Tell us a little about how your interest in sun safety began.
My interest in sun safety started long before I founded my nonprofit. My mom had skin cancer when I was young, and because she’s a redhead, sun protection was always a priority in our family.
Growing up, wearing sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing was just part of everyday life, so I assumed everyone learned those habits.
That changed when I became a swim coach. I saw children coming to the pool without sunscreen and leaving with painful sunburns. Even when I reminded parents, many didn’t realize how important sun protection was. That experience opened my eyes to the gap in sun safety education. I realized Los Angeles was the perfect place to begin creating change, and I started working with local schools, preschools, camps and community organizations before expanding into underserved communities. That’s how Have Fun in the Sun began.
What was the process of putting together a 501(c)(3)?
The paperwork is only a small part of building a nonprofit. While becoming a 501(c)(3) takes time and organization, the real challenge begins afterward. You have to create a mission people believe in, build a recognizable brand, earn the trust of partners, secure donations and figure out how to make a lasting impact.
For me, the hardest part wasn’t filing forms, it was learning how to introduce myself, reach out to companies, build relationships and keep going after hearing “no.” Creating a nonprofit is really about building something that people want to support and making sure it continues to grow long after it’s officially established.
What is the mission of your nonprofit organization?
The mission of Have Fun in the Sun is to make sun safety education and protection accessible to every child. We focus on children under 13 by providing free educational workshops, our interactive mobile app, children’s book, classroom resources and sun protection products like sunscreen. Our goal is to help families build healthy habits early so children can reduce their risk of skin cancer later in life.
What are you most proud of so far?
While I’m incredibly proud that we’ve distributed more than $80,000 worth of donated sunscreen to children, primarily in underserved communities, I’m even more proud of how much I’ve grown personally.
When I started this organization, I was extremely shy. I was nervous to introduce myself, afraid to send emails and hesitant to talk about the work I was doing. Today, I speak confidently with community leaders, reach out to companies every day and have even shared our mission on television.
This work has taught me that rejection isn’t failure, it’s part of the process. Every “no” has helped me become more resilient, and every opportunity started because I was willing to ask. That confidence has been one of the greatest gifts this journey has given me.
You are a junior at the Archer School. Tell us how you juggle school, friends and running this organization.
Balancing school, friendships, and a nonprofit definitely isn’t easy. School is a full-time commitment, and running a nonprofit often feels like another full-time job. I’ve learned to use my free periods and weekends wisely. Sundays are usually my biggest workdays, where I catch up on both homework and nonprofit projects, and during the week I answer emails and take meetings whenever I have free time.
My school has also been incredibly supportive, which has made a huge difference. Even though it can be challenging, this work never feels like a chore because I’m genuinely passionate about it. Knowing that I’m helping other children makes all the long hours worth it.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
Outside of my nonprofit, I love swimming, reading, cooking, spending time with my friends and going to the beach. I also enjoy trying new restaurants around Los Angeles and just doing what any normal teenager would do.
Did you grow up in L.A.?
I moved to Los Angeles when I was three years old, so I’ve spent almost my entire life here. Even though I was born in Seattle, I definitely consider Los Angeles home. It’s the city where I grew up, where I started my nonprofit and where I hope to continue making a difference.
How would you describe yourself as a 10-year-old?
I was a very anxious kid. I put a lot of pressure on myself and worried about my future much more than most 10-year-olds probably do. Being 10 during the COVID pandemic also shaped that experience. Looking back, I think those challenges helped me become more resilient and motivated to make a positive impact.
How would you describe your childhood years?
My childhood was filled with change. After my father passed away, my family moved from Seattle to Los Angeles, and it felt like a completely new chapter in our lives. Even with those challenges, I had an incredibly happy childhood. It brought my family even closer together, and looking back, I’m grateful for all of the love, support, and opportunities I had growing up.
Best advice for others your age who are passionate about a cause?
Start before you feel ready. You don’t have to wait until you’re older or have everything figured out. If there’s something you care about, take the first step. Send the email, ask the question, or start the project. The worst someone can say is “no,” and every “no” brings you one step closer to a “yes.” You never know how much impact one small idea can grow into.
Do you have a mentor? If so, tell us about them.
I don’t have one specific mentor, but I’m lucky to have several people who inspire me. My Service Squad advisor at Archer, Ms. Shirk, has shown me what thoughtful leadership and meaningful service look like. My mom has also been one of my biggest role models. Watching the way both of them care for others has influenced the kind of leader I hope to become.
What do you plan to study in college? Goals for the future?
I’m hoping to study public health and business while following a pre-med track. My long-term goal is to become a dermatologist while continuing to build organizations and initiatives that improve public health. I love combining medicine, education, and entrepreneurship to solve real-world problems, and I hope to continue doing that throughout my career.
What do you enjoy doing in and around L.A.?
I love everything Los Angeles has to offer. You’ll usually find me at the beach, exploring museums, trying new restaurants, or spending time with friends outdoors. One of my favorite things about Los Angeles is that there are always new opportunities to learn, volunteer and meet people who are passionate about making a difference. It’s a city that constantly inspires me.
To lear more about Pasha’s organization, visit HaveFunintheSun.org
