Category Archives: events

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 | Texas Chapter Leader Hana Parker wrote a brilliant op-ed that was published in Ethnic Media Services. This article is about Hana’s personal journey of grappling with her Asian American identity in the face of stereotypes and racism and her eventual role in advocating for AAPI inclusion and awareness. Check it out here!

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.

September 26, 2024 | On September 23, AYR founder Mina and executive-director-in-training Ethan spoke AYR’s Mina and Ethan speak at the Commonwealth Club of California with producer Michelle Meow on the “Navigating Our Differences through Civic Engagement” panel alongside Bay Area elected leaders and CUAV during the United Against Hate Day Summit. AYR members were welcome to join a free half-day summit marking United Against Hate Day, part of United Against Hate Week. The week is a call for local civic action to stop the hate and biases that threaten the safety and civility of our neighborhoods, towns, and cities. The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation’s oldest and largest public affairs forum.

September 14, 2024 | Act To Change is collaborating with Warner Bros. Discovery’s Asian employees for their Impact Day. The Warner Asian Voices Elevated (WAVE) group is hosting two sessions for any youth who are interested in learning more about careers and professional journeys in the entertainment industry on Friday, September 27. Interested in attending this even? RSVP here!