AAPI Community Impact Award: The Very Asian Foundation
The Very Asian Foundation is committed to shining a light on Asian experiences through advocacy and celebration, and telling these stories in all the places we live. With decades of experience in news journalism and media, Very Asian leaders participate in public discussions around Asian issues and collaborate with local and national institutions to place Asian stories and experiences front and center. The Foundation also provides grants to organizations doing the vital work of strengthening Asian communities.
ABOUT THE WINNER: It feels like the Very Asian Foundation started years ago, but it was a racist voicemail that went viral on January 1, 2022 that sparked a global moment of unity, a fundraiser for AAJA, an opportunity to launch a foundation and show that we can be Very Asian no matter "what kind of Asian we are."
Headed by Gia Vang, anchor and reporter at NBC Bay Area, Michelle Li, anchor and reporter at KSDK St Louis, and Executive Director Soogi Hong, the Foundation helps newsrooms invest in the Asian American experience through storytelling and representation.
In 2022, it launched a national campaign called The May Book Project; hosted or participated in more than 100 DEI conversations, panels, programming, and mixers for journalists, corporations, schools, and community groups; launched a microgrant program, and raised tens of thousands of dollars for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander groups.
