Sparking stories since 2020
Asian Girls Ignite is a non-profit organization that provides educational programs for AANHPI youth who want to celebrate their individual and collective power.
Loud & Proud & Quiet & Strong & Kind & Funny & Smart
Celebrating all the ways it means to be AANHPI
We use storytelling to empower the next generation to write their futures in their own voice. Our programs and events nurture social-emotional learning to help our students grow in resilience, empathy, and self-awareness.
Our Origin Story
Asian Girl Ignite’s founders, Joanne Liu and Mehgan Yen, grew up in entirely different cities. But they both shared a common struggle—feeling unheard and unseen as AANHPI girls. They regularly faced racism and microaggressions. During middle school, Mehgan endured relentless bullying for “looking like a dragon.” And in high school, Joanne was told by a friend, “Sometimes I forget that you’re Asian.” These hurtful encounters left them feeling isolated and disempowered.
Joanne and Mehgan yearned for a space where they could feel a sense of belonging and celebrate their identity. So, decades later, they decided to build the community that they wished they’d had growing up.
Asian Girl Ignite was founded in October 2020 to create spaces for AANHPI girls and gender expansive youth to explore and amplify their individuality.
Our values
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Our values •
Asian Girls Ignite programs are centered around the following values:
Courage
The ability to stay true to yourself—even when faced with challenges.
Compassion
Acceptance without judgment for yourself and others.
Curiosity
An open mind and desire to learn about other people and cultures.
Connection
Relationships that strengthen individual and collective power.
