Alyssa Aban

Founder & President, Hope in Every Box Foundation

Alyssa is a compassionate young leader whose heart for service and community inspired the creation of Hope in Every Box—a growing nonprofit dedicated to spreading dignity, kindness, and hope to children and families through meaningful, hands-on programs.

Alyssa’s leadership journey began early. In middle school, she was elected ASB Secretary in 7th grade and ASB President in 8th grade, developing a strong sense of responsibility, teamwork, and service to others. Now a sophomore at Canyon Crest Academy, one of San Diego’s most academically rigorous high schools, Alyssa continues to lead by example. She has served as a two-time volleyball team captain (freshman and sophomore years), Athletics Department Brand Ambassador Intern during her freshman year, and currently works as the Athletics Department Social Media Intern, promoting school spirit, sports events, and community engagement.

Alyssa’s passion for giving back extends far beyond the classroom. As a Girl Scout Silver Awardee, she and her troop built and installed ten Little Free Libraries across underserved neighborhoods in San Diego, expanding children’s access to books and promoting literacy. Within her church community, Alyssa helped revive the Children’s Liturgy program, recruits and trains teen volunteers to teach faith formation classes, and coordinates donut fundraisers—efforts that reflect her ability to lead with both empathy and action.

Outside of school and service, Alyssa is a black belt in Shotokan Karate and a former assistant sensei, where she mentored young students and helped them develop discipline, confidence, and focus—values that guide her leadership today.

Alyssa’s journey toward Hope in Every Box began in 2020, when her family decided to participate in Operation Christmas Child as a new holiday tradition. That first year, they filled 16 shoeboxes with essentials and gifts for children in need. What started as a small family project grew each year—with their record of 156 boxes in 2025, and a total of over 500 shoeboxes donated since the project began.

Inspired by the joy of giving and the difference these gifts made, Alyssa envisioned expanding beyond the seasonal effort to create year-round opportunities to serve others. Today, Hope in Every Box carries forward that spirit through programs that support education, faith, and community—spreading kindness one box, one child, and one act of love at a time.

(Learn more on our Programs page.)

“Hope isn’t just something we give—it’s something we share. Every box, every act of kindness, reminds a child that they are seen, valued, and loved.”

— Alyssa Aban

My Vision

I believe that small acts of love, when multiplied by many hands, can change the world. Through Hope in Every Box, she hopes to empower other young people to discover the joy of giving, lead with compassion, and become changemakers in their own communities—proving that anyone, at any age, can make a lasting impact.