Markhaelyn Zhaeyonna-Elizabeth Edwards

Age: 13 years old

We are fundraising for her and myself to participate in her 8th grade Cultural Exchange Program to China, amongst four other destinations (CEP).

I am a single mother and I cannot afford the $3800 per traveler.

This would be an amazing opportunity for her to explore and embrace the culture she has studied for the past eight years. Markhaelyn will be only one of two African American female students on this journey, which is why it is not only important for her to participate but myself as well to provide support for her while she travels for two weeks across the world.

We ask our family and community village to help donate anything towards her China educational program trip. There is no donation too small or too big; we appreciate anything and everything we receive in love.

School: Alice Fung Yu Chinese Immersion School K-8

Grade: 8th grade

3.0-3.4 Honor Roll GPA

Lightly speaks Cantonese and Mandarin

Clubs:

Black Student Union

Peer Resource Mediator

STEM Club (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

Tutoring

Dance

AFY Athletics Track 2025

Awards:

3.0 BSU Honor Roll 2021-2025

All City 400m Track Relay Silver Medal Winner 2025

MESA (Mathematics Engineering, Science Achievement) USF Air Glider Competitor 2025

3rd Place Ribbon Winner

BSU Participation Certificate

Peer Mentor

Extracurricular Academics:

Breakthrough Academy (USF)

Year-round Academic Program 5th Grade - High School Graduation

STEM Class

Summer Dance Showcase

Film Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular Programs:

Cinnamon Girls Organization:

Reading Club

Air Force 2

(White House; cleared to meet Vice President Kamala Harris and Malia Cohen (State Treasurer) SFO)

Village Project 2017-current

Swimming

Tennis

Annual Dance Performance Showcase: Briana’s Dance

Light Piano

Broadcasting

Published Children’s Poem

Public Speaking

Kwanzaa City Hall Performances: 2018-2023

Kwanzaa: Opening Ceremony 7 Days Citywide Celebration: Youth Speaker 2023-24 & 26

Youth Summer Dance Showcase Performances

Sunset Dance Academy 2024-Currently

Hip Hop, Contemporary Dance

Showcase: “WATCH ME SHINE”

Mario B (Modeling and Performance Arts Agency), 2025-2026

Fashion Shows: (Black Fashion Week 2025, Oakland, Backpack Giveaway, Halloween Fashion Show, Wakanda Holiday Festival)

“Entrepreneur”

“EkLyPzE EnFuZhEnZ”

(Our family-owned and operated multi-generational business)

Candle Maker/Creator

Print Press T-shirts, Swag Bags

Jr. Marketing/Jr. Sales Manager

Hosted Community Give Back

Youth Candle Making/Print Press Carnival Event Sponsored by

“EkLyPzE EnFuZhEnZ” Partnership with Village Project 2023

Participates in Citywide Community Events

Representing EkLyPzE EnFuZhEnZ, such as Juneteenth, Jazz Festivals, Sunday Streets, Holiday Events

Biography:

Markhaelyn is a bright and energetic young lady. She is full of enthusiasm, tenacious, and hardworking. Markhaelyn is a loving aunt of her eight-year-old niece whom she cares for and encourages daily. Markhaelyn is an avid lover of swimming, tennis, dance, performing arts, and athletics. Markhaelyn loves annual outdoor camping with her family. She thrives with passion and grit. She strives for excellence and is a humanitarian at heart. Markhaelyn feels strongly in her beliefs and value system and encourages others to take the lead and be their “best selves.” Markhaelyn has an underdog strength that drives her character with grit, grace, and perseverance, resulting in a champion within her. Markhaelyn enjoys hanging out with friends after school, playing group chat Roblox, and recording an occasional TikTok dance video. Most recently, she is obsessed with doing “skincare routine tutorials” on TikTok. Markhaelyn touches the spirit of every single person she encounters.