Meet the Team
YASI WEI
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
M.A. in Bilingual Special Childhood Education
Teachers College, Columbia University
Vickena is the CEO of YouZai, leading the company’s overall vision and strategic development. With a professional background in special education, she is deeply committed to supporting children’s holistic growth. She believes that every child is unique, and that healthy development goes far beyond academics. It requires emotional understanding, individualized guidance, and a nurturing environment—especially for children with diverse learning needs. Through YouZai, Vickena strives to create meaningful experiences that empower children to build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.
XINZHU XIANG
Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief
M.S. in Neuroscience and Education
Teachers College, Columbia University
Xinzhu is a research technician at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, where her work focuses on understanding protein trafficking in neurological disease. She hopes to apply her scientific training to bridge the gap between research on the brain, cognition, and behavior and the challenges encountered in schools and other applied settings. Through science communication, Xinzhu aims to help families and educators understand recent scientific progress, make informed decisions about child development and education, and feel better supported in navigating lifelong learning and personal development.
JINGWEN XU
Co-Founder & Media Director
M.A. in Gifted Education
Teachers College, Columbia University
Jingwen Works at a top private school in Manhattan. She believes education is not about producing high-performing students, but about helping each child discover who they are and what they can become. Her work focuses on interdisciplinary, interactive learning that pushes students to think deeply, recognize their strengths, and become resourceful in navigating the world. Jingwen does not define success for her students, she challenges them to define it for themselves, so they can build meaningful lives and stand out in their own way.
MIRANDA LU
Co-Founder & Curriculum Director
M.A. in Bilingual Childhood Education
Teachers College, Columbia University
Miranda works at a leading private school in Manhattan, where she integrates interdisciplinary and project-based learning into her teaching. She believes students learn best when learning is driven by their interests and involves applying knowledge and skills across disciplines to complete meaningful tasks. In her classroom, Miranda creates a safe and inspiring environment where students feel empowered to express their ideas, develop unique perspectives, and deepen their understanding of the world around them. She believes each individual can contribute in their own meaningful ways.
CALI LIU
Co-Founder & Education Director
M.A. in Early Childhood Education
Teachers College, Columbia University
Cali currently works at a public school in New York State, where she is dedicated to creating inclusive and engaging learning environments for young children. With a strong background in early childhood and bilingual education, she focuses on supporting diverse learners and ensuring that every child feels seen, valued, and empowered. She believes education goes beyond academics, emphasizing the importance of nurturing each child’s confidence, individuality, and sense of belonging. Her approach integrates research-based practices with student-centered teaching, helping children explore, discover, and develop essential skills while building a strong foundation for their future.