The month of May is Asian American Pacific Islander Month! This month, we celebrate the history and contributions of AAPI to the US. Read about the experiences of being an AAPI from our very own Launch staff!
Zeinna Mara Estrada
Marketing Associate
Heritage: Filipino & Chinese
Born: USA
“My mother is a first generation immigrant from the Philippines. The Philippines has some of the best culture- especially the food! I love sharing my culture with others. It’s a beautiful country and I hope to go back soon!
My great-great-grandfather is from Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China. He was a very influential man that even had a school named after him! Though I have less Chinese in my blood, I love learning more about that side of the family.
I am proud to be an Asian-American!”
Nancie Tajip
Community Administrator
Heritage: Indonesian
Born: USA
“Being an Asian-American is the best of two worlds, celebrating my Indonesian heritage (as my parents are first generation) with my American born (also full Indonesian) daughter, and being an American. I lived abroad for two years to move mom back Indonesia.
I love the blend of the two as they spice up my life with culture, beautiful stories, and delicious foods!
I love to celebrate my Indonesian-American heritage!”
Nia Stevenson
Program Coordinator
Heritage: South Korean, Italian, Dominican
Born: USA
“Growing up, I enjoyed my father’s traditional Korean meals and saw my grandfather play bagpipes in his traditional Scottish kilt. Diversity is a main element in not only my upbringing, but also in cultivating a space of creativity and inspiration in the workforce. I’m proud to be the daughter of a first generation immigrant of South Korea and proud to be Asian-American.”
