Summer 2024 Update

Over the last few months, the Very Asian Foundation has had remarkable opportunities to support and uplift AA and NHPI communities across the country.

Summer in Full Swing! View in Browser Happy Summer! Over the last few months, the Very Asian Foundation has had remarkable opportunities to support and uplift AA and NHPI communities across the country. Our commitment to fostering inclusivity, celebrating diversity, and creating positive change led us to collaborate on impactful projects and partnerships. Take a look below to learn more about our recent endeavors, upcoming events, and ways you can join us in making a difference! St. Louis Cardinals AAPI Night We kicked off AAPI Heritage Month with our Second AAPI Heritage Night at Busch Stadium! We honored 5 incredible, trailblazing St. Louis citizens, enjoyed performances by DJ Vince Van Go and the Sikhs of Missouri, and cheered for Executive Director Soogi Hong as she threw the game’s first pitch! Other New and Exciting VAF Events MLS Fireside Chat Co-Founder Michelle Li and Executive Director Soogi Hong stopped by the Major League Soccer Headquarters for an exciting fireside chat. The event, titled "Inspirational Asian Leaders: Driving Change," provided a platform for Michelle and Soogi to chat with MLS staff members about Asian visibility in leadership roles. TAAF Summit VAF helped support The Asian American Foundation during its Heritage Month Summit. Michelle moderated a panel on the next generation of readers featuring authors Sheetal Sheth and Joanna Ho. WHIAANHPI Summit The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) is an effort to drive an ambitious, whole-of-government agenda to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities. The Very Asian Foundation had the opportunity to support the initiative by sponsoring the WHIAANHPI summit in May. May Book Project The May Book Project is one of our favorite ways to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. This year, we hosted book events at East Middle School and Shakopee High School in Shakopee, MN, and visited Alfred E. Smith Elementary School in New York, NY. We also donated books to Campbell Elementary in Arlington, VA, and Pulo Senior High School in the Philippines! A special thanks to our sponsors, Avalon Bay, East West Bank, Emerson and Scott Credit Union, for supporting our initiative to share our youth literature guide with schools and libraries nationwide. We are always looking for community partners and corporate sponsors to support The May Book Project. If you're interested, please reach out to us at books@veryasianfoundation.org. Creators Grant The Very Asian Foundation Creators Grant is an exciting microgrant opportunity for AA and NHPI individuals who have pivoted their careers toward their creative passions. We are thrilled to announce the incredible 2024 grant recipients: Eunice Chen - @eunicesketches Pa Houa Vang - @mochiunnimke Pa Nou Vue - @hmonglanguagemovement Jayson Ramos - @eat_bintana Frances Rubio - @therealfrancesrubio Akiko Sampson - @yama.uba.music Look out for more information regarding our grant recipients and their work! We cannot wait to see their projects come to life and are so excited to support their endeavors. Reclaiming Chinatown Merchandise Drop On June 7, the St. Louis aldermen voted on renaming a portion of 8th Street to On Leong Way after the On Leong Merchants and Laborers Association. The words "On Leong" also mean peace and benevolence. We hope you will celebrate with us by purchasing our commemorative Reclaiming Chinatown t-shirts and cup, designed by local designer and VAF board member, Claire Nipper. Proceeds will go towards a future historical marker or landmark. To learn more about this historic event, read the full story on our website. Shoutouts We’d like to give a special shoutout to our award winning co-founders, Michelle Li and Gia Vang! Michelle received the Community Advocacy Award from The International Institute. This award honors her commitment to refugees and immigrants through her work with VAF and as a journalist at KSDK-TV. Gia received The Serica Initiative’s Rising Star Award. This award recognizes and honors women who are making significant strides in their careers, contributing to their communities, and embodying The Serica Initiative’s theme of "Strength Unveiled." Gia’s dedication to storytelling and community engagement contributed to her being selected. Congratulations Michelle and Gia! As always, thank you for being a part of our journey as we continue to champion the voices and stories of AA and NHPI communities. We look forward to everything this summer has to offer and cannot wait to share more with you in the coming months! Copyright (C) 2024 Very Asian Foundation. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Very Asian Foundation11939 Manchester Rd.Suite 303Saint Louis, MO 63131-4502USA Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

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