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), and running my own small business, Ballet Essentials and Beyond.
Ella's Achievements
Public Speaking/Debate
She was a Quarterfinalist at the 2022 Harvard Debate Tournament and earned 3rd Place in the 2024 ProCon Challenge. She has served as an emcee on numerous occasions, including five times at the MSDA Recital, as well as for the Shine a Light Speech Contest, the New Year Party, and the Alumni Seminar Event. Her work has also been recognized through media appearances, including interviews on 95.5 WSB Radio and ATV television.
InspireKids Founder: Speakup
Ella founded InspireKids in 2022 to empower youth both locally and globally, going beyond traditional lessons to provide full-service programs that ensure student success, inspire change, and build brighter futures. Through her leadership, the organization has raised over $15,000 and impacted more than 200 students. She has trained and managed a 14-member volunteer team, developed an innovative teaching system, and partnered with Emory University Professor Steven Ahn and Lina Surianto, a six-time Distinguished Toastmaster award winner for lessons. Her students have won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at speech competition finals. Additionally, she has coordinated diverse activities, including trips, showcases, and competitions, to engage students and strengthen the community.
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, ensuring that the contest ran smoothly and successfully. Beyond her organizational leadership, she also serves as an image ambassador and event host.
Other honors and awards
Dance
Ella Liu - YouTube link
She has been a dancer since the age of three and has earned numerous prestigious international and national awards, including the Gold Prize at Ballet Grand Prix Vienna and First Place at the Youth America Grand Prix (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
-volunteer teaching ballet globally
Ella launched a global dance initiative in partnership with Project Emuli, teaching students online, donating $5,000 along with dance supplies, and bringing in professional instructors. The program culminated in a student-led dance showcase and, beyond the stage, the funds directly transformed daily life for participants by providing essentials such as Wi-Fi access, food, clean drinking water, menstrual products, porridge, utility bills, and rent support.
MSDA Jr. Staff President
- volunteer teaching ballet locally
Since 2019, Ella has served as President of the Morning Star Dance Academy Jr. Staff, the student leadership branch of her studio. In this role, she has led fundraising efforts, including supporting Clark’s Christmas Kids, where she was interviewed by 95.5 WSB Radio, and contributing $1,000 to California wildfire relief and $1,500 to Texas flood recovery. In addition to fundraising, she teaches private lessons to younger dancers, fostering mentorship and community within the studio.
My Small business
-Ballet Essentials & Beyond
