Meet Cynthia Koo! Cynthia is a native New Yorker. She currently works at a technology startup while also running her own Etsy business. Check out her Etsy store here and read on for the full interview.
What brings you to New York City? What makes you want stay? How would you characterize New York City?
I was born and raised in New York City. I lived in California for three months, but couldn't resist the pull of NYC back. New York is a city infused with possibility. My favorite quote about it comes from The Great Gatsby: "I love New York on summer afternoons when everyone's away. There's something very sensuous about it - overripe, as if all sorts of funny fruits were going to fall into your hands."
What do you do? What issues are most important to you? Why?
I'm a designer, and I currently work at a technology startup while running an Etsy business, Wonton In A Million (www.wontoninamillion.com) on the side. A couple of years ago, I took a few months off to travel and tasked myself with figuring out what the problem was that I wanted to work on. What did I want to spend my career fighting for? For a few reasons, I decided what meant the most to me was education.
For a few reasons. I believe so strongly that there are no solutions to society's problems that can't be solved by better education. Better in a few ways: More accessible. More personal. More holistic. Imagine a world in which a generation grows up learning to be kind, generous, and community-minded.
What are you most proud of in your life so far?
I just spent the last year building Wonton In A Million - an Etsy store selling dimsum-inspired merchandise. I’ve started and stopped tons of projects. I keep a list of things that I want to build - someday. This is the first time I've built something that has reached a level of momentum and exposure that I think can serve as a springboard for me to do a range of bigger and impactful things. One of my goals, for example, is to help usher Chinese cuisine (and culture) into the American imagination. Exposure to Chinese food is relatively low in a lot of the country. In a lot of places, impressions of Chinese food is limited to takeout restaurants. Unlike other Asian cuisines (Japanese in particular), there is little appreciation for it as an art form. But there is so much craft and finesse that goes into making Chinese food. And there is such a variety of it. I think food is a great and easy way to access and begin to learn about a culture - and I'm hoping WIAM will help me to help more people do that.
Who inspires you?
Each and every person daring to own and fight for their dreams.
What are your goals as a civic leader/activist/advocate?
I don't feel entirely comfortable calling myself a civic leader/activist/advocate. But I'd love if what I do and try to do is enough to prove that we don't all have to dedicate our lives or careers to a cause or non-profit to make a difference. If we all did a little bit of good in our little part of the world, the world would be an infinitely better place. “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” - Mother Teresa
New York City is the ultimate city for diversity-- and diverse foods! With that said, what's your favorite restaurant within the five boroughs?
My favorite is Big Wong in Manhattan's Chinatown (Hong Kong roast meats). I could eat there every day!
We’re pleased to introduce y’all to Iris Zalun-- New York native, Pilipino American Unity for Progress, Inc. (UniPRO) volunteer, and Voting Rights Organizer at the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF).
(P.S. AALDEF is looking for volunteers who will be on the ground surveying Asian American voters as they exit the polls on Election Day-- Nov 8th. If you’re interested, please sign up to volunteer at www.aaldef.net or email Iris at [email protected].)
What brings you to New York City? and/or what makes you want to stay?
I was born here and raised in Queens and Long Island and I just couldn’t imagine being anywhere else! I love all that NYC has to offer: the diversity, the food, the art, the history, the open-mindedness, the possibilities.
What do you do? What social justice issues are most important to you? Why?
I’m passionate about civic engagement – empowering Asian Americans and Filipino Americans to raise our voices, demand attention to the issues we face, and transform our own communities. I first became involved in this work through Pilipino American Unity for Progress’ (UniPro) voter education workshops and GOTV (get out the vote) efforts among Filipino American students and young professionals.
This led me to my current role as the Voting Rights Organizer at the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), a national organization that protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans. Right now I’m preparing for the 2016 Presidential Election, when we’ll roll out our Asian American exit poll to find out, first, how our community votes and what issues we care about, and second, what problems we encountered at the polls. Unfortunately, Asian Americans, particularly those who are limited English proficient (LEP), face a number of barriers at the polls, including a lack of translated materials and interpreters, improper requests for ID, and discrimination. By conducting this survey and working with jurisdictions to correct any issues, we’re ensuring that all Americans are included in the political process.
What in your life are you most proud of?
So far I’m most proud of UniPro’s involvement in fostering a widespread sense of community. Since last year, UniPro has expanded from NYC to San Diego, Chicago, and Seattle, building a movement among young Filipino Americans who want to develop as leaders and professionals AND give back to the community, all the while emphasizing inclusion and collaboration. Because of this, I’ve had the honor of meeting, working with, and forming close relationships with brilliant visionaries and innovators from all over the US – who actually look like me! There’s so much value in that. We inspire each other to keep doing what we do.
Who inspires you?
The women who have a vision and go for it.
I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by a network of amazing women, from my friends and colleagues to the pioneers I meet through my community work. There’s Sarah Gambito, poet and founder of Kundiman, an organization dedicated to the cultivation of Asian American creative writing (and my poetry professor at Fordham!). Ruby Veridiano, who engages young women of color through her Glamourbaby Diaries workshops. Venessa Manzano, who filled a void for Filipino American children and founded The Filipino School of NY & NJ. Ayesha Vera Yu, whose groundbreaking Advancement for Rural Kids empowers rural communities in the Philippines to uplift themselves. I could go on and on!
Lastly, my mother. Whenever I’m afraid to take a new opportunity, I remind myself that whatever I’m facing is not nearly as terrifying as what she endured, having moved across the world to a new country where she had no family or friends.
What are your goals as a civic leader/activist/advocate?
I endeavor to educate and empower the Asian American and Filipino American communities so we can achieve the equality promised to all Americans. In turn, the education of a true leader never ends; I aim to keep learning, challenging myself, and growing.
New York City is the ultimate city for diversity-- and diverse foods! With that said, what's your favorite restaurant within the five boroughs?
That’s a tough one; I have so many favorites! I really love Miss Lily’s 7A in the East Village. It’s Jamaican and the restaurant itself is so fun and colorful, just like its food. In terms of Filipino cuisine, I love House of Inasal in Woodside, Queens. I’m obsessed with their dessert – Pandan Tres Leches Cake and Pandi-Icecream. The latter is their take on the “ice cream sandwich” (scoops of purple ube ice cream inside a warm, sweet Philippine bread roll).
Anything else?
Yes! As the Voting Rights Organizer at AALDEF, I’m seeking volunteers! This Presidential Election is obviously a very important election, and the first without the full protections of the Voting Rights Act in 50 years. We could not do this project without the support of our volunteers, who will be on the ground surveying Asian American voters as they exit the polls on Election Day (November 8, 2016). If you’re interested in helping us out with this historic election, please sign up to volunteer at www.aaldef.net or email me at [email protected]. Many thanks to NAPAWF*NYC for being a co-sponsor of this project!
Read our interview with Socheatta Meng! Socheatta is the Director of Policy and Advocacy at Community Food Advocates and a Board Member of Mekong NYC.
What brings you to New York City, and what makes you want to stay? How would you characterize New York City?
I initially came to NYC for law school, and continued doing social justice work here after graduating, working with the New York Civil Liberties Union. Over the years, I continued to stayed as I laid roots, building up a community of friends and colleagues who are my family here.
Like any other place, New York has its challenges. But it's a places with a vibrancy, energy, and diversity of ideas and experiences that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
What do you do? What issues are most important to you? Why?
At Community Food Advocates, I work on economic justice issues, specifically around food and income policies and programs to make them more accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. A key part of my work is making sure that those communities who are most directly impacted have a strong leadership role in the advocacy process. It's not the usual model of advocates advocating on behalf of impacted communities.
I also have a background in civil rights, workers' rights, and criminal justice issues. I think the thing that links all these issues together is a belief in challenging existing power structures and ensuring equity and dignity, especially for communities that have been historically the most marginalized.
What in your life are you most proud of?
I feel fortunate to have the relationships I have today, with people who are passionate, inspiring, and kind.
Who inspires you?
My family; they taught me about strength, resilience, compassion, and humor.
I also feel very grateful to be connected to Mekong as a board member and supporter - in many ways, it's a home for me. The reason I do the work I do is very much rooted in my Cambodian and Southeast Asian identity and my community's experienced with civil war, genocide, and on-going deprivations upon resettlement in the U.S. The work that Mekong does in addressing the legacies of war in Southeast Asia, and the ongoing barriers confronting the Southeast Asian community-- especially in the Bronx-- is a constant reminder that these issues continue to persist. And there is a need to empower people, and the unique lived experiences of Southeast Asians.
What are your goals as a civic leader/activist/advocate?
One goal for me is to continue supporting leaders, particularly young leaders, to be able to advocate for themselves and to share their experience, wisdom, and expertise, in building up other leaders. In order to address systemic injustices, one person or one leader is not enough; it takes a movement and the will of people.
What’s your favorite restaurant in New York City?
There's a restaurant in the East village called Cafe Himalaya. It's a Nepalese-Tibetan restaurant. It's no-frills, low-key, and has awesome food. It's really good.
We’re excited to share our interview with Nicole Ponesca! A former advertising and production executive for Saatchi & Saatchi and for Euro RSCG, Nicole Ponesca realized that there lacked a major imprint of Filipino culture in the culinary arts. Nicole introduced America to Filipino cuisine + culture with her two critically and commercially successful restaurants: Maharlika Filipino Moderno and Jeepney Filipino Gastropub, the former winning best restaurant and Michelin recommended and the latter obtaining a coveted 2 stars by the New York Times.
What is your name?
Nicole Ponseca
What brings you to New York City? and/or what makes you want to stay?
I wanted to move to NYC when i was 5 years old watching Woody Allen on VHS tapes and FAME on syndication. Growing up, all I wanted was to move to New York, go to NYU, and become the next Donny Deutsch. And although I applied and was accepted early admission, my parents said no. So, 7 days after graduating from University of San Francisco, I booked a one-way flight to NYC with $75 in my pocket, no friends, no job, and no place to live. There were no cell phones and no internet, so really the only resources i had was the library, my common sense and the kindness of others. I stayed in an Econolodge near Newark Airport in the kind of hotel, where you didn’t want to look underneath the bed or behind the pillows.
I grew up in a great home and neighborhood and many amenities. I would have had it easy,, but I wasn’t interested in easy. I was interested in exploration, challenges and self-discovery.
Two weeks: that was my deadline for getting my shit together in NYC. I thought to myself that if i don’t have a job in 14 days, i would leave. On my 14th day, I had all my job offers.
I stayed in NYC because I didn’t belong anywhere else. I was a misfit everywhere else, but NYC has changed and so have I. Now, this may sound cliche, but I hope to become a citizen of the world. The next step is to be at least bi-coastal.
How would you characterize New York City?
Living in NYC is like your first great love: it may not last forever, it may burn you.
The affair may go down in flames, or it can last a lifetime. One thing is for sure, it will forever change you for the better.
What do you do? What social justice issues are most important to you? Why?
I’m an entrepreneur, restaurateur, and a modern feminist.
I built two restaurants on the idea of community and culture. To this day, I hope it stands as a testament to all female entrepreneurs and the FIlipino diaspora.
The social justice issues most important to me are an extension of my work. I’m an avid modern feminist and women’s reproductive health, LGBTQ rights, and women’s empowerment are areas that I’m most passionate about.
In this restaurant (Jeepney), there’s a huge painting of a half-naked woman in the back. From time to time, I receive criticism about it. Mostly from people who don’t know me. The comments range from female exploitation to degrading women. The irony here is that that’s not at all what I’m about. I’m clearly an empowered woman, but I don’t think that women have to chose between sexuality, beauty or brains. I, myself, am modest in clothing and fairly prudish, but I want to talk about these issues. I want more people to see women as fully dimensional persons that are sexual, intellectual and fun. This is my way of provoking that thought and conversation. From the food we serve to the messages we convey, I want people to create a centerpiece of conversation.
Advertising was my life for almost 20 years, and it has definitely influenced me. In the 90s, Benetton and fashion advertising were the breeding ground for showing me how art and commerce can create change because they both cause you to stop and think. I think food and restaurants can do that, too. I also want to spark conversation about identity-- what it means to be Filipino, Asian, sexual and smart.
What in your life are you most proud of?
Jeepney and Maharlika are more than just restaurants to me. They really helped spark a revolution for FIlipino food.
I’d like to think we made a difference globally. I tend not to look at food on instagram because i don’t like copying others or even being inspired by others. It’s just my personal preference not to, but from time to time, i get tagged on an image, and its of #kamayannight or something, and I’ve been able to see Kamayan night as far as dubai and London. Of course, it feels great.
...but I’m most proud of staying clean and true to my Filipino values, despite adversity and some major setbacks. I’m a survivor of intense child sexual abuse and a lot of people in the same position resort to drugs, alcohol or destructive behavior to cope with the pain. I can’t tell you why I didn’t resort to these coping mechanisms but i’m proud that i’ve made it to my adulthood with compassion and a hopeful outlook on life. I’m lucky.
Other than that, one of my favorite accomplishments is helping plan an annual charity ball “Evening in Manila”. The goal is to raise 1 million lunches for kids in the Philippines. The #1 reason kids drop out of school in Philippines today is malnourishment. Evening in Manila gathers truly accomplished and professional chefs and we create a luxe dinner focusing on filipino food and followed by an off the charts after party. Michelin rated chefs and restaurants from Locanda Verde, Union Square Cafe, Narita, us, etc. will be doing the benefit dinner. #eveningininmanila. Join @eveninginmanila for updates for this year’s gala on may 20th at the Pratt Mansion on the Upper East Side.
Who inspires you the most?
Madonna a revolutionary, a business woman, an artist, and a provocateur.
Jane Fonda for her grit, her talent and her determination.
Shonda Rhimes for all of the above.
What are your goals as a social justice advocate or civic leader?
I hope to take a bigger role in rallying for Asian American candidates in politics and public service. I don’t see them. Where are they? I support Jose Antonio Vargas with #EmergingUS and Defining American.
I’d like to help producers produce more Asian-American films. Recently #OscarsSoWhite has been a big topic. But first and foremost, it’s primarily a conversation about African-American artists and presence. We only just began to talk about Latinos, and Asian-Americans are last in that line. I hope to be an [Asian-American] champion as a producer. I’ve produced plays in the past and would like to get back into film and arts.
Would you share a favorite restaurant, guilty pleasure or a fun fact about you?
My guilty pleasure is going to jimjilbangs/Korean Spas, and when I’m in LA, Wi Spa. I like to go around 7 pm and stay late into the night and go back home at around 2am. In NYC, I got to the Spa Castle Premiere 57.
Anything else you want to share?
I want to share something with survivors of sexual abuse. A lot of victims end up addicted, abused or promiscuous, but if anyone is out there and of an impressionable age, [I want to share that] my ability to get through and maintain sanity is that I sought accomplishment. Not only does it keep you focused, it builds your self-esteem when you’re able to achieve goals. [It took a while] but things are a lot easier now because I was able to talk to my parents. [I think this is common] but there used to be an element of my blaming them [for what happened]. But I realize now they didn’t do anything wrong and did the best they could without knowing what was going on. And [this is common too, but] women themselves should not feel blame.
We’re excited to introduce you to Chau Trinh-Shevrin! Chau Trinh-Shevrin, DrPH, is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Population Health and Medicine at the New York University School of Medicine. Currently, Dr. Trinh-Shevrin is Principal Investigator of a NIH National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities P60 Center of Excellence - the NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH) – the only national center of its kind focused on understanding and addressing health disparities in Asian American populations.
What brings you to New York City, and what makes you want to stay? How would you characterize New York City?
I am a first generation refugee and I moved to Louisiana from Vietnam with my family. My family then moved to New York City when I was 15 years old because my of my father’s job. I went to high school in New York City and stayed in New York ever since. Living in New York made me aware of the Asian American Pacific Islander population and gave me a sense of community and advocacy. I characterize New York as a vibrant city and there is a sense that you can do anything you want. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
What do you do? What issues are most important to you? Why?
I am a researcher and an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Health and the Department of Medicine at the New York University (NYU) School of Medicine. I work with academic and community partners in New York City, and founded and established the NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH) in 2003 with funding from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. I focus on research that informs practice and policy and that resonates the community. My work is about understanding and reducing health disparities in the Asian American community and all other communities of color by trying to advance health equity that is informed by social justice. Health equity is not just about access to health insurance but also about improving education, housing, food security, advocacy and capital that related to health outcomes. This issue is important to me because I am a first generation refugee and I see how social inequalities play out in the health of communities.
What in your life are you most proud of?
I am proud of my three children, Max, Sarah and Alex.
I am also proud of the work that we do at CSAAH and the effort to establish CSAAH and to see how much it has grown since 2003. We have made a difference in research but also in training and mentorship. I am also very proud that our research and projects are informed by our Community Health Workers (CHW) because they are developing interventions informed by community partners. Because of our dedicated CHWs, we live by CSAAH’s philosophy to conduct research and stay try to ourselves and community we are serving and working with.
Who inspires you?
My three children inspire me. My parents also are an inspiration to me for having the immigrant experience that they had to come to the United States.
The people and the community that we serve and work with also inspire me because our work is participatory and the ideas come from our community partners. Their unique knowledge and expertise is inspiration to me.
Our Community Health Workers (CHWs) because they are the bridge between research and the community. I believe that they are the true change agents and the "unsung heroes".
What are your goals as a civic leader/activist/advocate?
My goal as a civic leader and advocate is to advance health equity, which is the highest attainment of health for all and ensuring that people can live to their full potential regardless of their background, race, class, gender, religion, etc.
What’s your favorite New York restaurant?
This is such a tough question for me because I truly don’t have a favorite restaurant. I can eat banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) anytime. There is a Korean restaurant in Westchester, where I live. Every friday, I go to this Korean restaurant and I get the same dish every time.
Meet Jaclyn L. Chen! Jaclyn’s a native New Yorker, a clinical researcher in her 9-5, and East Coast Asian American Student Union National Board Member!
What brings you to New York City? What makes you want stay? How would you characterize New York City?
I was born and bred in Manhattan, so it was quite natural returning to home base for my gap year before medical school. NYC is such a glamorized metropolis of undiscovered adventures and secrets, many of which will open up if you pause and give it a moment’s thought or exploration. From the AstroTurf in the parks to the Gatsby-esque billboards and endless Starbucks, New York City is an organized chaotic landscape, inhabited by some of the most dynamically ambitious people on Earth (and these people, however forward and brute they may be, have served as some of the best networking outlets in my time here). There’s never an equilibrium; opportunities and acquaintances come and go like the MTA trains during rush hour, and sometimes we forget to breathe. But that’s the beauty of NYC – it leaves us breathless. Call me an overly extroverted city girl but there’s simply nowhere else outside NYC’s most crowded venues that I am most able to find my peace of mind.
What do you do? What issues are most important to you? Why?
Aside from working extensively in neuro-clinical research, I also serve as a national board member of East Coast Asian American Student Union (ECAASU). I’ve spent the last year travelling to various campuses throughout the East Coast, and cohosting workshops that highlight important contemporary, and, at times, race-sensitive issues. I’ve networked and collaborated with various leaders on mental health advocacy, racial bridging amongst different communities, breaking the model minority myth/ apolitical image, and leadership in the AA community. The connections made have generated such profound discussions that tie into global issues like racial health disparities and unjust political actions that calls for greater unity, expressed vocalization, and empowerment for the Asian & Asian American community.
What are you most proud of in your life so far?
I’ve struggled with physical insecurities all of my life – from my curly “non-asian-like” curls to my height and weight. While I was able to carry and present myself with confidence throughout my academic career, I felt these insecurities, faint though very existent, in my core. One day, I decided to take my first steps towards loving my physical self by swimming some laps at the pool. A few laps turned into a mile, and I soon found myself swimming over a mile every morning before school and work. The laps that left me breathless were the ones that helped me mentally resolve my perseverance and love for the sport. Every morning became the proudest point in my life, despite the fact that they were all small stepping stones going forward, longitudinally. Consequently, this journey has help me discover my inner-grit, and that is a quality I hope to carry forward with me in life.
Who inspires you?
My mother – she's a former Black Belt fighter in Taekwondo, and just a lovely lady overall. She’s taught me everything about being strong, both physically and mentally, and she continuously believes in everything that I do. I’m inspired by my mother to find beauty in the smallest of moments, to embrace and spread love, and to one day out-do her in a push up competition.
What are your goals as a civic leader/activist/advocate?
On the broader scale, I’m hoping to drive more discussions with my work and provide opportunities for anyone interested in AAPI issues to have a platform (and mic!) whenever they want to speak up. I hope that future workshops will increase awareness and insight for new communities, and that the AAPI community continues to grow in a unified and expressive fashion filled with leaders from various fields and backgrounds. Going forward, I’m looking to drive outreach and increase outlets for other advocacy leaders to come on board and have their voices be taken seriously. From leadership discussions to spoken word performances to multi-workshop conferences, there has been tremendous progress in solidifying the AA presence as a population that needs to have its voice heard and received with open ears. We are a community that is expanding exponentially in terms of population, depth, and volume. It’s time we turn the speakers up.
New York City is the ultimate city for diversity-- and diverse foods! What’s your favorite food?
I am absolutely addicted to dark chocolate (fun fact: raw cacao overstimulates neurotransmitters in the brain in a similar fashion to that of cocaine and morphine). So kids, just eat chocolate!
Meet Julie Ae Kim! She’s a native New Yorker from Queens. After graduating from college, Julie moved to China to work on sexual health issues as a Program and Research Coordinator at Social Entrepreneurship for Sexual Health in Guangzhou. Following her time abroad in China, Julie moved back to Queens and is currently a Community Organizer for the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.
What is your name?
Julie Ae Kim
What brings you to New York City? What makes you want stay? How would you characterize New York City?
I'm a native New Yorker! I grew up in Bayside, Queens since I was 5 years old and have recently moved Long Island City. But it's interesting, growing up in Bayside/Flushing, the goal was always to move away to the 'real' city, Manhattan. It was only as I grew older that I realized how important growing up in Queens, in immigrant communities was to my identity. I went away for college for four years and lived in China for a year after I graduated, so when I came back, my eyes were opened to the immense diversity and cultures that I took for granted. I've been really keen to explore other immigrant enclaves like Sunset Park, Jackson Heights, South Bronx (to name a few) and if anyone is down to take me around, contact me!
What do you do? What issues are most important to you? Why?
I work as a community organizer for the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, working predominantly in the Flushing area.
Gender equality, LGBTQ, and immigrant issues are the most important to me. Working in the immigrant community, I've realized just how little conversations about feminism and LGBTQ issues are happening due to cultural, generational, and language barriers. How can we start to bridge these gaps? How can we reduce stigma and taboos around LGBTQ issues in conservative immigrant communities? How can we start the conversation around gender equality, feminism, misogyny with the older first generation without alienating each other?
Language access. Open minds and hearts. Genuinity.
I think it starts with this. On a practical note, learning the vocabulary necessary to even start conversations with our limited english proficient parents and grandparents can be a tangible first step for some of us.
What are you most proud of in your life so far?
I think a moment that I'm truly proud of will come in the future.
But for now, I'm proud of myself for sticking with learning Mandarin for 5 years and living in Guangzhou, China for a year to work on promoting sexual health education, in particular with LGBTQ communities.
Who inspires you?
People that are unabashedly true to themselves. It's one of the hardest things to do.
My family and best friend, Stephanie.
But also random people I meet and hear about inspire me constantly with their bravery, compassion, and generosity.
What are your goals as a civic leader/activist/advocate?
As a community organizer, my goal is to connect people in my community to each other so that amazing ideas and collaborations can occur. Particularly, I work a lot in Flushing and hold regular socials for people to meet each other.
As a community activist and advocate, my goal is to challenge myself to look for problems that I can take tangible steps toward solving. I want to work on developing young immigrant women leaders. I want to build intergenerational relationships. I want to work build strong coalitions with other communities of color.
New York City is the ultimate city for diversity-- and diverse foods! With that said, what's your favorite restaurant within the five boroughs?
haha! Is it a cop out if I say that my favorite restaurant would be my parent's house in Bayside?
