Meet Ally Hatakeyama: Leading with Heart, Purpose, and Vision

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With a passion for mental health, a heart for service, and leadership that speaks for itself, Ally Hatakeyama shows what it really means to be a true changemaker. As she heads to Stanford University, she brings with her the compassion, drive, and resilience that have already made a lasting impact at Los Alamitos High School and beyond.

When you think of someone who leads by example, Ally Hatakeyama is one of the first people that comes to mind. Throughout her time at Los Alamitos High School, Ally has been more than just a standout student, she's been a true Griffin: hardworking, passionate, and committed to making a real difference.

Now, as she gets ready to start a new chapter at Stanford University, it’s clear that her curiosity, kindness, and drive have set her apart. Ally’s story isn’t just about her accomplishments, it’s about inspiring others, building community, and staying true to what matters most.

Early Interests and Academic Growth

From the beginning, Ally approached her education with purpose. Instead of just studying harder, she found ways to study smarter. She used tools like Flora, Notion, and Google Sheets to stay organized, manage her workload, and balance everything she was involved in.

“I think learning how to study is just as important as what you’re studying,” Ally says. “Finding strategies that worked for me made learning something I could actually enjoy, not something that stressed me out.”

Pursuing a Passion for Mental Health

Ally didn’t join activities just to build a resume, she followed what truly spoke to her heart. Through personal experiences and community service, she developed a strong passion for mental health advocacy, especially when it comes to making care more culturally aware and accessible.

“My passion for mental health comes from a really personal place,” she shares. “I want to help make mental health care more compassionate and more understanding of the different backgrounds and stories people bring with them.”

At Stanford, she plans to study cultural and clinical adolescent psychology and continue exploring how mindfulness and spirituality can help future generations.

Leadership and Community Impact

Ally’s leadership at Los Al has been nothing short of inspiring. She served as Co-President of California Scholarship Federation (CSF), Undersecretary of Communications for Model United Nations, President of Emerging Leaders, and President of Asian Culture Club,  all while staying involved in other organizations across campus.

One of her proudest achievements was creating the Leadership Council, the youth branch of the local nonprofit Youth Center. Under her leadership, the council grew from five students to fourteen, launching programs like the Meeting Mindfulness Workshop Series and Seeds of Service, which teaches younger students about leadership, mindfulness, and community service.

“It’s been so cool seeing something that started as just an idea grow into something real that’s actually making a difference,” Ally says. “Watching the Leadership Council grow has been one of the best parts of my high school experience.”

Mindset, Motivation, and Balance

Even though Ally’s list of activities is long, she’s honest about the struggles that came with it. Like a lot of high school students, she faced burnout, pressure, and moments of self-doubt. Instead of ignoring it, she found ways to take care of herself and stay balanced.

Studying with friends at cafes, filming study timelapses to keep herself focused, and making time for hobbies like journaling, meditating, and scrapbooking helped her stay grounded.

“I learned that taking care of yourself isn’t something you do once you finish everything else — it has to be part of the process,” Ally explains.

Her biggest personal goal right now is to keep building healthy habits she can take with her into college and life beyond.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Ally plans to major in cultural and clinical adolescent psychology at Stanford and eventually earn her PhD. She’s passionate about researching how mindfulness, spirituality, and culturally aware therapy can transform mental health care for young people.

Her experiences with organizations like the Youth Center and Nunchi Health showed her just how much need there is, and she’s determined to be part of the solution.

“I want to be someone who doesn’t just talk about change but helps create it,” she says. “There’s still so much work to be done, especially around mental health.”

Words of Advice

When asked what advice she’d give younger students, Ally keeps it real: focus on healthy habits early, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

“Reaching out for support isn’t weakness — it’s strength,” she says. “The people around you can make all the difference.”

Final Thoughts

Throughout her time at Los Alamitos High School, Ally Hatakeyama has shown what it truly means to lead with heart, vision, and authenticity. She has left a real legacy on campus, setting an example that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about compassion, action, and staying true to your values.

As she heads off to Stanford University, there’s no doubt Ally will keep inspiring, uplifting, and leading wherever life takes her,  just like she’s always done.