Blog

Clay Roy Spoke With TFK Kid Reporter Mina Fedor’s

October 23, 2022 | Youth civic engagement drives change. Elizabeth Clay Roy is the CEO of Generation Citizen, a nonprofit group that tries to involve students in the democratic process. Clay Roy spoke with Time for Kids Kid Reporter Mina Fedor.

NBC Bay Area’s Asian Pacific America

October 16, 2022 | NBC Bay Area’s Asian Pacific America: Mina speaks with NBC’s Robert Handa about AAPI Youth Rising’s latest initiatives on Sunday, October 23 at 5:30pm on NBC Bay Area KNTV.

Aurora Theater Company: Colonialism is Terrible, But Pho is Delicious Opening Night

October 16, 2022 | Aurora Theater Company: Colonialism is Terrible, But Pho is Delicious Opening Night – AYR joins the opening night panel for ‘Colonialism is Terrible, But Pho is Delicious‘ by playwright Dustin Chinn. The play received the Prestigious Edgerton FoundationNew Play Award in 2022. This is the first play to begin Aurora Theater’s 31st Season.Continue reading “Aurora Theater Company: Colonialism is Terrible, But Pho is Delicious Opening Night”

Changemaker Summit 2022

October 16, 2022 | Changemakers Summit 2022 is a national AAPI Youth Conference created in partnership with Act to Change, Hate Is A Virus and Stop AAPI Hate. Designed to support, connect & develop the next generation of AAPI youth activists, our conference this year will center around the theme of Intergenerational & Intersectional Activism.Continue reading “Changemaker Summit 2022”

Call for new Chapter Leaders and Ambassadors

October 9, 2022 | Want to help our cause? Become an AYR Chapter Leader or Youth Ambassador today! Chapter Leaders pledge to bring our ONE DAY OF AAPI HISTORY lesson to classrooms and/or organizations. Become a Chapter Leader in your city today and create a new chapter of driven individuals who strive for a moreContinue reading “Call for new Chapter Leaders and Ambassadors”

Vicha Ratanapakdee Street Naming

October 2, 2022 | Today, we commemorated the loss of a beloved community member, Vicha Ratanapakdee. He is being forever preserved by the renaming of Sonora Way to Vicha Ratanapakdee Way. Many speakers shared their opinions and takes on the horrific killing. Some examples are Amanda Nguyen and Daniel Dae Kim. We gathered not onlyContinue reading “Vicha Ratanapakdee Street Naming”

President Biden is honoring Mina from AAPI Youth Rising as a Uniter at the United We Stand Summit

September 5, 2022 | President Biden is honoring Mina from AAPI Youth Rising as a Uniter at the United We Stand Summit. We believe it is important for Americans of all ages, races, religions, ages and political affiliations to come together to combat the rise in hate.  All youth deserve to feel safe in America.Continue reading “President Biden is honoring Mina from AAPI Youth Rising as a Uniter at the United We Stand Summit”

Vicha Ratanpakdee Street Naming Ceremony in San Francisco

October 1, 2022 | AYR is invited to speak alongside SF politicians and civil rights leaders at the Vicha Rattanapakte Street naming. Grandpa Vicha was brutally pushed down to the ground at the start of the pandemic. His family has continued to raise awareness about the violence targeting AAPI in America.

Talking Story Podcast

July 27, 2022 | Mina and Max spoke with Pastor Gerald Chinen. Click here to watch

July Youth Board Meeting

July 24, 2022 | Youth Board had its monthly meeting today and discussed new plans and updated each other on what each board member is doing. A few announcements are that Siwoo is planning on recruiting and interviewing new ambassadors and chapter leaders and there will be new spots in the board for finance directorContinue reading “July Youth Board Meeting”

The Cameron House

July 19, 2022 | Kudos to Mina, Maxwell and Charlee for presenting to middle schoolers at the Cameron House SF Community Immersion Program. The Cameron House is a SF institution. Established in 1874, it hosts many family-centered programs out of SF Chinatown. We were so excited to present our ONE DAY OF AAPI HISTORY lessonContinue reading “The Cameron House”

AYR presents to the UPS Executive Team

July 19, 2022 | Kudos to Mina, Maxwell and Charlee for presenting to the UPS Executive Team!

The Unity March

June 25, 2022 | Mina, Ethan, Anna, Cooper, Max, and Charlee were highlighted in the first ever national AAPI march for The Unity March at Washington DC. AYR was a Partner Organization for the rally.

Asian Voices Podcast

June 17, 2022 | Asian Voices Podcast Mina’s interview – The Rising Generation of Activists with Mina Fedor of AAPI Youth Rising

AYR presents to Mattel

June 17, 2022 | So great to be invited back to speak with Mattel. Jaslene, Angely, Mina, Soha for presented to Matel’s AAPI Employee Resource Group!

AYR presents to Accenture

July 12, 2022 | Cheers to Mihika, Cooper, Mina, Angely, Maxwell and Soha for presenting!

The Changing Tides Podcast with Matthew Yonemura

July 5, 2022 | Changing Tides Podcast – Ep 22: The Future Is Now w/ AAPI Youth Rising The Changing Tides Podcast We first met Matt at the Act to Change event in May 2022. Mina, Siwoo and Max connected with Matt to hear more about Changing Tides and our journey too!

The Everygirl Podcast

June 15, 2022 | The Everygirl Podcast. Congrats to Mina, Siwoo, Charlee and Jaslene

Thank you SF Opera for inviting us to the Opening Night of Dream of the Red Chamber!! 

June 17, 2022 | Check out this magical production adapted from a classic of world literature performed by an all-Asian main cast set to beautiful music, costumes and set design! What an amazing way to end the school year! AAPI Youth Rising’s Mina (@mina.fedor) and Maxwell (@maxwellw_2025) spoke out at the Justice for Vicha RallyContinue reading “Thank you SF Opera for inviting us to the Opening Night of Dream of the Red Chamber!! “

Speaking with 7th grade Scholastic Kids Reporter Ellie Choi!

May 27, 2022 | Charlee, Siwoo, Max, and Mina spoke with 7th grader and Scholastic Kids Press reporter Ellie Choi right after teaching our ONE DAY OF AAPI HISTORY lesson to our first group of middle-schoolers! Check out our interview here.

Soul of a Nation

May 27, 2022 | Emmy Award-winning “Nightline” co-anchor Juju Chang explores wide-ranging themes, including conquering hate through education. Hear from Mina Fedor and the AAPI Youth Rising team on how we advocate for Asian American history to be taught in schools. Watch “ABC News Honors Asian American Culture with a Groundbreaking All-New Special“

AAPI Youth Rising featured in the First Prime-Time Special Dedicated to Asians in America: Together as One

May 27, 2022 | For the first time on prime-time, a special dedicated to Asians in America. Watch the AAPI Youth Rising team on Together as One, a special edition of Soul of a Nation. Friday, May 27 at 8pm on ABC and Hulu streaming.

GMA Inspiration List: Celebrating AAHNPI Changemakers!

May 24, 2022 | Super honored to be included in Good Morning America’s AAPI Inspiration List! Check out all the honorees here. 

Interview on the Today Show

May 23, 2022 | Check out our interview on the TODAY show! Mina, Siwoo, Aashi and Charlee share why it’s important to learn about our diverse histories. 

ACT TO CHANGE Community Reception + Changemaker Award for Mina Fedor

May 23, 2022 | We were in LA at Act to Change’s Community Reception for the 4th Annual National AAPI Day Against Hate and Bullying! Did you miss the Livestream? You can catch it here. Mina also was awarded the Changemaker of the Year Award. Thanks to Act to Change for believing in us from the beginning!

TFA – What’s It Like to Be a Middle School AAPI Activist?

May 23, 2022 | Super excited to launch our ONE DAY OF AAPI HISTORY Lesson and speak with Teach for America. Check out our interview with the TFA team here. 

CBS Evening News

May 15, 2022 | Thank you CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell and Nancy Chen for covering our ONE DAY OF ASIAN AMERICAN HISTORY launch. AAPI Youth Rising is sharing our lesson in classrooms across America!

AAPI Youth Rising’s One Day of AAPI History Lesson

May 15, 2022 | Interested in ONE DAY OF AAPI HISTORY? Asian American history is American History. Our ONE/180 Pledge asks for at least one day of AAPI History + Culture in our schools and we continue to support legislative action in support of our diverse histories. While we advocate for change, we hope to share whatContinue reading “AAPI Youth Rising’s One Day of AAPI History Lesson”

AAPI Silicon Valley Culture Festival

May 15, 2022 | We joined AAPI Silicon Valley for their Culture Festival! Max spoke with Mina and we enjoyed all the cultural performances that day. Thank you @aapisv!

Act To Change 4th Annual National AAPI Day Against Hate and Bullying

May 12, 2022 | Act To Change is rallying the nation — including cities and states, community organizations, and influencers, community leaders and elected officials — to commemorate the fourth Annual National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Day Against Bullying + Hate on May 18, 2022. To honor Vincent Chin’s legacy and to commemorateContinue reading “Act To Change 4th Annual National AAPI Day Against Hate and Bullying”

AAPI Youth Rising + Healthier Generations Instagram LIVE

May 7, 2022 | Catch our Instagram LIVE conversation on May 17 at 12:45 p.m. PST/3:45 p.m. EST. Healthier Generations is speaking with AYR about how your family can get involved in supporting AAPI young people and inclusive communities. Also, check out Healthier Generation’s AAPI Heritage month resources!

Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco and the Wells Fargo Foundation Mural Project

April 29, 2022 | What an honor to be a part of the @cccsanfrancisco and the Wells Fargo foundation mural project! The mural is a reminder that AAPI community heroes and stories matter. AYR served on a panel last year and helped select the heroes from over 5000 submissions from youth. Mural Location: 706 Jackson Street, SFContinue reading “Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco and the Wells Fargo Foundation Mural Project”

Asia Society SF’s Game Changer West Award ceremony

April 24, 2022 | We had such a fun time at @asiasocietysf’s Game Changer West Award ceremony! We met with honorees Time’s Kid of the Year Gitanjali Rao, Daniel Dae Kim and Stop AAPI Hate founder Russell Jeung! Plus we met all our friends from Asia Society in person!!!

May’s Big News Coming Up

April 24, 2022 | We have big news coming in May and are so grateful for Teach for America for capturing our story. We at AAPI Youth Rising believe that our histories should be told, and so we are SUPER excited about our upcoming action. STAY TUNED!

AALEAD Virginia Annual Day of Service

April 12, 2022 | Johann and Mina presented to elementary school and middle school students about AYR’s past year for Asian American Youth Leadership Empowerment and Development AALEAD Virginia’s Annual DAY OF SERVICE! It was great sharing our story with all their families too!

Act to Change’s Youth Ambassador program

April 8, 2022 | Many of us joined Act to Change’s inaugural Youth Ambassador program. We met weekly for the past few months to learn how we initiate change in our communities. Our capstone project was an anti-bullying lesson that we hope to roll out in the coming months. Stay tuned! Thanks to Kat MallariContinue reading “Act to Change’s Youth Ambassador program”

Celebrating Grace Lee Boggs on NowThis News’s Shoulder Series

March 25, 2022 | We are so honored to celebrate our hero Grace Lee Boggs through the Now This On Their Shoulders Series. The late Grace Lee Boggs was a fierce advocate for communities of color, and she continues to inspire a new generation of young activists including all of us at AAPI Youth Rising toContinue reading “Celebrating Grace Lee Boggs on NowThis News’s Shoulder Series”

Teen Vogue Interview

March 19, 2022 | Amazing speaking with Teen Vogue who shared our message that all histories matter! AYR Charlee and Mina spoke with Teen Vogue.

Lead the Convo

February 27, 2022 | We joined Lead the Convo’s Social Justice Fair on February 20th! Mina and Charlee shared tips on how to build and grow our organization with the following student-led groups: Let’s Procrastinate, Youth for the People, Letters for Rose, Ask An Undergrad, Growth for Green, The Good Bros, Lead the Convo Eco,Continue reading “Lead the Convo”

Girl Scout Daisy Troop #76411

February 27, 2022 | Exciting speaking with our very first Girl Scout Daisy Troop! Thanks Sora, Rory, Penny, Stella, Kelsey and Taelee for reaching out to hear our story!

Dear Asian Youth Panel

February 18, 2022 | Join us at Dear Asian Youth’s panel on Feb 20th at 5pm PT to hear Mina, Johann, Jaslene and Charlee speak about our experiences with AAPI Youth Rising.

American Girl and Now This! present “Making Herstory”

February 14, 2022 | American Girl and Now This! present ‘Making Herstory’ – Learn how AAPI Youth Rising is bringing change to the world. Hear Miki Ishikiawa speak with Mina, Team USA figure skater Alysa Liu, choreographer Ellen Kim and Joanne Baik about the importance of cultural heritage and representation. AAPI Youth Rising is proudContinue reading “American Girl and Now This! present “Making Herstory””

TIME Kid of the Year Finalist

February 9, 2022 | Honored to be interviewed by TIME Magazine and being named Top 5 for TIME Kid of the Year!

Meet Sean – Celebrating Black History Month

February 5, 2022 | At AAPI Youth Rising, we believe in celebrating our diverse youth voices! Huge shout out to guest contributor of the month, Sean for his Black History Month write-up. Thank you for sharing your message and celebrating with us! #blackhistorymonth #aapiyouthrising

Time Kid of the Year with Trevor Noah!

February 4, 2022 | So honored to be selected as @nickelodeon Top 5 Honoree for @TIME “Kid of the Year!”🏆 Check out the TOP 5! *Orion Jean: founder, Race to Kindness orion_monaco_jean*Cash Daniels: environmental activist @theconservationkid*Samirah Horton, aka DJ Annie Red: anti-bullying activist @dj_annie_red*Lino Marrero: inventor @lino marrero*Mina Fedor: anti-racism leader @aapiyouthrising@mina.fedor Tune in Wednesday, February 9 at 7:30/6:30c. Hosted by @trevornoah

Asian Justice Rally

January 30, 2022 | Today we gathered in SF for the Asian Justice rally – a national rally taking place in five cities on the anniversary of the death of 84-year old Thai grandfather Vicha Ratanapakdee. ONE in FIVE Asian Americans have experienced a hate incident the past year. ONE in FIVE AAPI students haveContinue reading “Asian Justice Rally”

Humsub Global Interview

January 22, 2022 | Check out our talk with @humsubglobalteen Founder & Executive Director, Rahul Yates! HSGT is dedicated to building a community for multiracial and mixed race identities. The Multiracial population has changed considerably since 2010. It was measured at 9 million people in 2010 and is now 33.8 million people in 2020, a 276% increase!Continue reading “Humsub Global Interview”

NBC News: Schools are starting to mandate Asian American studies. More could follow suit.

January 7, 2022 | Honored to speak to Tat and be featured in NBC News’ Asian American stories. Read the full article hear and listen to what Mina and others have to say about Asian American studies in schools.

American Girl selects AAPI Youth Rising as Partner Group for 2022 GOTY!

December 30, 2021 | American Girl selected AAPI Youth Rising as the partner organization for the American Girl 2022 Girl of the Year! Corinne Tan is the first Asian American GOTY and we are so honored to be the 2022 GOTY partner organization with American Girl! Like many of us at AAPI Youth Rising, CorinneContinue reading “American Girl selects AAPI Youth Rising as Partner Group for 2022 GOTY!”

AAPI Youth Rising’s Founder Mina Fedor Time Kid of the Year Top 5!

December 30, 2021 | AAPI Youth Rising’s founder Mina has just been named TOP 5 for the 2021 Time Kid of the Year!

AAPI Women Lead’s 4th Annual #ImReady2021 Movement Virtual Conference

December 11, 2021 | AAPI Youth Rising’s Mina and Siwoo spoke at AAPI Women Lead’s 4th Annual #ImReady2021 Movement Virtual Conference: Our Communities, Our Healing, Our R/evolution – December 11, 2021 at 10am – 1pm PT.

Act to Change: Changemakers Summit 2021

October 23, 2021 | AAPI Youth Rising led a panel at the Changemakers Summit 2021 during Bullying Prevention Month on October 23, 2021. Mina, Aashi, Anna, Charlee, Siwoo, and Mila spoke on the panel. This was Act to Change’s 3rd Annual Anti-Bullying Youth Conference in recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month in partnership with Hate isContinue reading “Act to Change: Changemakers Summit 2021”

Our Diverse Voices Youth Art Showcase

October 9, 2021 | AAPI Youth Rising organized the Our Diverse Voices youth art showcase in collaboration with AAPISV, Actions Towards Change, National Children’s Campaign, E14 Gallery and Rock Paper Scissors Collective. Opening Day was October 9th @ E14 Gallery in Oakland, CA during the Old Oakland Celebrates block party that drew hundreds of visitors!Continue reading “Our Diverse Voices Youth Art Showcase”

CCCSF + Wells Fargo Foundation: AAPI Mural Project for San Francisco

September 25, 2021 | AAPI Community Heroes Mural Project – unveiling in Chinatown, SF over Lunar New Year 2022! AAPI Youth Rising’s Mina, Siwoo and Aashi were so honored to serve on a panel of judges including AAPI Local Community Heroes, Rev. Norman Fong, Cathy Lam from Chinatown CDC, former BOE Eric Mar, Josephine ChewContinue reading “CCCSF + Wells Fargo Foundation: AAPI Mural Project for San Francisco”

Homeroom with Tan France

September 23, 2021 | AAPI Youth Rising and our classmates from Black Pine Circle School are honored to have been selected as a 2021 Homeroom with Tan France participant. Eye, and Act To Change Advisory Council member Tan France, to increase awareness of bullying prevention and teach kids to become active anti-bullying advocates in theirContinue reading “Homeroom with Tan France”

National Childrens Campaign – IG Live

August 7, 2021 | Siwoo Rhie had a great time talking with NCC, @nationalchildrenscampaign alongside other inspirational youth leaders and Nickelodeon star @chinguunsb @roshnichagan and @amysnam @leahh.ds. Together, we are changing our communities, one little action at a time. Watch the interview with Siwoo on IGTV!

Asia Society: Future of Education

July 29 – July 30, 2021

Boys & Girls Club + SAMSHA

July 21, 2021 | Working on our presentation for BOYS & GIRLS CLUB of MALIBU in PARTNERSHIP WITH SAMHSA – July 21, 2021. We the Social Justice unit for the Empowered Voices Program. Anna, Mila, Mina and Siwoo presented to and lead a discussion about youth activism with 12 SoCal Boys & Girls Club chapters.Continue reading “Boys & Girls Club + SAMSHA”

AAPI Youth Action Rally

June 26, 2021 | Thank you to @aapiyouthaction for organizing June’s inspirational rally in Pasadena. It’s uplifting to see other middle school youth taking action to speak up for our community. AAPI Youth Rising was honored to speak alongside trailblazers @repjudychu, @PasadenaMayorGordo, #senatorportantino, Susie Woo Associate Professor of American Studies at California State University, Lieutenant Anthony Burgess, AAPI Youth ActionContinue reading “AAPI Youth Action Rally”

Grantmakers for Thriving Youth

June 16, 2021 | Grantmakers for Thriving Youth – WEBINAR. AAPI Youth on Safety, Belonging and Thriving. Webinar recording of Mina speaking on June 16, 2021 here!

#LiveTogether Campaign

May 26, 2021 | #LiveTogether Challenge is launched by UNESCO and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. The #LiveTogether challenge is a global campaign about raising solidarity and inclusion in the international community in the effort to fight racism and discrimination. AAPI Youth Rising is joining the movement and nominating our partners to participateContinue reading “#LiveTogether Campaign”

Little Actions Make a Difference

May 26, 2021 | Each day, we at AAPI Youth Rising are raising our voices and taking actions to create positive change in the world. Just some of the work we’ve done this month includes: * Making impactful artwork to spread awareness of key issues in our community.* Rallying our community members, schools, and teachersContinue reading “Little Actions Make a Difference”

Berkeley Proclamation in honor of AAPI Youth Rising

September 14, 2022 | In May, 2021, the City of Berkeley awarded AAPI Youth Rising with a proclamation acknowledging our work to better our community through youth action. Thanks to Councilmember Robinson and Councilmember Kesarwani for supporting our communities and for nominating us. Thanks to the entire City Council for this honor!

What does an “American” look like?

May 15, 2021 | Illustrations by AAPI Youth Rising’s Mina Fedor Hwarang means warrior in Korean. Gyopo means an ethnic Korean who is part of the diaspora.

El Cerrito Human Relation Commission

May 12, 2021 | El Cerrito Human Relation Commission – Stop Anti-Asian Violence – Charlee and Mina shared our AYR stories and her allegory with the City of El Cerrito on Wednesday, May 12th from 6:30-8pm PST

AAPI Youth Rising’s ONE/180 Pledge

May 11, 2021 | Students, Teachers, Parents, and Allies, please consider signing the ONE/180 Pledge if you support having at least one lesson of AAPI History + Culture taught in your schools in this coming year.  Why ONE/180?  Out of the standard 180 instructional days in the average student’s school year, we are asking thatContinue reading “AAPI Youth Rising’s ONE/180 Pledge”

Asia Society: Asian Americans Building America

May 10, 2021 | A few days after the AAPI Youth Rising rally, Mina had an interview with Asia Society’s CEO and Australia’s 26th Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on May 10, 2021 as part of a series called Asian Americans Building America. Check out Mina’s interview here!

March for Elders Rally

May 1, 2021 Thanks @asiansunitedus for organizing the March for Elders Rally and shout out to @_cam_cake_ for representing AYR and sharing her story as a proud, Asian American adoptee, and reminding us of the diversity implicit in being American. Cooper @itadakimasutako joined in leading the march with @mina.fedor! Check out our reel on IG!

Actions Towards Change Rally

April 18, 2021 | Mina spoke out at ATC’s rally in SF.

AAPI Youth Rising Rally

March 28, 2021 | On March 28, 2021, we held the AAPI Youth Rising Rally. We raised our voices in support of the AAPI community to speak out against the rise in xenophobia. Over 1,200 people at the rally supported the cause. Simon Alejandrino, a teacher at Redwood Day School MC-ed the rally. Berkeley CouncilContinue reading “AAPI Youth Rising Rally”