomore at the University of California, Los Angeles and has been actively involved with JAS for the past two years, helping to start the San Juan Hills High School chapter. Sam’s interest in business led her to win several awards, including being Top 5 in the National Marketing Plan competition as well as winning Top 2 in the Youth Business Summit for her video commercial. Sam enjoys surfing, cooking, and baking in her free time.

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Kimberly Van – Ambassador – United States Naval Academy Chapter

Kim is a sophomore at the U.S. Naval Academy and has been a dedicated member of Just A Smile since middle school and has helped in raising, donating, and collecting resources for JAS. Kim is also an extremely active member within her church and dedicates her time to teaching bible study in addition to assisting as an alter server. In her free time she enjoys playing soccer and hanging out with her friends.

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Jenna Huff – Ambassador – University of Pittsburgh Chapter

Jenna is a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh and has been involved with JAS for several years. She has served as President of the chapter for the past two years, leading and organizing events at the high school. Her love of baking led Jenna to start her own baking business and she donates half of the proceeds to JAS as well as donating baked goods to her local senior center. In her spare time she enjoys reading, baking, and playing piano.

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Allison Lundgren – Ambassador – Colorado School of Mines Chapter

Allison is a sophomore at the Colorado School of Mines and has been actively involved with Just A Smile and has helped with many fundraising and community events. She was also part of the Lion’s Heart Teen Volunteer Organization, and loves to volunteer for food pantries and youth events. In her free time, she loves to play the ukulele, watch cartoons, and spend time with friends and family.