Meet Our 2025 Summer Program Storytellers Inspiring AANHPI Youth Across Colorado
Each summer, Asian Girls Ignite brings together middle school students across Colorado for a transformative week of identity exploration, creative expression, and joyful community building. But what truly sets our program apart are the storytellers — an intergenerational, diverse group of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) women and gender-expansive change makers who ground each day’s theme in real-life experiences.
In alignment with our 2025 summer theme, “I Am Powerful,” each storyteller helps students explore what it means to take up space, celebrate their full selves, and feel connected to a legacy bigger than any one person.
From artists and educators to activists and entrepreneurs, these storytellers reflect the vibrancy, complexity, and strength of the AANHPI community. They use storytelling to build bridges — honoring lived experience, inspiring connection, and strengthening community.
We’re honored to introduce the 2025 Asian girls ignite summer program Storytellers below — in their own words.
On Monday, we are joined by Christina Ifurung and Melissa Mooney
Christina Ifurung (she/her)
Multi-Dimensional Human Being - Energy Medicine Practitioner
“Though this photo shows my babies, and the first thing you would think is mother... What I see is bravery, strength, lineage, possibility and evolvement. The number of versions I have met and left in order to become this woman you see here.”
Additional Identities:
Daughter of First Generation Immigrants, Mother, Wife, Space holder, Sound healer, Nurse, CommUNITY Supporter, Empath, Projector (Human Design), Scorpio
What race and/or ethnicities do you identify with?
Asian/Pacific Islander - Pilipina
What is an activity you do or a space you appreciate that helps you feel authentically yourself/in your power?
Connecting to the land in any way shape or form: from sitting on my balcony to taking a walk in nature to soaking in the hot springs... Being with the Earth reminds me of my power, how blessed I am to live in this experience. I see all the ways outside of my body that Earth reflects back to me the beauty and power of my own spirit.
What are some things that bring you joy?
My children, cooking, dancing, going to a really good R&B show, being in or near the water, and eating delicious food.
How do you feel inspired by, aligned with, or drawn to the mission of Asian Girls Ignite?
Gosh, there are soooo many things I love about Asian Girls Ignite that brings inspiration to my life, but what I think is so beautiful is the strength and courage I observe being in these spaces with the girls at Asian Girls Ignite, from the facilitators/volunteers to the students each person I have witnessed has offered something special that uplifts my heart.
Melissa Mooney (she/her)
Entrepreneur
“I am in my element because I am surrounded by other AANHPI girls who are navigating their heritage and sense of individualism in this world - although much older, I felt so connected and seen by the girls and hope they felt validated by me as well. I was teaching them how to make mango sticky rice balls, which was a fun way to connect and create through our shared yet differing cultures.”
Additional Identities:
Immigrant mother, American-born father
What race and/or ethnicities do you identify with?
Half Filipino, Half White
What is an activity you do or a space you appreciate that helps you feel authentically yourself/in your power?
Other than Kids Table, which brings me so much empowerment through discovering and expressing my true authentic self through food and tradition, I also love seeing live music. When I go to a show, I am able to get out emotion in a positive and healthy way, and the words expressed through the music I listen to truly make me feel powerful, seen, and less alone. I am surrounded by people appreciating the same artform and I can be my true authentic self even when I am surrounded by strangers, which is such a powerful feeling!
How do you feel inspired by, aligned with, or drawn to the mission of Asian Girls Ignite?
I feel so honored to be involved with AGI because I wish I had a community and space like this when I was growing up / their age. Especially being a kid in North Carolina, before I had solid friendships and community, I struggled with my identity in predominantly non-Asian spaces. In elementary and middle school, I was bullied a lot and wished I was white. By high school, I was growing into myself and finding confidence in my identity, but I did not fit in with the Filipino community I grew up alongside (kids of my mom's friends). The community and spaces I found myself in were mainly white and black, but I had no Asian friends listening to the same music as me, enjoying the same activities, going to the same parties, etc. Even despite race, I also did not grow up with a lot of girl friends vs boys. Now that I am older, I cherish my female relationships the most and feel more supported by my friendships than I ever felt as an adolescent. I think AGI is such an amazing organization for joining both aspects that I lacked throughout my own growing pains, and I feel so lucky to have even the smallest impact on how these kids look at themselves, choose friendships and community, and their overall journey with being Asian-American females+.
What are some things that bring you joy?
Producing with friends / being creative, such as photoshoots (I love shooting on film), short films, making things - definitely what makes me feel most edified. Also music, live shows, hosting/participating in events and markets, cooking/food, film, travel, animals :)
On Tuesday, we are joined by Akemi Tsutsui-Kunitake and Joie Ha
Akemi Tsutsui-Kunitake (she/her)
Artist & Educator - A Channel
“Often, "my community" was not just local, but felt at national-level tournaments and seminars out of state, with folks congregating around the love of karate-do. This is me, learning from Suzuko Hamasaki, the first female World Champion in karate, at a seminar in Portland, OR.”
Additional Identities:
Buddhist, animist, only-child, child of older parents.
What race and/or ethnicities do you identify with?
Nikkei, Japanese American, mixed race
What is an activity you do or a space you appreciate that helps you feel authentically yourself/in your power?
A space that I greatly appreciate in my life is a private gym owned by a friend who lets me work out there. Movement in general is very empowering to me and I began working out at this gym when I was quite lost in who I was on many fronts. Having this space to process my thoughts and emotions through my body has been such a gift in my life.
What are some things that bring you joy?
Researching, cooking, dancing, weight lifting, karate.
How do you feel inspired by, aligned with, or drawn to the mission of Asian Girls Ignite?
The mission of Asian Girls Ignite and the work AGI does in the world continues to inspire me every time I am afforded the privilege to see their programming in action. Stories have such power to inspire, build community and validate the experiences of people of all backgrounds, but AGI's work is so impactful, because historically there has been such a disconnect in communication generationally among AANHPI families.
Joie Ha (she/they)
Executive Director at Colorado Asian Pacific United.
“This photo shows the time that I was arrested for protesting. Though it was not necessarily an enjoyable experience, it shows how I am steadfast in my beliefs and willing to stand by them.”
Additional Identities:
Child of refugees, queer, activist
What race and/or ethnicities do you identify with?
Chinese & Taiwanese
What is an activity you do or a space you appreciate that helps you feel authentically yourself/in your power?
I love being creative and thinking about different ways to tell important stories through art. For example, I loved co-curating the 'Where is Denver's Chinatown?' exhibition at History Colorado!
What are some things that bring you joy?
Traveling and eating good food
How do you feel inspired by, aligned with, or drawn to the mission of Asian Girls Ignite?
As an educator, I have had the pleasure of working with youth from all backgrounds and believe it is an honor to play a part in their journey. I especially love helping youth find their passion and connection with social justice.
On Wednesday, we are joined by Abigail Clark, Tran Nguyen - Wills, and Hue Helen Nguyen
Abigail Clark (she/her)
Senior community producer and on-air host at KUVO Jazz Public Radio
“This is a photo of me mid-conversation on the radio show I produce and host called “The Morning Set” on KUVO 89.3 FM in Denver. I have a lot of fun learning about other people’s passions and celebrating the work they are doing creatively and in our community.”
What race and/or ethnicities do you identify with?
Latina
Abi has intentionally been included as a non-AANHPI storyteller on Connection & Community day because her work involves uplifting and sharing stories of all kinds of communities in Denver, and she is passionate about giving voice to different people.
What is an activity you do or a space you appreciate that helps you feel authentically yourself/in your power?
For me it is picking up the guitar and singing, I feel free! I sing the songs of my favorite musicians and put my own spin on them. I also write music which is a loving process of creativity, revision, and diligence. Even creative activities are work, even if they are also fun!
What are some things that bring you joy?
Seeing live music, playing music (guitar/vocalist), painting and drawing, conversation, cooking for my loved ones
How do you feel inspired by, aligned with, or drawn to the mission of Asian Girls Ignite?
We had so much fun with Annabel on KUVO's The Morning Set. I love programs that inspire community and creativity in youth. I led an interview workshop with Girls Rock Denver last summer and am looking for opportunities to inspire storytelling and media accessibility in the next gen
Tran Nguyen - Wills (she/her)
Values-driven leader, lifelong advocate for equity, and community builder - Deputy Director of Outreach under Mayor Mike Johnston
“What I love most—bringing people together to share their stories, organize for change, and remind each other that real power lives in community. When we listen, heal, and lead together, we can transform the systems around us.”
What race and/or ethnicities do you identify with?
Vietnamese American
What is an activity you do or a space you appreciate that helps you feel authentically yourself/in your power?
I feel most powerful—and most authentically myself—when I am in community-led spaces where people come together not just to be heard, but to organize, heal, and lead. Facilitating gatherings where neighbors—many of whom have been excluded from traditional decision-making—share their stories, hold institutions accountable, and collectively shape solutions is where I come alive. These aren’t just meetings; they are acts of resistance and reimagination. In those moments, I’m reminded that real power lives in people—in our relationships, our shared wisdom, and our ability to transform systems together from the ground up.
What are some things that bring you joy?
Joy comes in many forms, and I make it a priority to embrace the moments that fill my life with happiness, creativity, and connection. Even with a demanding schedule at the Denver Mayor's Office, I believe in carving out time for the things that nourish my soul and keep me balanced. Prioritizing joy not only prevents burnout but also allows me to show up fully and wholeheartedly for the work that means so much to me.
Cooking and Sharing Meals – Whether I’m hosting intimate dinner gatherings with loved ones or organizing community cookbook clubs, food has always been a powerful way to connect. In many ways, it’s in our blood—food is at the heart of everything that brings us joy, from celebrations to simple everyday moments of togetherness.
Quality Time with Family – Date nights with my husband, movie nights with my son, and cuddling with my sweet puppy, Appa, are moments I cherish deeply. They remind me of the importance of slowing down and being present with the people (and pets!) who mean the most to me.
Mutual Aid and Community Support – Giving back through mutual aid, organizing fundraisers, and uplifting others in meaningful ways is something I’m deeply passionate about. There’s nothing more fulfilling than using my time and resources to help build a stronger, more connected community.
Self-Care and Indulgence – Taking time to get my nails done, enjoy a good book, or simply unwind with music is essential. It’s a reminder that caring for myself is just as important as caring for others.
Live Music and Cultural Experiences – Seeing live music, attending art shows, and immersing myself in creative spaces inspire me and fuel my passion for community engagement. There’s something magical about experiencing art in all its forms.
I wholeheartedly love everything listed above and make an intentional effort to weave joy into my daily life. It’s not always easy, but making time for the things that bring me happiness helps me maintain balance, stay inspired, and continue doing the work that truly matters to me.
How do you feel inspired by, aligned with, or drawn to the mission of Asian Girls Ignite?Asian Girls Ignite provides opportunities for Asian girls to embrace their heritage, break through societal barriers, and find strength in their identities. My commitment to diversity, engagement, and justice is deeply intertwined with the organization’s goals, and I hope that my journey serves as both inspiration and a testament to the power of uplifting and empowering communities for a more equitable world.
Hue Helen Nguyen (she/her)
Caregiver (of People and Plants)
“A lover and tender of the Land— I spend my time with flowers and other plant relatives to learn and care for them for the future generations to come.”
What race and/or ethnicities do you identify with?
Southeast Asian/ Vietnamese
What is an activity you do or a space you appreciate that helps you feel authentically yourself/in your power?
A space I feel most powerful/ authentically myself in is when I’m in the garden or on the Land. The land has always held space for all of my emotions ranging from joy, grief, rage, hope and so much more. In a world always telling us how to be and what to do, I’m grateful for a place that accepts me as I am and where I can contribute to our collective power through growing foods, tending the land, and feeding the people, pollinators and everything in between together with community
What are some things that bring you joy?
Coloring, working with the Land, eating good food and spending quality time with loved ones
How do you feel inspired by, aligned with, or drawn to the mission of Asian Girls Ignite?
The storytelling aspect of AGI’s mission is what I feel most drawn to! I believe that in order to reclaim our power, we must be able to tell and know our own story.
On Thursday, we are joined by Yu Ning Chan and Anh Phan
Yu Ning Chan (she/they)
Queer WOC small business owner
“It is a privilege to stand up for yourself and others. I have been working as a lead and organizer with Common Ground People's Collective to stand up and fight for human rights.”
Additional Identities:
Pansexual, queer, woman, poc, neurodivergent, first gen american
What race and/or ethnicities do you identify with?
Chinese American
What is an activity you do or a space you appreciate that helps you feel authentically yourself/in your power?
I feel authentically myself when I'm surrounded by my friends. I find it important to be with my support system that continues to be there for me through the good times and the bad! With them, I am able to freely express myself without judgement.
What are some things that bring you joy?
Art, mutual aid, bringing others joy, helping others in need
How do you feel inspired by, aligned with, or drawn to the mission of Asian Girls Ignite?
As a Chinese American, I find your mission incredibly inspiring. Asian voices deserve to be amplified and it is so important that we teach Asian children that it is okay to be unapologetically themselves.
Anh Phan (she/her)
Owner and Cookie Artist of Decadent Dough
"I feel most like myself when I am able to express myself through sugar art. Being able to bring an idea to life is not only satisfying but gives me a sense of accomplishment knowing that I can complete any challenging design."
Additional Identities:
Second Generation
What race and/or ethnicities do you identify with?
Vietnamese
What is an activity you do or a space you appreciate that helps you feel authentically yourself/in your power?
I love any opportunity to use my skills to create beautiful things. I feel like my purpose is to bring a smile to others' lives by sharing my craftsmanship. There is no better feeling than being a small part of their special events.
What are some things that bring you joy?
Things that bring me joy are my family, sunshine, boba tea, moms cooking, trying new things, traveling, live music
How do you feel inspired by, aligned with, or drawn to the mission of Asian Girls Ignite?
I feel drawn to AGI because this is a program I wish I had growing up. As one of only a few Asian Americans in my entire grade school years, it felt isolating to not have many friends that share a similar upbringing. I believe having a community such as AGI truly creates lifelong friendships through shared experiences and backgrounds. I believe having a safe space to express yourself will set you up for an amazing future.
