Friends of Chinatown YYC, Founder

Alice Lam is a community organizer in Calgarys Chinatown. In her day job she works as a property manager where she manages two retail buildings in Chinatown. She also owns a gift shop in Chinatown that promotes over 120 local artists of Asian diaspora descent. In her volunteer role she hosts Chinatown history tours and is a member of the Tomorrow's Chinatown. Her instagram is Friends of Chinatown YYC.

Ask me about....Entrepreneurship and getting youth 15-35 into Chinatown

What's going on in my Chinatown? We have completed an area redevelopment plan, cultural plan, and are now in talks with the city government to fund activities for community and culture revitalization. We have popularized a monthly movie night and historic chinatown tours for all new businesses opening in Chinatown. We have completed 6 community murals.

The 1882 Foundation, Administrative Services Director

Dr. Amy Trang, Ph.D. is the Administrative Services Director at 1882 Project Foundation, based in DC Chinatown. She has also been teaching part time at the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development since 2000 (over 24 years).

Ask me about...Food and travel

What's going on in my Chinatown? DC Chinatown doesn’t have as many Chinese-owned business or significant restaurants that many other Chinatowns do. Sacramento Chinatown is mostly occupied by low-income housing.

Andrew Tang Design (for a Better Chinatown Association), Urban Designer & Architect

For more than 30 years, Andrew Tang is an architect that has contributed to many innovative projects in the fields of Architecture, Urban Design, and Real Estate. Andrew returned home to Honolulu in 2013 after practicing in The Netherlands for 17 years, bringing his wealth of work and life experience with him. He was a part of City's Transit-oriented Development Program where he worked on the Chinatown Action Plan, before joining Hawaii Public Housing Authority's Development Team. Outside of his role in government, he consults under his design studio andrewtang.design, currently working on the new Honolulu Chinatown Arch landmark for A Better Chinatown Association. Andrew advises the Honolulu Mayor's team on issues of culture, housing and public spaces, especially as it relates to the Chinatown area.

Ask me about... How Honolulu's Chinatown is transforming. Or ask me anything about housing and design.

What's going on in my Chinatown? Honolulu Chinatown has good urban structure with small walkable blocks, and is still loved by local residents, often frequented by locals and tourists alike for food and culture. It's part of a historical design district and the scale of buildings remain protected. Homelessness in the area has improved but there remain challenges of crime, cleanliness, and economic development.

Chinatown Solidarity/Stand with Asian Americans/Asian Leaders Alliance, Co-organizer/COO/Executive Director

APA vs Hate, Board Member

Cam T. Ashling is a small business owner, an investor, a farmer, a mother and an AAPI community leader in Atlanta, GA. She has been a longstanding activist in that community, having co-founded and founded three organizations dedicated to increasing AAPI civic participation and political power: Asian American Legal Advocacy Center (AALAC) (now Asian American Advancing Justice-Atlanta), the Georgia Advancing Progress PAC (GAPPAC) for state elections, and recently the Asian American Action Fund - GA Chapter for federal elections. Cam is honored to be on the 25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia by the Georgia Asian Times in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Ask me about... Is anyone doing anything to get out the Nov vote in their Chinatowns?

What's going on in my Chinatown...? There is a giant sink hole at the old Chinatown in Atlanta. We remain more like an "AsianTown" and spreading up Interstate 85. I think us not being concentrated in one core location allows the community to take Asian stores and restaurants to wherever the community goes. Maybe this helps us survive.

Oakland Chinatown Chamber Foundation, President

Carl Chan is a Community Leader and President of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber Foundation. For over 30 years, Chan advocated for safety and resources in the Oakland Chinatown and San Francisco Bay Area communities, especially during the rise in violence and hate crimes targeting Asian Americans. Recently, Chan was the recipient of the Oakland NAACP Criminal Justice Award for his advocacy work in the public safety and criminal justice. As Principal Officer of Save Alameda For Everyone (SAFE), he led efforts to gather more than 123,000 voters’ signatures to recall the soft on crime Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price. Chan continues to serves the community as: - Citizens Advisory Board of the California Highway Patrol - Bay Area Regional Chair of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA), - Board Member of Asian Health Services, Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, Visit Oakland -Principal Officer of Save Alameda For Everyone (SAFE)

Ask me about...? Recall the soft on crime Alameda County District Attorney to protect our community.

What's going on in my Chinatown...? Oakland Chinatown has been impacted by the Pandemic, AAPI Hate and public safety. We are working on the solutions to revitalize the Chinatown businesses and keeping the residents especially our seniors safe.

Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, Chair

With long-standing family ties to the history and development of Chinatown, Carol is deeply committed to the revitalization of Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside. She is the co-founder and chair of Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, a registered charity which is dedicated to building a more resilient and inclusive community while preserving its irreplaceable cultural heritage. Ongoing projects include affordable housing, seniors housing, and cultural and economic development. Carol serves on several other boards and organizations including the BC Achievement Foundation, National Coalition Against Anti-Asian Racism, and Harvard Business School Canadian Advisory Board. In 2023 she was appointed to the Order of Canada, and the Independent Advisory Board Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Appointments.

Ask me about... The amazing growing food scene in Vancouver's Chinatown

What's going on in my Chinatown...? Vancouver Chinatown had a great summer season with three festivals showcasing the culture, food, and businesses in the neighbourhood. A handful of shops from art studios, vintage shoes, and cafes also opened up in the past few months. Vancouver Chinatown is now brighter than ever with the installation of permanent lanterns, neon lights, and an outdoor slideshow projection.

Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, Director, Events & Partnership

A seasoned destination development strategist, Carrie has a proven history scaling events and delivering marketing campaigns on a global stage. She has been responsible for the overall success of two of the largest meetings industry associations' flagship conferences held in Vancouver, PCMA Convening Leaders and MPI World Education Congress. Carrie's current role as the Director of Events & Partnerships for the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, where she oversees destination development strategies to drive revitalization efforts of Vancouver's iconic Chinatown. Carrie is a Simon Fraser University graduate, a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) by the Events Industry Council, on the Leadership Committee of Spark Computer Graphics Society/ACM SIGGRAPH Vancouver Chapter, and a former mentor for the YWCA High-school Mentorship Program. When not walking through the neighbourhoods looking at murals Carrie is biking the seawall, reading on sandy beaches, patio hopping, or swimming in the ocean.

Ask me about... What drives you? And what do you hope to gain from attending the Chinatown Solidarity Summit

What's going on in my Chinatown...? Vancouver's Chinatown has challenges with public safety and continued economic decline. There is also struggle finding a balance of cultural preservation and economic development. Many organizations have different perspectives on what revitalization initiatives are needed.

Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority, Small Business Program and Outreach manager

Cecilia Liang is the Small Business Program and Outreach Manager at the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDPDA). She holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Washington, graduating in 2020. For nearly four years, Cecilia has been dedicated to fostering community and economic development in Seattle's Chinatown International District. She is passionate about empowering local entrepreneurs, strengthening small businesses, and creating sustainable opportunities for economic growth in her community.

Ask me about... Ask me about how the boba industry has boomed in Seattle over the past 5 years.

What's going on in my Chinatown...? Public safety has always been the biggest issue. World Cup will be held very close to the CID Seattle in 2026. Light rail extension project has been controversial and postponed in regard to stop locations alternatives and mitigation.

Asian Americans United, Director, Events & Partnership

Deborah Wei co-founded Asian Americans United in 1985 to organize low-income and working class Asian Americans; its victories include winning reform in the School District of Philadelphia for immigrant students and families improving language access across the city, tenant and worker organizing, and stopping the construction of a stadium and a casino in Philadelphia Chinatown. She was a founder and founding principal of the Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, which serves as a model for best practices in serving immigrant and refugee families and the annual Philadelphia Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival. Currently she is active in the campaign to stop billionaire predatory developers from building an arena in Chinatown.

Ask me about... Kdramas and Cdramas (lol)

What's going on in my Chinatown...? We are in the 3rd year of our fight to stop a basketball arena from being built in Chinatown. After half a century of projects that have served to displace Chinatown, and of incredible fights to stop projects tht would harm Chinatown, this is the biggest battle to date and features multibillionaire private equity predatory real estate developers.

National Trust for Historic Preservation, President

National ACE, Vice President

Emily Fuder (Wong Loi Sing) is the Vice President of Programs and Marketing at National ACE, the National Asian and Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship. Leveraging her expertise in marketing, grants, and technical assistance, Emily leads the Capital Readiness Program, a national initiative focused on empowering AAPI entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, community, and expert coaching. In the program’s first year, her team successfully connected AAPI-owned small businesses to over $40M in funding. Emily is based in Chicago, where she lives with her husband and their Great Dane.

Ask me about... Getting funding for AAPI small business owners

What's going on in my Chinatown...? Safety continues to be a concern for Chinatown shop owners and residents, with shootings and armed robberies in the news this summer for Chicago's Chinatown.

Center for Research-Action on Race Relations CRARR, Executive Director

Presently Executive Director, Center for Research-Action on Race Relations based in Montreal. Previously: member, federal Task Force on the Employment Equity Act Review; member, Quebec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission; member, Quebec Government Task Force on Racial Profiling, and chair of the Quebec Human Rights Commission's Public Consultation on Discrimination and Violence against Gays and Lesbians.

What's going on in my Chinatown...?

Major problems with crime and disorder associated with the homeless; city decisions on homeless shelters and other matters made without legitimate consultation with local residents, property owners and businesses; elected officials' refusal to consult and meet with local residents, businesses and workers; lack of attention to and action on economic development.

Catskills Agrarian Alliance, Co-Executive Director

Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, Co-Executive Director Grace Chan McKibben is Executive Director of Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community. She has championed equality, inclusion, and access for immigrants, persons of color, the low-income community, and the LGBTQ+ community in different arenas over the past three decades. At CBCAC, she has successfully led efforts that led of the creation of Chicago's first majority Asian American city district and the designation of Chinatown as a State-Designated Cultural District in Illinois.

Ask me about... I am passionate about language access and language learning and have maintained a freelance consulting practice in translation and language research for years.

What's going on in my Chinatown...?Chicago Chinatown is growing in population. However, costs are also going up, and gentrification and displacement are a threat. The community also has a strong network of social services, and strong traditional organizations as well, so balancing different viewpoints can be difficult.

Victoria Chinatown Museum Society, Board Chair

Dr. Grace Wong Sneddon is an adjunct professor in art history and visual studies at the University of Victoria. Grace has an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in anthropology and Asian and Pacific Studies. Her areas of research include the Chinese diasporic culture, women in leadership. equity, diversity and inclusion. Her identity as a Chinese Canadian woman centers her work. She is passionately committed to her community and is President of the Hoy Sun Ning Yung Benevolent Association, Chair of the Victoria Chinatown Museum, President of Honourary Governors, Victoria Foundation and Director, Pacific Opera Victoria.

Ask me about...? Movies

What's going on in my Chinatown...? My Chinatown just announced a permanent museum, 'Victoria Chinatown Museum'. We see this a part of a larger project that sets our Chinatown as a Living Museum filled with stories from the arrival of the first Chinese to Victoria, including the buildings, alleys, courtyards filled with memorabilia and history.

Welcome to Chinatown, Head of Creative

Clark County, Commission Analysist

Jayson Dagher is the Commission Analyst for Commissioner Justin Jones, where he leads community development efforts and manages economic development initiatives. He plays a key role in large-scale redevelopment projects, such as the Spring Mountain Corridor Redevelopment in Las Vegas' Chinatown area. Jayson also manages digital strategy, media outreach, and policy briefings, while working closely with community stakeholders to drive positive change. His work focuses on identifying and improving infrastructure, supporting small businesses, promoting public art, and fostering community engagement across the county.

Ask me about...? Who goes to your Chinatown mainly (tourist vs locals)?

What is going on in my Chinatown...?

Clark County is advancing efforts to redevelop Las Vegas Chinatown by developing a comprehensive Redevelopment Plan that prioritizes cultural appreciation, small business growth, and mixed-use development. Concurrently, significant road improvements along Spring Mountain Road are being implemented to enhance pedestrian accessibility, safety, and public art integration, while relocating utilities underground for aesthetic improvements. Additionally, Metro has designated a dedicated team to assist Chinatown businesses with enhanced security and stronger community relations.

Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance, Philadelphia Lead Organizer

Jenny Zhang is the Philadelphia Lead Organizer at Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance (API PA), Pennsylvania’s first and only statewide pan-Asian American civic rights organization, working with Asian, immigrant, and refugee communities throughout the city. She has been a part of the Save Chinatown campaign for the past 2 years, fighting to protect Philadelphia’s Chinatown from predatory development. Her work also includes mental health advocacy, voter education, and community engagement. Previously, Jenny worked in education research and evaluation. She lives in Philadelphia's Chinatown.

Ask me about...? Asian American voter engagement, in-language political education

What's going on in my Chinatown...?Philadelphia's Chinatown is currently facing an existential crisis. The Philadelphia 76ers (basketball team) is attempting to build an arena at the doorstep of Chinatown. The proposed arena was announced in July 2022. Chinatown has struggled to recover since COVID. The potential arena, along with the period of construction, would decimate Chinatown. In these past 2 years, the community has come together to fight the proposal. We have held community town halls, massive rallies, elected city council members who support Chinatown, and opened a youth center. Despite support for the project from the current, mayor, Philadelphia's Chinatown continues to stand united against the proposed arena.

Renaissance Economic Development Corp, Managing Director

Colorado Asian Pacific United, Executive Director

As the daughter of refugees, Joie Ha has always endeavored to do more good for more people. With over 15+ years of community organizing experience, Joie currently serves as the Executive Director for Colorado Asian Pacific United (CAPU), a non-profit that focuses on uncovering, elevating, and preserving little known Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) narratives in Colorado through multimodal forms of remembering. CAPU has received national recognition for their work in uncovering the story of Denver's forgotten Chinatown and securing an apology from Mayor Michael Hancock for the city's mishandling of Denver's 1880 anti-Chinese race riot.

Ask me about... Decolonizing the museum, and collective remembering

What's going on in my Chinatown...? As of the 1960s, Denver's Chinatown no longer exists due to an anti-Chinese race riot, federal and state legislation, and gentrification under the guise of urban renewal. The history of the Chinatown has been heavily suppressed, so our work is focused on uncovering these narratives and preserving them for future generations. Our work has taken the route of historical markers, murals, exhibits, a documentary, and more; with our eventual goal being the reactivation of the alleyway that the Chinatown used to exist in and the opening of the first AANHPI history and culture museum in the Rocky Mountain region.

Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Association, President

Jordan is actively involved in the community as President of the Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Association, past chair of the Chinatown Festival, past chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Revitalization Committee and was an executive board member of the Vancouver Heritage Foundation. As a Principal of Success Realty and Insurance Ltd., Jordan Eng has been in the insurance, real estate and property management business for more than 35 years. Working in the heart of Vancouver’s vibrant and historic Chinatown, Jordan takes pride in the company founded by his parents over 60 years ago. The family-owned business on Keefer Street is among the oldest establishments in Chinatown.

Ask me about... Review the challenges last year and the action and results over the year.

What's going on in my Chinatown...? We have been actively working with City staff implementing an "Uplifting Chinatown Action Plan" which involves hiring local peer groups to support regular City maintenance to clean up the neighbourhood on a regular basis-graffiti, garbage, feces. The program includes non-profit societies in the neighbourhood that hire low-income residents facing challenges; but their work gives them, hope, purpose and community. The plan also includes working closely with the Chinatown Community Policing Centre and the Vancouver Police Department to create a sense of safety and security, and opening a satellite office of the City Hall to be embedded in the Chinatown to handle community concerns. Finally, the City has approved a Chinatown Cultural District Framework for policy planning with a focus on a whole City approach.

Students for the Preservation of Chinatown and Ginger Arts Center, Founder

Kaia is a recent graduate of Bryn Mawr College. While taking a gap year before applying for grad school, she and her co-organizers founded the Ginger Arts Center, a community youth and arts center in Philadelphia's Chinatown. There, she is the co-lead of operations and programming. She is also a co-founder of Students for the Preservation of Chinatown (SPOC) a coalition of college students opposing the construction of a basketball arena in Philly's Chinatown.

Ask me about... I would love to talk to people about the Ginger Arts Center (what we do, how it was founded, etc.) I would also love to talk about anything relating to Philly to anyone who intends to visit! (tourist, food, sightseeing recommendations, etc.)

What's going on in my Chinatown...? Philly's Chinatown is currently fighting against the construction of the 18,500 capacity 76ers' basketball arena, otherwise known as 76 Place, directly next to our community. The development is so close that its walls would be shared with the first locally owned Chinese business in Chinatown.

Edmonton Heritage Council, IT Coordinator

University of Alberta, Research Partner

Lan Chan-Marples is a Research Partner with the Research Partner Network (OVPRI) at the University of Alberta, Edmonton. With degrees in anthropology and education, she has contributed to various boards and committees, focusing especially on cultural and heritage causes. Her connection to Chinatown began in childhood, as her immigrant family settled there upon arriving in Canada. Today, she dedicates much of her free time to raising awareness of Chinatown’s history and culture, documenting its stories, and promoting its significance. Lan is deeply committed to upholding the legacy established by Chinese pioneers, including both of her grandfathers, ensuring their contributions are remembered and celebrated.

Ask me about... Chinatown tourism

What's going on in my Chinatown...? Chinatown businesses continue to experience safety and security challenges making it hard to attract new businesses or investments in Chinatown. Although the city can act on removing encampments, the number of houseless people in Chinatown did not decrease. Introduction of new festivals, programs and tours in Chinatown have helped in attracting more poeple to Chinatown - so a positive note.

Delta Chinatown Imitative, Founder

Lily was called to community work in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic devastated Chinatown, with no end in sight. Delta Chinatown Initiative was created in 2021 to ensure Chinatown’s residents, business, and visitors are safe and thriving. The organization installed two security camera networks, and is currently working on bringing broadband internet infrastructure to Chinatown. Lily is now an elected member to the San Francisco Democratic Party, where she is Chair of the Special Committee on Special Committee on Sexual Assault and Harassment in the San Francisco Political Community. She currently serves as a Board Member at several San Francisco focused organizations - Huckleberry Youth Programs, Chinese Historical Society of America Museum (CHSA), United Democratic Club, Stop Crime SF, and APAPA-SF.
Ask me about... Attending the DNC, opening the San Francisco Campaign Headquarters for Kamala and Walz, running and winning my first campaign this year.

What's going on in my Chinatown...? San Francisco's Chinatown is seeing new businesses and young energy. It's multi-generational, gritty and glamorous, mainland and Asian American, $25 cocktails and dive bars. It's a city within a city.

Stand with Asians, Co-Founder

Mark Young is a 5th generation San Francisco Born Chinese American and is heavily involved in community work for the local AAPI Community while providing valuable connections to the broader Asian American movement. He is also the co-founder of Stand With Asians, an organization that builds a stronger AAPI community through awareness campaigns, grassroots advocacy, and professional advisory to uplift promising leaders, upstart organizations, and members of the community impacted by violence. The SWA Community Fund has also seeded over 25 impactful orgs serving the AAPI community across the nation. A proven coalition builder, Mark’s track record includes serving on the Board of APAPA SF Chapter / Association for the Advancement of Asians (AAAA), the SF Film Alliance, the Silicon Valley Asia Pacific Film Festival, and APA’s vs Hate. 

Ask me about... Ask me about the Bruce Lee statue project in San Francisco Chinatown

What's going on in my Chinatown...?San Francisco Chinatown is the heart and soul of San Francisco’s 37% AAPI population and 20% Chinese population, currently trying to reinvent itself to a younger generation, while maintaining safety and language access to its seniors and vulnerable populations. 42% of San Francisco’s AAPI live in extreme poverty. At the same time, many legacy small businesses are under threat as the older generation continues to retire.

Chinese Canadian Museum, Chief Executive Officer

I am an Arts and Culture leader with research interests in public engagement and social practice. I am the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Chinese Canadian Museum, in British Columbia, Vancouver which was successfully opened on July 1st 2023, showcasing 3 inaugural exhibitions in a 27,000 square foot space in the heart of Chinatown. I have had more than 15 years of experience in projects of public interest in the fields of education, art, cultural work, and community engagement, in which I have played the roles of identifying, curating, and researching new programmes. I have worked on faculty as a senior university lecturer with 9 years of teaching, academic research and course development experience. I currently hold a Doctorate in Arts (Ph.D) from Lancaster University.

Ask me about... Contemporary Art

What's going on in my Chinatown...? We have a new vintage shop next door popular with Gen Z, We have the best movie theatre in the city down the street with 2 hours free parking, We have a neo 1980s inspired HK cocktail lounge bar.

Millennium Commercial Properties, Director

Minjia Yan works at a Las Vegas based commercial real estate firm and is responsible for underwriting and securing debt and equity for investment and development projects in Southern Nevada and other states. Minjia is passionate about placemaking and community development. She began her career in affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization in downtown Las Vegas. She is currently working on the 3-mile long Spring Mountain Corridor/Chinatown Redevelopment Plan, the first comprehensive redevelopment master plan initiated by Clark County.

Ask me about... Pickleball

What's going on in my Chinatown...?The Las Vegas Chinatown is currently undergoing a redevelopment comprehensive plan. We are aiming to improve the built environment, economic opportunities, and community life of this neighborhood and create the best Chinatown ever, with Vegas style.

Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Chief Executive Officer

Edmonton Chinatown Economic Development Taskforce, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-South West, Shadow Minister for Technology & Innovation

Nathan Ip is a founding member of the Edmonton Chinatown Economic Development Task Force that created the city’s first Chinatown revitalization strategy. He currently serves as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for the constituency of Edmonton-South West. He was elected in 2023. Previously, he worked for the City of Edmonton innovation agency where he headed start up programming.

Food- especially Chinese food

What's going on in my Chinatown...? Edmonton’s Chinatown community has traditionally been fragmented by different visions for Chinatown. Social disorder and larger of issues of houselessness in the area continue to be a challenge. However, efforts led by new grassroots groups continue to bring new possibilities to Chinatown. The future is hopeful.

President, Winnipeg Chinese Cultural and Community Center

OCA- Greater Los Angeles and Orange County, Secretary / Vice President

Born and raised in Los Angeles. Current profession: program manager for LA vs. Hate, a LA County program to address hate aggression, biases, discrimination and bullying, through Special Service for Groups, Inc. (SSG). Community involvement includes Chinese American Citizens Alliance (C.A.C.A.), OCA Greater Los Angeles and Orange County Chapters, Asian Pacific Community Fund. Former Board member of Chinese Historical Society of Southern California (CHSSC) and El Pueblo Park Association.

Ask me about... Art and architecture, law and philosophy, European history

What's going on in my Chinatown...? Los Angeles Chinatown faces ongoing challenges of cultural identity, community sustainability, economic viability and societal relevancy--just about what mostly every Chinatown or ethnic enclave in the country faces.

Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, Assistant Director for Programs for Programs

Sarah Tang is the Assistant Director for Programs at CBCAC and oversees youth empowerment, small business support, and digital literacy programs. Sarah was born and raised in Hong Kong, lived in Beijing during her middle and high school years, and has called Chicago's Chinatown home for over 8 years. Sarah holds a Masters degree in Nonprofit Management and Social Sector Leadership from the University of Chicago.

Ask me about...? Asian cookbooks and food blogs

What's going on in my Chinatown...?Wave of franchises since Covid shut down businesses; youth coalition raising awareness for new neighborhood development immediately north that threatens living costs; rising cost of living

U.S. Consulate General Vancouver, Public Engagement Coordinator]

Shareen Fabiola is the Public Engagement Coordinator at the U.S. Consulate General Vancouver. In this role, she plans and implements policy-focused public engagements, including cultural programs, academic and professional exchanges, grants management, and alumni affairs.

Ask me about...? Food! What's your favorite snack to get in Chinatown?

What's happening in my Chinatown...? From the outside looking into Vancouver's Chinatown there are a lot of momentum right now towards revitalization (cultural and business) as well as a lot of work being done to preserve the history and culture. It is heartening to see a lot of support being thrown into this community, at the same time being next door to the Downtown East Side (similar to LA's skid row and SF's tenderloin area) comes with its own set of challenges that is tricky to manage for the community as well as the different levels of government.

The Asian American Foundation

Shirley is currently the Corporate Engagement & Partnerships Fellow at The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), a non-profit dedicated to building a safer, more inclusive future for AAPIs everywhere. Prior to TAAF, Shirley was a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company where her work spanned across industries and functions. She also led connectivity across New York and North America for Asians at McKinsey, the company's AAPI ERG. Although she grew up in North Carolina, she visited New York with her family annually and the Manhattan Chinatown provided a space of familiarity and comfort each time.

Ask me about...? My favorite places in Manhattan's Chinatown

What's going on in my Chinatown? Manhattan's Chinatown went through quite a period of change following COVID-19 as it recuperated. Many businesses did not survive, others did with the help of Chinatown supporters. Now, more businesses are opening and the enclave is on the way to returning to its previous vibrancy - full of native New Yorkers, tourists, new immigrants, and more. My favorite time to go is Sunday mornings, when it's peaceful and many elderly folks are doing their grocery shopping.

The 1882 Foundation, Executive Director

Retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in 2009, worked on policies, laws, and operations related to visas and border security, served in U.S. Embassies and Consulates in Asia and at the Departments of State and Homeland Security. Founder-Director of the 1882 Foundation. Educated at the University of California in History, University of Hawaii in Asian Studies, and U.S. Army War College in National Strategic Studies.

Ask me about...? Rural Chinatowns

What's going on in my Chinatown...? Chinatown is in the middle of an effort to revitalize DC downtown recovering from pandemic restrictions, non return of businesses as usual, and fears of closure and now domination of the sports arena. There are challenges and opportunities.

Actions! Chinese Canadians Together Foundation, Founder and Chair

Founder and Chair of Actions! Chinese Canadians Together Foundation Chair of Canadian Race Relations Foundation Former Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Cabinet Minister of Alberta Leading the Saving Canada's Disappearing Chinatowns national effort since 2016 Member of the Calgary Chinatown Working Group

Ask me about...? Asian Heritage Month

What's going on in my Chinatown...?Calgary Chinatown has a Cultural Plan and updated Area Redevelopment Plan. The Chinatown Next Steps Working Group submitted request to The City of Calgary for funding to implement initiatives in Tomorrow's Chinatown Cultural Plan and ARP. ACCT Foundation is working with Chinatown groups across Canada for support from the Federal Government of Canada (since 2021).

Ottawa Chinese Community Service Center, Community Development Project Manager

Dear Community, President

William is an activist and organizer in San Francisco. He is currently the President of Dear Community, a nonprofit founded during the height of the Stop Asian Hate movement to uplift Asian pride and inspire new leaders through community building and activism.

Ask me about...? What inspired you to get involved with your Chinatown community?

What's going on in my Chinatown...? There is an effort to bridge the gap between generations of leaders in San Francisco's Chinatown (connecting older, established community leaders with younger activists entering the space). City is attempting to bring back nightlife and and help small businesses thrive post-pandemic.

Welcome to Chinatown, Co-Founder & CEO

Vic leads initiatives that foster economic development, cultural preservation, and community strength. Through innovative programming and strategic partnerships, Vic’s work empowers the AAPI community while championing the cultural and historical significance of one of New York City’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Chinatown holds deep personal significance for Vic, who spent every Sunday at her late grandmother’s apartment and moved there permanently in 2010. The vivaciousness of the historic neighborhood has shaped her as a person, and because of that, she feels a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility to Chinatown. Vic also serves on the board of Gotham Park, is a former District Leader, and is currently the State Committee Member for Assembly District 65.

Ask me about....my dog, Andy.

What's going on in my Chinatown? Manhattan Chinatown may be home to the world's tallest jail, but we believe there's still hope to course correct.