Author Archives: Leo

December 4, 2024 | Commission on the State of Hate commissions want to hear from you! Meet commissioners and staff to talk about the views, needs, and concerns in the Fresno community.

December 4, 2024 | Dear United Against Hate Week Community, UAHW looks forward to hosting our their workshop, United Against Hate Week 2024 Community Recap and Reports, on Wednesday, December 4 at 3 PM PT. This is an opportunity to come together with other community members, partner organizations, and representatives from cities nationwide to reflect on our collective efforts this year and start planning for an impactful 2025.

November 4, 2024 | On October 26, 2024, Mina Fedor and Charlee Trenkle attended the OCA (Organization of Chinese Americans) San Mateo 2024 Asian American Achievement Awards. AAPI Youth Rising was awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Senate for the 2024 Community Partner Award with OCA San Mateo. The event was held to honor four honorees: David Mineta, Abigail Hing Wen, Connie Young Yu, and Russell Jeung.

High Schoolers, we have something special just for you! A day specially crafted for our AAPI teens, our Youth Summit was conceived on the premise of paying it forward, having those that have lived and learned share their experiences with AAPI youths just emerging from their own educational journey and discovering their world beyond. ThemedContinue reading “TeachAAPI Youth Summit “Roots & Routes: Making Your Mark””

October 12, 2024 | Going into my first experience as an AAPI Youth Rising Chapter Leader, I was nervous and slightly unsure of myself. That feeling was barely able to touch me before it vanished. Walking through the wide halls of the Hart Senate Building and the US Capitol, surrounded by my fellow AYR members, brought an exciting yet comfortable feeling, a realization that I was now part of this powerful, inspirational yet youthful community. The tour held many memorable experiences. Intricate statues and models. The Senate Subway, an exhilarating privilege. The old Supreme Court, surrounded with a quiet, sacred feeling. The current Supreme Court, giving off the aura of strength and leadership, thrilling me with every breath. But to me, the heart of this entire visit was our meeting with Senator Mazie Hirono.

October 10, 2024 | When I arrived in Virginia, It was still very early in the morning, the sky was a pitch black void of nothingness and the night was still with the exception of a few distant cars on the highway. We were on a trip for AAPI Youth Rising and in four hours, we would be at the Capitol with the rest of the organization.

October 7, 2024 | I was amazed to see all of the changemakers in the community. I was able to meet so many people (like an FBI agent) and hear stories from AANHPI community members. Lunch with Senator Hirono was super amazing. I was able to learn a Senator’s perspective on many issues in today’s world. I learned that the Senator greatly appreciates art and that she was an immigrant and was able to get into politics. I learned what it is like to pass a bill, and was able to tour the capitol building.

October 7, 2024 | Incredible, to say the least! Last week, AAPI Youth Rising had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) Policy Summit. It was my first time in D.C. and the experience was something I’ll definitely never forget. During the summit I spoke on the “Youth Changemakers: Advancing Mental Health in Our Communities” panel. I had the privilege of being on stage with the amazing leader—Dr. Jenny Wang and youth advocates Mina Fedor, Jason Wong, and May Soe Min. Everyone at the summit was very kind and extremely passionate about their work. They were all so motivated and it was empowering to be surrounded by individuals who genuinely just want to make change for the better. One of the most meaningful parts of the summit was connecting with the Creating Space Community, which was extremely inspiring, especially for me to see an organization seeking out youth voices. But I’ll admit, I was extremely nervous before the panel. My heart was racing (partially because of the amount of caffeine I had). However, Dr. Wang and Mina were there to help calm me down and remind me that the conversations we were having were bigger than our nerves. 

October 2, 2024 | I feel incredibly fortunate to have been invited to the White House Initiative on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (WHIAANHPI) Policy Summit. Touring the Capitol was a remarkable experience, with its stunning architecture and sculptures and offering a glimpse into a government politician’s life. Meeting with Senator Mazie Hirono to discuss issues such as gun violence and school safety while sharing our passions over pizza was an intimate and inspiring moment. This trip to the Capital of the United States encouraged me to pursue and engage in critical conversations and deepened my understanding of government committees and legislation.