About Us

Let’s Talk Unite is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to combatting affective polarization through stimulating constructive dialogue across the political spectrum. We aspire to promote a culture of accountability and awareness in which members confront their biases and welcome divergent perspectives.

Let’s Talk Unite inspires bipartisan discourse through free digital resources, local workshops, and a podcast. We have high school and college students in all executive and teaching roles so that they gain invaluable communication and leadership skills. We are fortunate to have a strong board of advisors who are aiding the expansion of Let’s Talk Unite across the United States.

A Message From

Our Founder

There exist an endless number of compelling social issues. I founded Let’s Talk Unite in 2021 to address the root problem impeding progress: affective polarization.

Recent politics have exposed the pernicious polarization plaguing our national discourse. Discussions concerning pronouns, abortion, guns, and immigration threaten antipathy between families and friends. Studies indicate that, long-term, affective polarization might engender policy paralysis and authoritarianism. In essence, ignoring our disagreement in turn neglects the pressing issues imperative to the well-being of our communities.

Let’s Talk Unite resists this harrowing future by inspiring tolerance and understanding among outpartisans. Being the founder grants me the unique opportunity to establish values with personal meaning to me—among them, accountability, forgiveness, and open-mindedness.

I am immensely grateful to our community partners, who have allowed us to carry out our work in an effectual and sustainable manner, and welcome you to join us as a partner, sponsor, or volunteer.

Sincerely,
Olivia Chiang
Founder, President

Our Team

We are a coalition of diverse students, scholars, educators, and organizations united by a shared dedication to fight affective polarization within our respective fields.

Olivia Chiang

Founder, President

Olivia Chiang is a student at The Nueva School and a passionate advocate for bridging partisan divides. Struck by the severe polarization plaguing our political system, she founded the nonprofit Let’s Talk Unite in 2021 to raise awareness about polarization’s ramifications and transform the way we approach political discourse. She leads local workshops on identifying bias and manipulation, designs open-source conversation guides, and hosts a podcast featuring interviews with leading researchers concerning the intersection between polarization and corporate interests, vaccine hesitancy, and religious identity. Long term, Olivia aspires to conduct transformative research that disrupts our echo chambers and revitalizes our political discourse.

Charlotte Kofman

Executive Director

Charlotte Kofman is a student at The Kehillah School highly interested in bridging political divides and fostering civil discourse. Drawn to Let’s Talk Unite’s mission in 2024, she quickly became involved in its efforts. She leads local workshops and events focused on reducing polarization and identifying biases, manages social media outreach, and oversees LTU’s Public Relations and Event Divisions. Charlotte hopes to expand the LTU network, leading projects that challenge entrenched viewpoints and contributing to a more collaborative political environment.

Events Division

Mathilde Huynh

Mathilde Huynh is a high school sophomore at Henry M. Gunn High School. She is interested in educating people on political matters, encouraging them to understand diverse perspectives and move beyond simplistic black and white thinking. Mathilde is the Community Outreach officer for Youth and Government as well as a member of the Gunn Dance Team. In her free time she loves to bake, read, and hang out with her friends.

Maya Mazin

Maya Mazin is a high school freshman at The Kehillah School. Maya is also a member of the Palo Alto Youth Climate Advisory Board and volunteers weekly at DreamCatchers. She enjoys baking, reading, and playing tennis in her free time.

Jenna Mu

Jenna Mu is a high school sophomore at The Kehillah School. She is passionate about how political polarization changes the nature of civil discourse on topics such as human rights and climate change. Jenna is also a member of the Palo Alto Youth Climate Advisory Board and the Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition. In her free time, she enjoys reading, dancing, discovering new coffee shops, and understanding more about the world around her..

Public Relations Division

Kensie Pao

Kensie Pao is a high school junior at Palo Alto High School. She is thrilled to join Let’s Talk Unite to develop her knowledge of political and affective polarization. Kensie is also the President of the Paly Book Club and Paly Young Sheldon Club.

Neel Gupta

Neel Gupta is a high school sophomore at The Nueva School. Through his roles as a member of Let’s Talk Unite, a reporter for the Nueva Current, and the President of the Nueva Promise (a club combatting gun violence), Gupta hopes to increase productive dialogue. Gupta also enjoys dancing, true crime, and reading.

Nathan Yoon

Nathan Yoon is a high school sophomore at Henry Gunn High School. He joined Let’s Talk Unite to combat the ostracization of minority political groups. Nathan is also the Secretary of the Palo Alto Teen Advisory Board. He enjoys playing volleyball, skiing, and spending time with his friends.