top of page

ASIANS

INTERRUPTED

THE PROJECT

Asians Interrupted is a space to ignite passion and action for Asian American Pacific Islander visibility in the media. Through stories of real-life experiences, this campaign demonstrated the diverse range of AAPI leaders from the University of La Verne community.

A strong, three-dimensional representation of the AAPI community not only benefits diverse storytelling in the media, but also educates the communities we love and want to live in on the proper portrayal of those of Asian heritage. This eliminates the notion that all AAPIs are limited to being an emasculated nerd, over-achieving doctor, terrorist, object of fetishization or an obedient member of the model minority.

When AAPIs are missing or tokenized in this landscape, it reinforces the idea that they do not belong. This journey began social and academic dialogue about stronger representation of the AAPI community.

  • Instagram

THE CAMPAIGN

THE EVENT

AI_Web1 (1).jpg

"Crazy Inspiring Asians" is a panel showcase hosted by Joshua Bay on amazing AAPI leaders from the University of La Verne community. The panel featured 8 speakers who discussed their experience as an AAPI, and how this identity has shaped their personal and professional career.

University of La Verne

Wednesday, May 1st 2019

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

UL Wendy Lau 032117 e010ps (1) (1).jpg

Wendy Lau

Wendy Lau is a knowledgeable litigator with over 16 years of experience. From her role as a partner at Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP, a national law firm with 24 offices across the country, to her new position as Risk Management Lead - West Region for AECOM, a Forbes Fortune 500 company, Wendy’s expertise includes strategic planning, team-building, fiscal accountability, on-boarding and professional development. Additionally, Wendy’s various volunteer responsibilities include serving on Phi Sigma Sigma Supreme Council for 10 years as a Director and as Grand Vice Archon – Finance, a Trustee for the University of La Verne, and a City Council Member for the City of La Verne. Wendy is Chinese-American.

AI_Row7.jpg

Mary Anne Mendoza

Mary Anne Mendoza is a PhD student of Political Science and Senior Pedagogical Fellow at UC Irvine. Her research focuses on colonial education policies, and nationalist rebellion in the Philippines and Burma. Mary Anne is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of La Verne and Cal Poly Pomona. She is a University of La Verne alumna from the History and Political Science Department. During her time at ULV, Mary Anne was a part of the Honors Program, Debate Team, Model UN Delegation and Co-Founder of SPARK Women Leadership Conference. Mary Anne is Filipino-American.

unnamed.jpg

Adam Wong

Adam Wong is the Director of Student Life, Development and Leadership at the University of La Verne. He previously worked as an Associate Director at New York University and Program Coordinator at Duke University. Adam received his B.A. in Business Administration and M.A. in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs at the University of Southern California. He was heavily involved as a student at USC, involved in orientation programs, student government, PASA Network and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. At New York University, Adam initiated the first Asian American and Pacific Islander commencement ceremony. Adam is Chinese-American.

Paul photo (1).jpg

Paul Alvarez

Dr. Paul Hajime Alvarez is a Professor of Kinesiology and Athletic Training Program Clinical Coordinator at the University of La Verne. Now in his 32nd year at the University, Dr. Alvarez also served for 24 years in a dual appointment role as Athletic Trainer to the Athletic Department, tending to sports medicine needs of ULV student athletes. His work as an athletic trainer has taken him far beyond that role, having also been part of the medical staff for the United States Universiade Delegation to the The World Games in Belgrade, Serbia; Shenzhen, China; Kazan, Russia; Gwanju, Korea; and Taipei City, Taipei. Dr. Alvarez is of Mexican-American and Japanese-American heritage.

IMG_9593 (1).jpg

Mariel Cornel

Mariel Cornel is a Copywriter and Digital Strategist for brands, such as Avec Les Filles, AYF Media, Agahi and Forever 21. Mariel is the Founder and Creative Director of Polydeux, a fashion and lifestyle blog based in Los Angeles. Mariel collaborates with brands by taking versatile roles as a model, brand ambassador, product influencer and content creator. She has established her strong presence in the fashion industry with her trademark contemporary and high-end street-influenced style, combined with an engaging and active voice with creative visuals by photographer Justin Quebral. As an alumna of the University of La Verne, Mariel is a double major in Public Relations and Creative Writing. Mariel is Filipino-American.

KatBay (1).jpg

Katherine Bay

Katherine Bay is a rising fourth-year organic chemistry PhD student in the laboratory of Professor Ken Houk at UCLA. She obtained her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of La Verne. As an undergraduate student, she performed synthetic organic chemistry research with Professor Brian Stoltz at Cal Tech and with Professor Matthew Gaunt at Cambridge University. Now as a PhD student, she moved towards the computational side of organic chemistry and is involved in several collaborations through the Center for Selective C-H Functionalization (CCHF) with Scripps Research Institute. Katherine is Filipino-American.

Profile Photo (1).jpg

Ian Lising

Ian T. Lising is an author, professor of speech communication and the Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of La Verne. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines and his M.A. in Education from the University of La Verne. In 2016, he was appointed as Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Lising has served on the International Studies Institute, CAS Curriculum committee, and on the University Faculty Senate. He has written two books; Across the House: The Art and Science of World Universities Championship Debating (2010) and The Spin Doctrine: Communicating Belief, Truth and Fact (2019) through Kendall Hunt Publishing. Ian is Filipino-American.

THE TAKEAWAYS

  1. Campaign gained over 200 followers on Instagram.

  2. "Crazy Inspiring Asians" Panel Showcase had over 75 attendees.

  3. Gained press coverage, including a shoutout from Allure Magazine Editor-in-Chief Michelle Lee.

  4. Project received 4 public relations awards.

bottom of page