From Student Reporter to City Council Member: The Inspiring Journey of 19-Year-Old Ellen Zhang

By Diana Ding

Five years ago, Ellen Zhang was one of the students in our online Youth Reporter Program during the early days of the pandemic. She was only fourteen. Curious and Thoughtful.

Today, at just nineteen years old, she is one of the youngest elected city council members in the United States, serving Madison, Wisconsin’s District 8 while still attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Meeting Ellen again at the UCA National Convention felt like watching a dream come full circle.

During our interview, she smiled and told me she still remembers something I said in that class years ago: “Everyone has a story. Learn to tell yours.”

She said storytelling remains one of the most important skills she uses today—whether speaking with constituents, attending community meetings, or serving on the City Council.

Because stories build trust. Stories connect people.Stories create change.

When I asked why she decided to run for office at such a young age, she explained that it was a mentor who encouraged her to step forward and serve. Many questioned whether a nineteen-year-old college student had enough experience. Instead of arguing, she simply listened, worked hard, and earned people’s trust.

Today, her top priority is housing affordability. With housing costs rising dramatically in Madison, she wants to make sure students, young families, and working people can continue to live in the community they love.

Balancing college classes with city council meetings—sometimes lasting five hours—isn’t easy. Yet Ellen believes her education and public service complement each other. What she studies in the classroom helps her serve her community. What she experiences in public office gives meaning to her education.

Before we ended our conversation, I invited Ellen to support our Asian American Stories program. She immediately said yes.

Because she understands something deeply: Stories have the power to change lives.

Watching Ellen today, I couldn’t help thinking back to that fourteen-year-old student sitting behind a computer screen during the pandemic. Five years later, she isn’t just telling her own story. She is helping shape the future of her city.

And I have a feeling… this is only the beginning.