Inspiring Conversations with Hanson Yan of Triple V

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hanson Yan.

Hi Hanson, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Absolutely! My journey with Triple V began from a very personal encounter with the gaps in mental health support for young people, which my co-founder Eric and I discussed during a trip two years ago. We were both deeply affected by the challenges our peers faced, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which worsen issues like mental health neglect and addiction. This conversation opened our eyes to a troubling truth: even before the pandemic, there was a significant gap in mental health support for teens and college students. Shockingly, a study from 2019 indicated that only about 12% of students on UC campuses sought mental health help. This wasn’t just a pandemic issue; it was a wake-up call to address a longstanding oversight.
Motivated by our findings and driven by our experiences, Eric and I founded Triple V. Our vision was clear: create a supportive community that bridges the gap in mental health resources through a digital platform, to inspire youth to explore their passions, unlock their full potential, and become proactive changemakers. We provide essential resources, strategic mentorship, and a supportive network to help youth thrive. Today, Triple V operates out of San Diego, connecting inspired young individuals across the digital sphere, helping them uplift each other through shared passions and experiences.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, definitely not. In the early days, we launched our first program, TripleV-Me, which aimed to highlight inspiring students by sharing their stories to a broader audience. This project was both our starting point and one of our biggest challenges. As a new brand, gaining trust and establishing credibility was incredibly tough. The logistical and ethical challenges of interviewing minors—ensuring we had proper consent from them and their parents—were daunting. Many families were understandably wary of having their children’s stories published online, and most declined our requests. Those who agreed often did so because of personal connections, which we leaned on heavily in those initial months.

Despite these hurdles, the stories we managed to capture and share were nothing short of amazing. They not only provided inspiration to others but also affirmed the vital need for our work. These experiences taught us valuable lessons in persistence and the importance of building trust within the community.

As you know, we’re big fans of Triple V . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Let me tell you a bit more about what we do at Triple V. We have several key programs designed to empower young leaders:

At Triple V, we’re committed to empowering young leaders by providing them with the tools and resources they need to excel. Our initiatives are thoughtfully designed to foster growth, resilience, and a sense of community among the youths we serve.

One of our key initiatives is the Storyteller Program. This initiative allows young people to tell their own stories using a contemporary video-interview style.The Storytelling Project is dedicated to discovering and showcasing the accomplishments of talented young individuals in various fields, including but not limited to, academics, sports, performing arts, entrepreneurship, and community contributions. Our Storytelling Project highlights the diverse voices within our youth community by providing a platform for young people to share their unique stories, amplifying youth activism and passions. Since the project’s launch, we have interviewed over 300 youth from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We edit the interview videos and post them on our TripleV website, YouTube, and social media platforms. Additionally, we compile them in newsletters and occasional print publications to reach a broader audience. Our storytellers have touched the lives of thousands of youth and motivated action across various communities.

In addition to storytelling, our Mentorship Program connects students with mentors in various fields, all within a secure online space. The upcoming Triple V App will improve this by providing round-the-clock access to mentorship with AI technology, delivering personalized guidance inspired by actual role models. This connection provides more than just advice—it fosters long-term relationships that help students navigate their personal and professional challenges.

Furthermore, our Internship Match Program bridges the gap between ambition and opportunity by matching fellows with internships that align with their passions. We’re actively creating new positions by collaborating with businesses and educational institutions. We also partner with high schools to offer Work-Study Internships, where we cover tuition costs and provide real-world experience in key industries. This hands-on approach not only enhances the students’ resumes but also their understanding of their chosen fields.

These programs collectively represent the essence of Triple V: inspiring, empowering, and uplifting future leaders through valuable connections and opportunities.

What makes you happy?
Many factors bring me joy, but nothing compares to the satisfaction I feel when we bring about positive change at Triple V—such as connecting a student with the ideal mentor or assisting someone in securing a career-shaping internship. Each successful connection has the potential to change lives, not just bring people together. These moments reaffirm our mission and the motivation behind our journey. They make me aware that our actions significantly influence young people’s lives, giving them the courage to pursue their aspirations and change their destinies.
Additionally, I am very interested in researching positive psychology, which focuses on the study of positive emotions, strengths, and factors that contribute to human flourishing and well-being. It aims to understand what makes life worth living and how individuals and communities can thrive.
I have been involved in several psychology-related research projects. From this research, I realized that self-fulfillment and continuous happiness come from having a passion for life, whether it be academic, career-related, personal interests, or giving back to the community.
However, I also noticed that many youths today are clueless about their passions. That’s why at Triple V, I developed several projects, such as the “Find Your Passion” guidebook, mentorship programs, and community involvement networking opportunities. The goal is to provide youth with access to useful resources, peer and professional support, and networking opportunities to help them find their passion and take action.
Managing and operating Triple V involves a lot of detailed work. But knowing that I am making a difference in thousands of youths’ lives and promoting a healthier lifestyle among teens becomes my daily motivation. Nothing brings me more happiness than witnessing the tangible outcomes of our commitment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.triple3v.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triple3v/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@triplevorg