I'm Ella Liu.
Driven by a belief that every voice matters, I’ve found my purpose in empowering youth. Chasing this, I founded InspireKids, which does exactly this through ballet & public speaking, my two talents. I am a ballerina, winning many prestigious international and national awards. I'm also accomplished in public speaking & debate as well, earning awards such as Quarterfinalist at the Harvard Debate Tournament and 3rd Place in the ProCon Challenge. ​
Additionally, I am a Wharton School LBW scholar and Governor’s Honor Program finalist. Some of my leadership activies include Mayor’s Advisory Group, MSDA Jr. Staff (president), Student Council (executive board, 1st winner of best social media in state), AHS yearbook editor and running my own small business, Ballet Essentials and Beyond.
Ella's Achievements
Public Speaking/Debate
Ella won Harvard Debate Tournament Quarterfinalist in 2022 and 3rd Place in the 2024 Pro Con Challenge. She has served as an emcee on numerous events. Her work was recognized through media, including interviews on 95.5 WSB Radio and ATV television.
Dance (Ella Liu - YouTube link)
Ella began at 3 years old. She earned numerous prestigious international and national awards, including the Gold Prize at Ballet Grand Prix Vienna and First Place at YAGP. A four-time YAGP International Finalist, she has also received scholarships from renowned institutions such as the Rock School for Dance Education, John Cranko Schule, Alberta Ballet, and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, etc. Most recently, she performed as the Sugar Plum Fairy in her studio’s Nutcracker, partnering with a Principal Dancer from the New York City Ballet.
Inspirekids Founder: Dreambuilders
-teaching ballet globally
Ella launched a global dance initiative in partnership with Project Emuli, teaching students ballet online, donating $5,000 along with dance supplies. The program culminated in a student-led dance showcase and, beyond the stage, the funds directly transformed daily life for providing essentials such as Wi-Fi access, food, clean drinking water, menstrual products, porridge, utility bills, and rent support.
InspireKids Founder: Speakup
Ella founded InspireKids in 2022 to empower youth both locally and globally, going beyond traditional lessons to provide full-service programs. Through her leadership, the organization has raised over $16,162 and impacted more than 300+ students. She has trained and managed a 14-member volunteer team, developed an innovative teaching system, and partnered with Emory Professor Steven Ahn and Lina Surianto, a six-time Distinguished Toastmaster award winner for lessons. Her students have won Top Awards at speech competition.
Shine a Light Speach Contest MC and Judge
Ella serves as the High School Chair for the Shine a Light Speech Contest, sponsored by North American Volunteers. In this role, she hosted the event, judged speeches, and managed all high school volunteers. She also serves as an ambassador and event host.
MSDA Jr. Staff President
- teaching ballet locally
Ella has served as President of the Morning Star Dance Academy Jr. Staff for three years, the student leadership branch of her studio. In this role, she leading group teaching private lessons to younger dancers. She has also led fundraising efforts, including supporting Clark’s Christmas Kids, and contributing $1,000 to California wildfire relief and $1,500 to Texas flood recovery.
Other honors and awards
My Small business-Ballet Essentials & Beyond
