In this episode of Her Way AAPI, we are joined by Shelley Lee, Professor of American Studies, History, and Humanities and Affiliate of Urban Studies at Brown University. She also co-organizes their Asian Pacific American and Diaspora Studies working group and was formerly the chair of Comparative American Studies at Oberlin College. Born in Seoul in the 70’s and raised in the intersection of Silicon Valley’s tech boom and demographic change, Professor Lee grew up immersed in ethnically diverse communities and socioeconomically diverse school systems. After entering academia at UC Berkeley, she began to interpret history through the lens of ordinary people- adopting a bottom up perspective- and delved into race as a social construct, examining how such categories arise. “These are constructions that arise in response to specific historical forces,” she explains. Professor Lee discusses how her undergraduate studies highlighted the ways in which her story was embedded within the broader American narrative, leading her to contribute to the reconceptualization of American history through Asian American history. She reflects on the movement for ethnic studies, emphasizing how Asian studies or Asian American studies was often an “entry point” for students hoping to make sense of who they are in the greater world. Professor Lee underscores her conviction that Asian American history has always been US history and discusses the myths her students work to dispel and the greater historical narratives these myths sustain. While the historical content itself does not change, she observes that evolving current events and perspectives shape our relationship to the past. She concludes by sharing the ethos that guides her work with Brown’s scholarly APA & Diaspora studies working group, noting that “I like to help create a community where I see the potential for community, but it doesn't quite exist.”
0:00 Introduction and Welcome
1:16 A Formative Early Life: Tech Boom and Demographic Change
4:30 Exploring Asian American Studies at UC Berkeley
5:42 Seeing Patterns, Rethinking Categories
11:05 Oberlin College and Asian American History in US History
15:34 Freedom of Teaching
16:51 Discussing and Dispelling Myths
20:22 Asian American: a Broad and Nuanced Category
22:05 Interpreting History Differently
25:07 Working Group at Brown University
In this episode, we speak with Dawn King, Teaching Professor at the Institute at Brown for Environmental and Society, and Dean of the College for Curriculum at Brown University. Professor King shares insights on her career in sustainability education and policy, focusing on the impacts of local food economics and urban sustainability. She discusses her early interest in food systems, inspired by the multifaceted nature of food and its cultural ties. King explains her role at Brown University, where she teaches courses on local food systems and energy policy, and involves students in real-world community projects. She emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability, incorporating fields like sociology, biological sciences, and economics. Highlighting the necessity of a just transition to sustainable agriculture, King advocates for community involvement in decision-making processes.
00:00 Introduction and Career Overview
00:15 Passion for Local Food Systems
02:31 Role at Brown University
04:46 Interdisciplinary Approach to Sustainability
08:42 Urgent Changes in Food Policy
15:34 Energy Policy and Politics
20:08 Inspiration and Mentorship
24:17 Advice to High School Self
In today’s episode, we welcome Mrs. Frey Dagne, a film director and actress best known for her 2021 short film Raine. Though she always carried a deep passion for filmmaking, Dagne reflects on how breaking into the industry required full immersion. She learned to study films relentlessly to understand the nuances of the whole business and slowly gain credibility. Dagne unpacks how her acting experience informed her leadership as a director, particularly in her most complex work Raine, where she helmed being the lead director, main character, and first time screenwriter. Dagne also analyzes the delicate balance of weighing constructive feedback from peers while preserving one’s own story arc and narrative: “ You have to map the road before you talk to other people… you have to have your own idea. You have to see your picture on your paper. And you have to protect your writing.” She explains how remaining independent from studioheads in Hollywood keeps her films raw and vulnerable, ensuring the films reflect the narrative she is committed to portraying, such as the Ethiopian culture in Raine. She notes, “[As Ethiopians] we have so much more to offer than what people see on TV or social media.” Dagne concludes by speaking to the responsibility she feels as a film director to take bold risks in casting and to foster an inviting environment and family-like partnership between actors.
0:00 Early Life and Introduction
4:21 Studying and Understanding the Film Industry
5:43 Discussing Mainstream Narratives
8:11 Raine: Idea to Production
11:18 Building and Managing a Production Team
12: 39 Shifting Between Macro and Micro Levels
17:35 A Tight and Rigid Industry
18:43 Taking Risks as a Director
24:30 Going Outside
In today’s episode, we speak with Winnie Lu, Co-Founder of Fly Tot, known for its pioneering travel products. Drawing from her own long-haul flights between Asia and California, Lu shares how she identified a gap in the airline industry and validated a widespread need from fellow parents for comfort devices. She reflects on building the product organically and iterating the initial business model for greater ease and a less cumbersome travel experience. Lu talks about the challenges of integrating her product globally into a restrictive airline industry while simultaneously leveraging the rise of social media campaigns at the time to market her product. With a long-standing interest in language and culture, Lu reflects how this deep passion became a natural gateway to international business and the traveling sector. She also discusses the important pursuit of obtaining a patent; despite the difficulty of fully preventing knockoffs (through a legal path), she offers insights into the reality of all sides to her business. Lu tells aspiring entrepreneurs to “believe in yourself and put in the hard work. You have the time. You have the energy to do it.”
0:00 Early Life and Introduction
2:06 Fly Tot and Company Mission
4:11 Iterating and Working with IATA ( International Air Transport Association)
6:16 Navigating a Restrictive Travel Industry
8:19 Lack of Airplane Comfort Devices
9:44 Customer Outreach, Testing Cycle, and Facebook Groups
10:56 Marketing to a Specific Audience
12:36 The Intersection of Her College Major and Company
13:14 Understanding Local Cultures and Languages
13:54 Pursuing Patents and Global Protections
15:58 A Rewarding Journey and Concluding Stories
In this episode, we met with Dr. Christa Hasenkopf, Director of the Clean Air Program at the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago. Dr. Hasenkopf discusses her work at the intersection of air pollution policy and technology, discussing the global implications of air quality monitoring. She details her transition from academia to a career that integrates technology, policy, and environmental governance, highlighting her work in non-profits, private sectors, and governmental applications focusing on air quality and data transparency. She elaborates on her current responsibilities, the creation of the Air Quality Life Index, and the efforts under the Epic Air Quality Fund to improve air monitoring and transparency globally. Dr. Hasenkopf also reflects on her past roles at USAID and Open AQ, discussing the challenges of coordinating large-scale air quality strategies and making air quality data accessible and actionable.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:37 Dr. Hasenkopf's Career Journey
01:31 Transition to Applied Work
03:22 Current Role at UChicago
06:42 Founding the Clean Air Program
11:16 Challenges in Air Quality Monitoring
14:17 Open Data and Government Collaboration
16:44 Role at USAID
23:07 Future Steps and Advice
25:54 Final Thoughts and Farewell
In this episode we’re joined by Ida Hempel, Vice President at Galvanize Climate Solutions. Ida shares her journey of working at the intersection of climate, technology, and investment, sharing how her passion for the natural environment converged with her interest in clean energy and climate tech. Ida shares her experience building an institutional-scale investment firm tailored for energy transition and climate solutions. She explores the challenges and strategies of scaling climate solutions sustainably, citing examples like Arable, a company that supports precision agriculture through innovative soil sensors. Ida also touches on important topics such as AI's environmental impact, the role of data in decarbonization, global policy differences, and emerging fields in sustainability. Highlighting key mentors in her career, she offers valuable advice on following one's passions and maintaining individuality in a rapidly evolving world.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:10 Career Beginnings and Passion for Climate Solutions
01:13 Role at Galvanize and Day-to-Day Work
02:07 Balancing Fast Scaling with Sustainability
03:54 Corporate Climate Leadership and Incentives
05:46 Collective Action and Decarbonization
08:05 AI and Sustainability Paradox
10:46 Impact of Energy Policy Changes
13:01 Global Perspective on Sustainability
14:24 Emerging Fields in Sustainability
16:28 Role Models and Career Advice
18:33 Measuring Success and Final Thoughts
Today we’re speaking to Professor VanRiper, Lecturer of Environmental Studies and Co-Director of the Sustainability Exchange at Washington University in St. Louis. Professor VanRiper discusses her passion for sustainable sanitation and systems thinking, highlighting her international work and interdisciplinary approaches to community-based conservation. VanRiper’s research in container-based sanitation in Haiti demonstrates the impact of immersive fieldwork and collaboration with local communities. She emphasizes the importance of equity in global partnerships, appropriate technology in economically and environmentally insecure areas, and the role of students in driving positive change. The episode concludes with VanRiper's advice for engaging with politics to understand the regulatory frameworks influencing industrial operations.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:08 Discovering a Passion for Sustainable Sanitation
01:52 Current Work at Wash U
04:23 The Importance of Interdisciplinary Approaches
06:42 Global Collaboration and Equity in Research
10:13 Appropriate Technology for Sanitation
15:12 Container-Based Sanitation in Haiti
22:52 Empowering Students and Future Hopes
24:04 Role Models and Final Advice
In today’s episode, we welcome Justina Chen, young adult novelist known for North of Beautiful and A Blind Spot for Boys. Justina reflects on discovering the power of words from a young age and wanting to venture into investigative reporting and foreign journalism, industries that felt countercultural to her at the time. We discuss her journey into young adult fiction and how her mother’s dedication to building bridges within the Asian American community profoundly shaped the stories she tells. Justina discusses the necessity of cultivating meaningful relationships with agents and editors- ones who not only offer critique, but also hold you to your potential. “It’s important for them to challenge my thinking and perspective,” she says, “but they never tell me to delete.” She emphasizes the value of representation in literature and surrounding yourself with courageous advocates for your stories- they say if it is the truth, it must be expressed. We also delve into Justina’s transition from analytical writing in academic settings to developing a keen ear for voice and emotional resonance in fiction.
0:00 Early Life and Introduction
2:24 Studying Economics in College
7:00 Process of Writing a YA Novel
9:01 Finding Inspiration from her Close Circle
12:27 Asian American Representation in Literature
14:53 The Literature, Writing, and Publishing Industries
17: 26 Crafting an Ear for Tone
22:29 Needing to Shift and Pivot
25:08 Closing Advice
In this episode of Her Way podcast, we sit down with Alice Siu, the Associate Director of Stanford's Deliberative Democracy Lab. Alice delves into the applications of deliberative polling in modern politics and its impact on public engagement. She shares her personal journey to her current role, highlighting the importance of listening and respecting diverse experiences in democratic processes. The conversation covers issues like climate change, the role of youth in combating political polarization, and the global reach of deliberative democracy. Alice emphasizes the importance of integrating deliberative practices in education and encourages young people to consider roles in policymaking to effect real change.00:00 Welcome00:35 Alice's Journey to Stanford's Deliberative Democracy Lab05:09 Understanding Deliberative Polling08:09 Climate Change and Public Engagement17:03 Deliberative Democracy Around the World21:55 Youth and Deliberative Democracy24:21 Advice for Young Changemakers26:44 Closing Remarks
In this episode of Her Way Climate, we speak with Allison Wolff, the co-founder of Vibrant Planet, a tech platform specializing in advanced analytics for climate hazards including wildfires, floods, and droughts. Allison discusses how Vibrant Planet uses sophisticated machine learning models to provide real-time data for improving ecosystem health and community risk management. She shares her journey from Silicon Valley tech roles at eBay, Google, and Meta to founding Vibrant Planet, driven by a passion to modernize risk mitigation and planning. Allison details how her platform facilitates collaboration across diverse stakeholders and explains the impact of recent policy changes on wildfire resilience efforts. She emphasizes the importance of sustainable forest management and the potential benefits of recent executive orders. Lastly, Allison offers advice to aspiring young women, encouraging them to trust their instincts and stand firm in their convictions.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:12 Founding Vibrant Planet: Mission and Technology
04:40 Transition from Corporate to Conservation
06:38 Leadership and Collaboration Strategies
09:34 Impact of Political Landscape on Wildfire Management
17:08 Future Goals and Policy Changes
23:04 Advice for Young Women
In this episode, we are joined by Celine Teoh– Unicorn CEO coach, team coach, and Stanford lecturer on Leading Effective Teams. Born and raised in Malaysia and shaped by global experiences across the U.K., Singapore, and the U.S., Teoh reflects on her early career in banking and consulting, where she honed the ability to navigate various industries, adapt quickly, and present to senior executives. From here, she realized that the “people side of things” was equally as important as the intellectual pursuit- it “wasn't just about the head, it was also about the heart.” Teoh discusses how, despite cultural tendencies to value technical ability, success and leadership often hinges on the ability to show up boldly, stand out, and cultivate meaningful connections. Founders and entrepreneurs, she notes, “are a particular breed. They're really passionate about what it is they're doing. And so sometimes it's a surprise to them that the folks around them don't, aren't as excited.” Her mentorship emphasizes listening to what the person across the table wants and believing in them. On the other hand, coaching is about helping leaders learn how to fish. It requires teaching them to come to realizations themselves, which requires meeting them in a way they understand. The discussion concludes with three pieces of advice: 1)Trust yourself deeply that you are capable 2) There are so many future successful you’s 3) Pay attention to what you’re good at that gives you joy. Let that be your compass and your North Star and just keep following the North Star- an internal one.
0:00 Welcome and Introduction
3:00 Experience at McKinsey and Goldman Sachs
4:20 The Importance of Soft Skills
8:45 Teaching Leaders to Bring Everyone Along
10:50 Consulting vs. Coaching: Meeting them where they’re at
11:35 Coaching with Adaptability
12:30 Finding Confidence to Guide Executives
14:35 Hustle Culture and the Youth Mindset
17:30 Balancing Work and Personal Life
In this episode of Her Way Climate, we interview Lila Preston, Head of Growth Equity at Generation Investment Management, a Sustainable Management firm co-founded by Al Gore and David Blood. Lila shares her unconventional career trajectory from grassroots conservation work in Chile to leading sustainable investments. She explains Generation’s philosophy of integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into traditional investment processes to achieve long-term financial returns. Preston discusses how the firm measures sustainability impact through KPIs, addresses the challenges of greenwashing, and emphasizes the importance of holistic, long-term investment strategies. We end the episode by discussing the rapidly changing political climate and she shares her projections for promising spaces in sustainability.
00:06 Introducing Lila and Generation Investment Management
02:06 Lila's Career Journey: From Grassroots to Corporate
04:41 Generation's Philosophy on Sustainability and Financial Value
07:17 Tracking Sustainability KPIs and Measuring Impact
12:36 The Evolution of Sustainable Investing
15:04 Addressing Political Challenges and Carbon Pricing
18:30 Preventing Greenwashing and Promoting Genuine Sustainability
20:51 Exciting Areas in Sustainability and Advice for Young Listeners
24:19 Conclusion and Farewell
In this next episode of Her Way AAPI, we welcome Krystal Ka’ai, the former Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders under the Biden Administration. The first Native Hawaiian to lead this Initiative, Ka’ai also worked on Capitol Hill for nearly 15 years, where she was the Executive Director of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). Raised in Hawaii, Ka’ai recalls not only seeing a lack of diversity, but greater visibility for the AANHPI community in Washington’s critical decision making spaces. She worked to ensure federal accessibility for all Americans, including helping small businesses and entrepreneurs to connect with federal entities. Under Ka’ai’s leadership, the Initiative focused on three core pillars: combating anti-Asian hate, advocating for disaggregated data collection, and expanding language access and preservation. Ka’ai discusses balancing these priorities with current events, such as the need to quickly pivot in response to the Maui wildfires and shootings in Monterey Park. Overseeing a diverse demographic, Ka’ai highlights the need to find both commonalities and distinct needs of each group. Lastly, as she reflects on her shift from journalism to advocacy, she underscores the value of trusting yourself and being open to anything and everything.
0:00 Introduction and Early Life
2:23 Hawaii, Lehigh and D.C.
5:25 Federal Accessibility for all Americans
6:05 Leading a Broad Coalition
9:34 Three Main Pillars of the Initiative
14:25 The Importance of Adaptability
17:06 Leaving Home, a New Perspective
20:02 Capitol Hill and the Executive Branch
23:16 COVID 19 Hate Crimes Act
25:05 Concluding Advice
In today’s episode, we are joined by Karen Polle, an equestrian athlete representing the Japanese National Team, a 2024 Paris Olympics Alternate, and an Asian Partner Rider at Hermés. Polle shares her exposure to this sport growing up in New York City and dives into the mental rigors of training, emphasizing how the psychological preparation is more difficult than the physical aspect at times, especially in a sport “where my partner is a 1200 pound animal who has it's our own thoughts, opinions, moods. It's like you're constantly getting presented with things that you cannot prepare for and you can't foresee.” As a partner rider of Hermes, a Kinoshita Group Sports athlete, and an ambassador for Mikimoto, Polle discusses the responsibilities and qualities that define a great ambassador of global brands. She shares her perspective competing in a gender neutral sport, carrying a mindset of “equal footing” during competition while also noting how she may be perceived differently than her male counterparts in both athletic and workplace settings.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:00 Early Life and NYC
3:22 Exposure to Riding
04:26 Mentors and Athletes
05:02 Mental Preparation
10:05 Being a Good Ambassador
11:46 Competing in a Gender Neutral Sport
15:46 Pursuing Economics and Business
17:56 Staying in the Present
In today’s episode, we are joined by Cari Pang Chen, Director of Innovation, Strategy & Planning at the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP). At FFRP, she plays a crucial role in helping formerly incarcerated individuals transition into firefighting careers through comprehensive training, certifications, and mentorship. We discuss the significant barriers these individuals face, including low wages—just over a dollar an hour—and the struggle to transfer the valuable skills gained during incarceration to post-release employment. Nonetheless, Chen highlights this unique and transformative opportunity to shift from incarceration to public service, a stark contrast to a system that so often perpetuates the reverse. She reflects on the adaptability required to tackle emergencies like the LA fires and underscores how this program offers a vital sense of possibility for many marginalized (zero to hero). Chen finds the greatest reward of mentorship witnessing the growth of confidence in each individual and the positive impact on their families as they continue to graduate.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:40 Early Life and Hawaii
05:00 FFRP’s Mission
07:03 Training and Employment Challenges
10:40 California’s Fire Camps
15:50 Community Impact and Partnerships
22: 56 Transition from College Education to Career Journey
25:11 Rewards: Personal Relationships Built
In this episode we welcome Claudia Polsky, the founding director and a clinical instructor at Berkeley Law's Environmental Law Clinic. Prior to the clinic, Claudia worked as the Deputy Attorney General for the Environment Section of the California DOJ for fourteen years. In our conversation, Claudia delves into the clinic's work in training law students to bridge the gap between theory and practice. She shares how the clinic's multi-tool approach equips students with skills beyond litigation, preparing them to tackle environmental matters through legislation, advocacy, and agency practice. Moreover, Claudia discusses notable successes in legislative and litigation efforts, including the pioneering fragrance disclosure law and EPA regulation challenges. Claudia also discusses the ways in which climate changes and human rights grow increasingly entangled, reflecting on the social impact her litigation has. Finally, she offers advice to young individuals to follow their passions and navigate their paths with curiosity and commitment.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:09 Overview of Berkeley Law's Environmental Law Clinic
01:41 Impact and Achievements of the Clinic
09:44 Student Experiences and Career Paths
16:56 Environmental Justice and Inequality
27:00 Comparing Roles: Deputy Attorney General vs. Nonprofit Work
30:04 Advice for Aspiring Environmental Lawyers
32:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of Her Way Climate, we speak with Professor Sommer, a clinical instructor at Harvard's Emmett Environmental Law and Policy Clinic. Professor Sommer shares her journey from litigator at the DOJ to Deputy General Counsel at the White House Council on Environmental Quality and now an educator. She discusses the similarities and differences between these roles, her passion for working with students, and the various impactful projects at the law clinic, including amicus briefs and comment letters. Sommer also delves into the influence of political polarization on environmental litigation, the importance of federal agencies like the EPA, and strategies for combating climate change through legal frameworks. Professor Sommer emphasizes the critical role of resilience and public engagement in environmental law and shares hopeful perspectives on the future of climate action.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:20 Career Journey and Roles
02:20 Teaching and Mentorship at Harvard
04:11 Impact of Amicus Briefs and Legal Work
07:06 Political Influence on Environmental Law
09:46 Future of Environmental Legislation
12:23 Role of Federal Employees and EPA
18:09 Challenges and Rewards in Environmental Law
23:05 Advice for Aspiring Lawyers
24:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode, we delve into the journey of Mauria Finley, Vice President of Google Store and Google Fi Wireless, Founder and CEO of multi million companies Allume and Citrus Lane, and adjunct lecturer at Stanford University. Finley shares her experiences of overcoming educational disparities, the impact of her work on major tech products like Netscape and Gmail, and her transition from startups to big tech. Finley also discusses her role at Google, blending technical and managerial skills, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and those looking to enter male-dominated fields. She emphasizes the importance of empathy in leadership and gives insights into her teaching approach at Stanford. Concluding with advice for high school students, she reminds listeners to lead with radical empathy in the workplace.
00:00 Introduction and Early Life
00:35 Discovering Computer Science at Stanford
02:09 Career Highlights in Tech
03:42 Role as VP at Google
05:31 Startups vs. Big Companies
07:20 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
13:58 Teaching at Stanford
17:09 Human-Centered Computer Science
19:38 Future of Computer Science
22:06 Advice for Women in Tech
23:19 Advice for High School Students
In this episode, we welcome Christine Luong, the sustainability manager of Palo Alto. She shares her transition from pre-med to environmental policy, sparked by volunteering at an environmental justice organization. Christine discusses the development of Palo Alto's Climate Action Plan and the increasing governmental effort she has led to reduce emissions by 80 percent by 2030. She discusses leading diverse initiatives, developing Palo Alto's Climate Action Plan, and the crucial role of local government in sustainable development. For aspiring climate advocates, Christine highlights the impact of voting and actionable climate-friendly practices.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:15 Christine's Journey to Sustainability
02:37 Education and Career Insights
04:23 Leading Successful Initiatives
06:22 Developing Climate Action Plans
08:42 Government and Community Collaboration
15:40 Leadership and Motivation
19:29 Advice for Aspiring Climate Advocates
25:53 Final Thoughts and Farewell
In the next episode of the series Her Way AAPI, Her Way spotlights Wendy Nguyen, co-founder of Stand with Asian Americans and Asian Americans Rise, two movements dedicated to amplifying Asian American political voices. As the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, Nguyen reflects on how being a beneficiary of the American system fueled her commitment to advocacy and equity. In the wake of the Atlanta spa shootings, she co-authored a pivotal open letter in the WSJ. She then established two nonprofits focused on the legal and civic responses to anti-AAPI hate. Nguyen also discusses her current initiative to mobilize over 300,000 young AAPI voters through a “moneyball” approach that maximizes impact and cost by targeting specific demographics. She asks “What is the cost per vote or registration?” Nguyen reminds us to pursue the path that is also congruent with our values.