Asian American Stories

Coming To America Workshop

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:01:58 GMT

2026 Asian American Stories Workshop

Theme: Coming to America

The 2026 Asian American Stories Workshop is a 90-minute session designed to empower participants to create and submit their own one-minute Asian American story confidently.

This year’s theme, “Coming to America,” invites students and families to explore immigration, identity, belonging, heritage, resilience, and the meaning of home. More than a contest, Asian American Stories is a growing storytelling movement dedicated to authentic representation and meaningful voices within our community.

Workshop Overview

1. Opening & Mission

Speaker: Diana

We begin with the origins of Asian American Stories — how the movement started and why it matters. The goal is not simply to collect entries, but to build a powerful storytelling platform where young voices are heard, seen, and celebrated. This session sets the tone by reminding participants that their stories are part of something bigger.

2. Theme & Contest Overview

Speaker: Joel

Joel introduces this year’s theme, Coming to America, explaining its inspiration and connection to the broader Asian American experience. Participants will also:

Review highlights from the past two years
Understand the power of a one-minute format
Learn how the contest amplifies community voices
Gain clarity on submission expectations

This segment ensures every participant understands both the creative and structural foundation of the contest.

3. Ten Ways to Create a Powerful and Engaging 1-Minute Entry

Speaker: Ted

This core teaching session breaks down the art of crafting a compelling short video. Drawing from his portfolio of impactful projects, Ted shares practical and creative strategies:

Choose a story that moves people
Promote a larger message
Develop a compelling style
Create an emotional hook
Get the flow right
Write a relatable, powerful script
Apply strong visual production values
Respect the time limit
Show impact
Inspire action or reflection

4. Tools & How to Create Your Video

Speaker: Nina

This practical segment focuses on making the process accessible for everyone. Participants learn:

How to record using a smartphone with a simple setup
Lighting and sound basics
Editing tools CapCut
How to properly export for submission
Practical tips to simplify production

The goal is to remove technical barriers and show that meaningful stories do not require expensive equipment — just clarity and intention.

5. Judging Criteria & Awards

Speaker: Joel

Participants gain transparency into:

What judges are looking for
How strong submissions stand out
Prize structure
Grant opportunities for winners

This segment helps storytellers align creativity with impact.

Watch the Replay

Whether you are preparing your submission or simply exploring your story, this workshop provides the inspiration, tools, and guidance to begin.

Your story matters.
Your voice belongs.
Your one minute can make an impact.

Zoom Workshop

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:45:14 GMT

The 2026 Zoom workshop is coming!!

This year’s theme, “Coming to America,” moves beyond the "American Dream" clichés. We are looking for the heart of your experience: the specific goals, hardships, or dreams that led you or your family to the United States. In a time when our belonging is often questioned, your voice is a vital act of reclamation.

Ready to compete? We’re here to help. We are hosting two free online sessions to help you craft a winning entry. We will cover contest details, technical tips for creating a 1-minute video, and answer any questions you have.

Join us online (choose one of the two)

Session A: Sunday, March 1, 2026 , at 7:00 PM PT

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/t8FCEiQ8Rz2q4Ek4l5dTtA

Session B: Monday, March 2, 2026 , at 4:00 PM PT

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/lP-Yy_LvSHWNL4hUuIIfaQ

Please share this with friends, family, and any aspiring storytellers in your circle. We look forward to seeing you there!

Asian American Stories 2025 Thanksgiving Party

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:19:20 GMT

AAS 2025 Thanksgiving Party

This video highlights the Asian American Stories (AAS) & Silicon Valley Community Media Thanksgiving Party, a special gathering celebrating community, gratitude, and cultural connection. Hosted in Silicon Valley, the event brought together local leaders, families, youth participants, and supporters who contributed to the growth of AAS throughout the year.

During this Thanksgiving celebration, we honored storytellers, volunteers, and community partners who continue to amplify Asian American voices and build bridges across cultures. Through performances, awards, and shared moments, the event reflects our commitment to storytelling, diversity, and unity.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported the mission of AAS and Silicon Valley Community Media. Together, we continue to uplift our community and inspire the next generation.

2025 AAS Youth Summer Internship — Closing Ceremony & Celebration

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 19:17:43 GMT

2025 AAS Youth Summer Internship — Closing Ceremony & Celebration

The 2025 Asian American Stories Youth Summer Internship marks a six-week journey of creativity, collaboration, and community impact.

This Closing Ceremony celebrates the voices, visions, and efforts of our youth interns who have used storytelling, media, and teamwork to amplify the Asian American experience.

Through video production, social outreach, and mentorship, our interns have not only grown as individuals but also inspired a broader understanding of identity, heritage, and leadership.

Today, we honor their achievements, share reflections, and look ahead to a future shaped by the stories they dare to tell.

Curious about how the 2025 AAS Youth Internship celebration unfolded?
This video captures the full event flow—from opening remarks and award presentations to intern reflections and the announcement of the 2026 video contest theme.
Whether you joined us in person or are just discovering the program, this behind-the-scenes look showcases the energy, creativity, and community spirit that defined the celebration.

Opening Remarks by Diana Ding

As the Founder of Silicon Valley Community Media and the visionary behind Asian American Stories, Diana Ding has long championed the power of storytelling in amplifying community voices.

In her opening remarks, Diana reflects on the mission of this internship program, the incredible efforts of our youth participants, and the importance of empowering the next generation of Asian American leaders.

Her words inspire confidence, pride, and a renewed commitment to telling stories that matter.

The Vision Behind the Internship: Remarks by Penny Zou

As the Chair of Youth for Asian American Stories, Penny Zou has played a vital role in shaping the vision and impact of this internship program.

In her closing remarks, Penny shares the purpose behind launching the AAS Youth Summer Internship—why it matters, what it hopes to achieve, and how it empowers young Asian Americans to use their voices, creativity, and leadership.

Her message is a heartfelt reminder of the power of storytelling, the importance of youth engagement, and the long-term mission to build a stronger, more inclusive community.

Reflections on Our Journey by Elly He

As the Youth Ambassador of the 2025 Asian American Stories Summer Internship, Elly He has witnessed the incredible journey our interns have taken over the past six weeks.

In her speech, Elly reflects on the highlights of this meaningful program—from orientation and creative collaboration, to video production, weekly meetings, and impactful social media outreach.

Her words capture not only what was accomplished, but also the growth, connection, and spirit that defined this unforgettable summer experience.

Voices Behind the Stories: Intern Reflections

Behind every impactful video lies a voice—authentic, curious, and full of heart. In this segment, our youth interns step away from the camera to reflect on their creative journeys.

From idea development to filming and editing, they share personal insights, challenges they faced, and lessons learned along the way.

These reflections highlight not only technical growth, but also the emotional and cultural connections they made throughout the internship.

Let’s hear the voices behind the stories—young storytellers becoming thoughtful changemakers.

Celebrating Achievements: Closing Remarks by Judges and VIPs

At today’s closing ceremony, we are honored to welcome several judges and VIP guests to share their reflections.

After watching all of the incredible videos created by our youth interns, they were truly moved — not only by the sincerity and creativity behind each story, but also by the passion and potential of the next generation of Asian American storytellers.

These powerful video submissions speak to identity, family, and community, inspiring deep resonance and thoughtful reflection.

Let us now hear their words of encouragement and appreciation.

Youth Summer Internship Awards Presentation

Over the course of six weeks, our youth interns have poured their hearts into storytelling, collaboration, and community engagement. Their creativity, commitment, and growth have been nothing short of inspiring.

Today’s Awards Ceremony is a celebration of their outstanding contributions—whether in video production, teamwork, or outreach.

Each award represents a moment of recognition for hard work and resilience. Let us come together to honor their achievements and cheer for the bright futures ahead.

Looking Ahead: 2026 Contest Theme Revealed

At the closing ceremony of the 2025 Asian American Stories Youth Summer Internship, Co-Chair Joel Wong delivered an inspiring speech to announce the theme of the 2026 Asian American Stories Video Contest: “Coming to America.”

He shared the profound meaning behind the theme—honoring the dreams, struggles, and contributions of immigrant families—and encouraged the next generation to tell their own stories through film.

This powerful message celebrates identity, heritage, and the courage to pursue a better future.

As we come to the end of this year’s Youth Summer Internship celebration, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every intern, mentor, judge, and supporter who made this journey possible.
Over the past six weeks, we witnessed creativity in action, stories that touched hearts, and youth voices that inspired hope.
This is not just the end of a program—it is the beginning of new stories, new leaders, and a stronger community.
Let’s continue to support and uplift the next generation of storytellers.
Thank you all, and we look forward to seeing you again in 2026!

Dion Lim Interview｜ Strength in Diversity

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 06:46:36 GMT

Dion Lim Interview｜Strength in Diversity

In this inspiring interview, Dion Lim shares her family’s journey, cultural roots, and reflections on identity, hard work, and the power of diversity. Her story reminds us why it’s important to know where we come from — and how that shapes our future.

Part of the Coming to America series by Asian American Stories.

“Every Heart Healed Is My Gift to America”

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 23:43:28 GMT

“Every Heart Healed Is My Gift to America” ----Peter Xu

In this heartfelt interview, we speak with a Chinese-American cardiologist who came to the United States from Beijing at age 11 and found his calling in medicine.
At the micro level, he saves lives and brings joy to countless families. At the macro level, he mentors the next generation of physicians.

This is his gift to America — healing hearts, shaping futures, and bridging cultures.

As part of the “My Gift to America” video series, this story reminds us that every immigrant brings something special to this country.

Joan Chen Interview | A Cultural Bridge Between China and America

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 20:42:14 GMT

Joan Chen Interview | A Cultural Bridge Between China and America

In this heartfelt interview, acclaimed actress and director Joan Chen shares her reflections on identity, gratitude, and her journey as a Chinese-American artist. She speaks about what it meant to come to the U.S., the opportunities it gave her, and her desire to give back by fostering mutual understanding between Chinese and American cultures.

“I wasn’t trying to be a role model — I just wanted to express myself and represent people who looked like me.”

From breaking barriers in Hollywood to inspiring a new generation of Asian actors, Joan speaks with grace and sincerity about how her work is not just personal, but also meaningful to others.

2025 AAS Youth Internship in Action：Creating Impact Together

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 23:35:58 GMT

2025 AAS Youth Internship in Action： Creating Impact Together

The 2025 AAS Youth Internship Program brought together a diverse group of passionate young leaders, mentors, and community advocates to co-create stories that matter. Through hands-on experiences, collaborative learning, and impactful storytelling, interns explored their identities, strengthened their voices, and built lasting connections across generations and cultures.

In these videos, meet the people behind the program — Chair Diana Ding, Co-Chair Joel, Volunteer Ambassadors Penny and Elly, and Program Assistant & Designer Nina — as they share their insights and contributions. You’ll also learn from Nina how to create a compelling 1-minute video that tells your story with impact and heart.

Diana on Founding a Platform for Youth Voices

Diana, founder of Asian American Stories (AAS), introduces the broader vision and origin of the program. As a community-driven initiative under Silicon Valley Community Media and Ding Ding TV, AAS was established in 2009 with a mission to tell authentic stories from across the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Participants come from diverse Asian backgrounds, including China, Korea, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, and more.

Since the launch of the Youth Video Contest in 2024, the program has gained significant attention—reaching over 200,000 viewers and supporters online. The second annual contest in 2025 further deepened the program’s impact, offering a platform for young people to explore identity, culture, and community through storytelling.

As Diana powerfully states: “This is not just a story about others. It’s about you, about me, and about all of us.”

Asian American Stories is more than a media project — it is a movement to build bridges across generations, cultures, and communities through youth-led narratives and real-world engagement.

2025 AAS Youth Internship: Joel on Why Youth Voices Matter

In this video, Joel shares the inspiring story behind Asian American Stories and the vision that launched the Youth Internship Program. As one of the early mentors and community leaders, Joel reflects on how storytelling can empower young people, build bridges across cultures, and amplify Asian American voices. Learn why this internship is more than just a summer program — it’s a movement to uplift the next generation.

Penny‘s Words of Inspiration for Young Interns

Penny introduces the 2025 Asian American Stories Youth Internship Program, a 6-week summer experience designed for high school students. She highlights how the program provides valuable real-world experience through research projects, teamwork, and time management planning. Penny emphasizes that this internship not only helps students build practical skills but also strengthens their college applications by showing initiative and leadership.

Elly Walks You Through the Program Timeline

Elly provides a clear and concise overview of the volunteer schedule and workflow for the Asian American Stories Summer Internship. She explains the daily sign-in process, team roles, task assignments, and how volunteers are expected to participate in interviews, editing, and event support. This is a helpful guide for new interns to understand what to expect and how to prepare.

Nina’s Guide to Creating a Powerful 1-Minute Video

Nina walks through the step-by-step process of making a short video — from brainstorming ideas and writing scripts to filming, editing, and adding subtitles. She emphasizes the importance of planning, choosing the right visuals, using editing tools like CapCut, and ensuring that the message is clear and engaging. This practical guide is perfect for beginners who want to create impactful and professional-looking videos.

Announcing the 2026 Theme: “Coming to America”

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 23:15:25 GMT

Announcing The Third Annual (2026)Video Contest: "Coming to America"

Asian American Stories, an initiative of Silicon Valley Community Media, is thrilled to announce our Third Annual Video Contest for 2026! This year, we invite you to explore a theme as old as America itself, yet as deeply personal to our community as ever: “Coming to America.”

America has always been a beacon for dreamers. From the earliest settlers seeking new freedoms to the millions who have followed across centuries, our nation's fabric is woven from diverse immigrant journeys. For Asian Americans, these journeys have been rich and varied: from the pioneering spirit of early Chinese laborers building railroads, to the Filipino farm-workers shaping California's agriculture, the Japanese Americans who persevered through hardship, and the countless Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Hmong, and other Asian communities who arrived seeking refuge, education, or opportunity. Each wave has brought its unique stories of hope, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of the American Dream.

America is undeniably great because we are diverse. This continuous infusion of new perspectives, skills, and cultures has consistently propelled our society forward. We truly get the "best and brightest" from around the world – from groundbreaking scientists and visionary entrepreneurs to dedicated teachers and skilled artisans. Asian Americans, alongside every immigrant group, have contributed immensely to this dynamism, shaping our culture, economy, and innovation landscape.

The "American Dream" is a universal aspiration, but it takes on unique meanings within our diverse Asian American communities. It encompasses not just prosperity, but the freedom to pursue passions, build a family, and contribute to a society where effort can lead to opportunity. Whether your ancestors arrived generations ago or you are first-generation, the story of "Coming to America" is deeply embedded in our collective identity.

We want to hear your story. This contest celebrates the myriad journeys that have shaped our nation and continue to define it. We invite you to tell personal stories, family histories, or community narratives that explore the immigrant experience and its profound contributions to the American Dream and our vibrant diversity, particularly through an Asian American lens.

Your one-minute video essay is your canvas. There's no single formula for success, but consider: a hook to grab attention; the journey and the dream behind coming here; how diverse contributions enrich America; and a powerful conclusion that ties it all together. Let your creativity flow!

2025 Asian American Stories Youth Internship Program

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 19:36:19 GMT

2025 Asian American Stories Youth Internship Program

This meeting was hosted by:

Diana Ding , CEO of Silicon Valley Community Media (SVCM) and Chair of the Asian American Stories (AAS) project.

Joel Wang , Co-Chair and Chair of Judges, shared important updates and guidance on the judging process.

Elly , Volunteer Leader, presented details about volunteer coordination, supported by Penny , who helps with volunteer communications.

Nina , Executive Assistant and Content Editor, participated in the meeting to assist with documentation and outreach materials.

In this video, recorded on the morning of June 16, 2025, host Diana leads a team update session featuring Elly and Penny, the two key coordinators of our summer volunteer program... host Diana leads a team update session featuring Elly and Penny, the two key coordinators of our summer volunteer program. They share insights on the current progress of the project, team collaboration, challenges faced, and plans for the upcoming weeks.

At the end of the video, Joel offers a thoughtful wrap-up, encouraging the team and sharing his hope for the continued growth of Asian American Stories.

This project is more than just volunteering—it’s a journey of leadership, connection, and storytelling. Through every meeting, task, and shared experience, our young participants are not only contributing to the community but also discovering their own voices and developing skills that will stay with them for life.

We believe that when youth are given the opportunity to lead and express themselves, they create real impact—not just in their surroundings, but within themselves. Asian American Stories is proud to offer a meaningful platform where ideas can flourish, cultures can connect, and stories can be heard across generations.

Together, we are building more than a program—we are nurturing a space for growth, empathy, and lasting community bonds.

Asian American Stories – in the news of Vice Mayor Kelly Cox

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 21:11:33 GMT

Asian American Stories – in the news of Vice Mayor Kelly Cox

From Vice Mayor of Santa Clara Kelly Cox:

“Hello Santa Clara Friends,

One of my favorite things about Santa Clara is how layered our community is; schools, public safety programs, parks, arts, innovation, and small businesses all creating connection points across our city. This past month, I had the chance to see those connections in action: celebrating our Safety Patrol leaders, hearing moving stories at AA Stories, and cheering on PAL’s youth programs. It was a month of celebrating our citizens and the incredible programs that support and inspire our kids.

As we move into June, there are plenty more opportunities to connect and I hope you will come out and take part in shaping and celebrating all the things that make Santa Clara unique.

AAStories

It was an honor to attend this year’s AA Stories Awards, hosted by the incredible Diana Ding. The theme of the evening, “My Gift to America,” was a powerful reminder that while our individual stories reflect unique heritage and personal journeys, they also weave us together, creating common threads of understanding, resilience, and shared humanity. The stories shared that night were moving, thoughtful, and deeply connective. It was a beautiful celebration of the richness and strength that diversity brings to our bay area community and our nation.

BUT, a big highlight for me was the masked dancer performance. I snapped a photo, but it does not do it justice. This amazing entertainer somehow pulled off (or maybe put on?! It happened so fast, I seriously couldn’t tell) about 30 different masks while gracefully and energetically owning the stage. It was honestly one of the coolest things I have ever seen! Blink your eyes and he has a new face. It was stunning.

2025 Summer Internship Opportunity for Students

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 23:00:50 GMT

2025 Summer Internship Opportunity for Students

Silicon Valley, CA — Asian American Stories , a community initiative under Silicon Valley Community Media, is offering a 6-week summer internship for Bay Area high school and college students.

Following the success of our video contests — “All of Us Belong Here” (2024) and “My Gift to America” (2025) — the Asian American Stories 1-Minute Video Contest has become a signature annual Bay Area event.

These campaigns united hundreds of participants to celebrate the diversity of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

To involve more youth in our storytelling mission, we’re launching a Summer Student Internship Program.

This unpaid 6-week program gives students valuable experience in event promotion, community outreach, and content creation — while uplifting AAPI voices.

Intern Responsibilities May Include:

Promoting and recruiting participants for the AAS 1-Minute Video Contest
Participating in the video contest
Creating social media content related to AAPI storytelling

Internship Benefits:

Verified community service hours
Certificate of completion
Opportunity to join AAS as a long-term volunteer

Timeline:

June 22: Orientation (Online)
June 23 – August 3: Remote Internship Period (Weekdays)
August 3: Closing Ceremony (On-site)

Who Can Apply:

Current high school or college students in the Bay Area
Passion for promoting Asian American stories
Applicants under 18 must submit guardian authorization
Must provide a reference (parent, teacher, or adult contact)
Reliable transportation for the orientation and closing ceremony

If you are a student eager to make a difference in your community and gain hands-on experience, we encourage you to apply and join our efforts to tell stories that matter.

For more information contact asianamericanstories.intern@gmail.com

Learn more and sign up through our VolunteerMatch page below �� Click here to view the opportunity

A Special Thank You from Jasper Chen

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 02:18:25 GMT

A Special Thank You from Jasper Chen

We are incredibly touched to receive this heartfelt thank you video from Jasper Chen, one of our talented young participants in this year’s Asian American Stories contest.

Jasper’s message reminds us why we do what we do — to empower young voices, celebrate cultural identity, and create space for authentic storytelling. It’s moments like these that inspire our team, our partners, and our wider community to keep building platforms that uplift the next generation.

Thank you, Jasper, for your kind words, your creativity, and your spirit. We’re so proud to have you as part of the Asian American Stories family.

Asian American Stories: A Celebration and Next Year’s Theme

Thu, 29 May 2025 04:25:38 GMT

Asian American Stories: A Celebration and Next Year’s Theme

After two years of success, we’re looking ahead — and we need your voice. Vote now to help us choose next year’s theme:

Sharing Asian American Traditions
Coming to America
Respecting Our Elders

Your story matters. Your vote shapes the future.

Appreciation & Recognition Event

At a celebration filled with multicultural spirit, Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor praised the “Asian American Stories” event and awarded its organizer, Diana, the “Hero of the Year” title for the second consecutive year, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the community.

The Mayor expressed that this was the first event she had seen that successfully brought together residents from such diverse cultures, countries, and backgrounds, creating deep connections through storytelling. She noted that although she had attended various cultural events — Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese — it had always been difficult to unite everyone. This event achieved that in a truly remarkable way.

In recognition of this success, the Mayor presented an official proclamation honoring the judges and event team for their dedicated efforts. She also encouraged continued community participation, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and belonging for all.

Exploring the 2026 Theme for Asian American Stories

Following the successful conclusion of this year’s Asian American Stories video contest, organizers reflected on two years of meaningful impact and set ambitious goals for the future. They hope the contest will grow into a cultural institution in the Bay Area, continuing to highlight diverse voices and shared experiences within the Asian American community.

Based on discussions of past experiences, the team is working to improve clarity in the judging process and prepare for new challenges, including emerging technologies like AI.

As part of the planning for next year’s contest, the organizing committee introduced three potential themes for 2026 and invited the public to vote through a community survey:

Sharing Asian American Traditions – Celebrating cultural practices such as festivals, food, arts, languages, religious customs, and family values.
Coming to America – Personal and collective stories about immigration journeys, challenges faced, and building a new life.
Respecting Our Elders – Honoring a deeply rooted value in many Asian cultures, and encouraging intergenerational respect and understanding.

Organizers emphasized that all three topics reflect essential aspects of Asian American identity and that every voice matters in shaping the final theme. The contest aims to continue uplifting community stories and promoting cultural inclusion year after year.

Asian American Stories team receives an recognition from Santa Clara City

Thu, 22 May 2025 23:52:31 GMT

Asian American Stories Receive Award from Santa Clara City

On May 13th, Asian American Stories team received an recognition from Santa Clara City.

Diana Ding (Chair) and Joel Wong (Co-Chair) accepted the recognition on the behalf of the Asian American Stories Committee

Diana Ding said:

“Good evening everyone,

On behalf of Asian American Stories, I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award from the City of Santa Clara.

Thank you Mayor and council members for recognizing our mission to bring the bring communities together and tell Asian American Stories. We just had our 2nd Asian Americans Stories Award Ceremony.

This recognition is not just for me — it belongs to our entire team, our co-chair Joel Wong, Gerrye Wong, our committee members, judges whose tireless work, and dedication make every story come to life. It also belongs to the creative storytellers who have trusted us with their memories, their voices, and their truths.

Most of all, this award belongs to our community. Your strength, resilience, and support are the heartbeat of what we do.

Together, we are building bridges between generations, cultures, and experiences—one story at a time.

Thank you again for this incredible honor. Let’s keep listening, sharing, and growing together.”

Asian American Stories Award Ceremony 2025

Fri, 02 May 2025 23:11:48 GMT

Asian American Stories Award Ceremony 2025

Asian American Stories 2025 Video Contest received entries from 93 contestants spanning over 20 ethnic groups including Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Indian, Cambodian, Japanese, and others. The youngest contestant was 9 years old, and the eldest was 102. The entries spanned the nation – from Silicon Valley to New York. Some stories came from across the oceans. If anything, the Asian American Stories 2025 Video Contest showed the beauty of our diaspora and just how essential our stories are to the very fabric of America.

These stories are a testament to our community’s heart, resilience, and creativity. They showed the gift we give to America – not just our labor, art, and ingenuity but also our humanity. They are all woven into this nation’s identity.

This year’s entries celebrated unsung heroes of our communities – like Ghino Lee’s mother, who helps elderly Korean Americans navigate legal challenges, to Amanda Nguyen, who turned her trauma into nationwide legal reforms for survivors. Others celebrated institutions and organizations like the Chinese Hospital, which has protected its community for 125 years, or Friends of Children with Special Needs. We saw the stories of Vicki Manolo Draves, an Olympian who broke barriers, and Mr. Fu, a baker whose pastries carry the taste of tradition and love.

Younger generations shared their stories – like Kaihua Skyler Chong, who practices the Chinese martial art of Wushu, or middle schoolers from SFHSA, who are documenting their teacher’s immigration journey.

Kristi Yamaguchi, the first Asian American to win a gold medal in a Winter Olympic Competition, was honored as the Legendary Storyteller.

Asian American Stories 2025 Award ceremony and Gala also featured a lively auction led by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens and Assemblymember Alex Lee. Some of the coveted items included a dinner with celebrated actress Joan Chen and Dion Lim, ABC News Anchor, and a dinner experience with chef Lawrence Chu and Kristi Yamaguchi.

3rd Silicon Valley Lunar New Year Together

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 23:37:59 GMT

Silicon Valley Lunar New Year Together

3rd Silicon Valley Lunar New Year Together, organized by Ding Ding TV, Vietnamese in San Jose, BigBang Art. It featured some amazing performances that showcased Asian American culture through song, dance, and fashion.

Dance: Chuc Tet Moi Nha

Performer: Mrs. Vietnamese Sacramento

The Iris Blooming

Performer: BigBang Artwork

Lucky Lixi Time

Tonight YT

Performer: Shristi Danraj

Bai Folk Song

Performer: Luo Hang - Navigation Compass

Vietnamese Chinese Song (Mua Thu La Bay) Pongal

Performer: Anna Juan

Tet La Day Chu Dau

New Year Is Here

Performer: MiFaSol Band

Chinese Kungfu

Performer: AllStar Kung Fu

Mongolian Bowl Dance

Performer: Feng Ye Dance

Sankranthi-Festival of Harvest Dance

Perfomer: Sri Sailaja Sayani

Em Di Chua Huong

On way to Huong Pagoda

Performer: CED Zumba

Vietnamese Ao Dai Fashion Show

Performer: Mrs. Vietnamese Sacramento NPO

Kristi Yamaguchi, the first Asian American to win a gold medal in a Winter Olympic Competition, was honored as the Legendary Storyteller.

Builders of Silicon Dreams Film Screening

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 06:06:43 GMT

Builders of Silicon Dream Film Screening in June

Asian American Stories Award Ceremony 2024

Sat, 04 May 2024 02:54:29 GMT

Asian American Stories Award Ceremony 2024

We are thrilled to announce that we’ve received over 70+ submissions for the “All of Us Belong Here” video contest. The response has been so overwhelming that our website momentarily buckled under the weight of the contestants’ creativity and passion.

Let me assure you: each entry is a winner. Through the contestants’ lens, we’ve witnessed the rich tapestry of Asian Americans’ contributions to our nation. From recent immigrants to those rooted here for generations, from humble service workers to high-achieving professionals, from everyday pursuits to profound endeavors, and spanning generations—these videos resoundingly proclaim: “All Of Us Belong Here!”

The empowerment of Asian Americans is an ongoing journey—one that demands resilience and collective effort. These videos mark a pivotal first step, and your unwavering support is both vital and deeply appreciated.

Click to download the digital program book.

AA Stories celebrate the Lunar New Year Together 2024

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 06:45:13 GMT

Celebrate the Lunar New Year 2024

What are our strengths, and what unites us? What makes us feel like we belong in our communities?

On February 17th, over 1000 people braved the weather to gather at Ding Ding TV backyard for the Second “Celebrate Lunar New Year Together.” Over the weekend, the Bay Area was battered by storms and the event organizers put together big tents with heaters to protect the attendees from the elements. People came together in great numbers to celebrate – share food and their stories with one another in a joyous celebration of the Lunar New Year.

25 elected officials attended, and about 100 diverse artists performed at the event. “Celebrate Lunar New Year” included Taste of Asian Food with vendors that prepared complimentary Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese food, Atul Bharat, Indian, Nepali, Kosher and vegetarian cuisine. One of the event’s highlights was the Santa Clara Fire Department’s (the event’s partner) Fire Engine and Fire Dog display, popular with children and grown-ups alike. There were 20 vendor booths where local artists and artisans showcased their arts and crafts with plenty of activities for children and adults, and Master Jinling Wang created calligraphy signs.

Minh Tran (Chair of Second Celebrate Lunar New Year Together) and Diana Ding (Co-Founding Chair) lead the team that hosted the event. Kai Jackie (Ding Ding TV reporter) and Li Zhang interviewed over 20 people and many of the elected officials that celebrated Lunar New Year with the community.

Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor greeted the attendees at the event and said: “I want to thank Diana and her staff at Ding Ding TV for putting together this fabulous event… Diana and her staff have been so wonderful to our community and what she has done for me and for the city of Santa Clara. She has educated us on everything that has to do with diversity, inclusiveness, and all sorts of things including business and community relations.”

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said: “We are grateful to Diana and Ding Ding TV for bringing us together, convening exchanges and opportunities to learn and gather and celebrate our incredibly diverse cultures in the city of San Jose. We are incredibly proud that 42% of our population is Asian American, and we have made Lunar New Year a city holiday for the first time.”

Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein said: “I want to thank Diana and Ding Ding TV for being the voice of the Asian community. It is amazing the community they built and being that voice is critical because it is a community that often isn’t heard from and isn’t seen and pulling them together with events like this is exactly what you want to see in our community.”

Patrick Aherns, the District Director for Assemblymember Evan Low and the candidate for the State Assembly, presented Diana Ding with the Woman of the Year Award on behalf of the State of California.

The event included Civic Leadership Forum Silicon Valley with the topic “Bring Communities Together to Stop the Hate.” Joel Wong served as the moderator of the panel, and the panelists included Alan Wong (President of the San Francisco Community College Board), Beverly Molina (Firefighter, paramedic, and the Director of Community Engagement at the Santa Clara Fire Department), Harbir Bhatia (the CEO of Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce), and Philip Nguyen (the Executive Director of the Vietnamese American Roundtable and a professor at San Francisco State University). Joel Wong asked the panelists to share when they really felt that they belonged in this country and some of the occasions that they didn’t.

Panelists shared stories about their backgrounds.

Philip Nguyen, whose parents are refugees from Vietnam, shared how at home he felt too American while in the outside world, he felt like an imposter.

Harbir Bhatia spoke about being Indian, Punjabi, and Sikh and how she didn’t fit all when she came to the United States. She felt she belonged when she moved to California and saw the diversity. She also stressed the importance of realizing just how special and precious that is. Harbir said: “It is not a melting pot, it is a salad bowl.”

Alan Wong spoke about the importance of the educational system to get equitable access for all people and community colleges being places where people get a second chance in life.

Philip Nguyen spoke about the importance of Asian American Stories Video Competition and how it encourages people of all generations to tell their stories, as he didn’t have these stories growing up. He also said when growing up, food and stories were the language of love.

Beverly Molina said her experience of growing biracial informed her work with the Fire Department and how they try to hire people who speak more languages and are culturally competent to better serve everyone in the community.

About 100 artists performed at Celebrate Lunar New Year. The performances included the Vietnamese Dance “Spring in the South” and “Em di Chua Huong,” the Korean dance Uhwudong, the Beijing opera dance, the Chinese Dragon Dance, and the Original of the Chinese Spring Festival. Young artists also performed Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese songs. Children in attendance received red envelopes.

Elected officials that participated in the event included:

Evan Low (California State Assembly),

Aisha Wahab (California State Senator),

the representative of Ash Karal (California State Assembly),

the representative of Dave Cortese (California State Senator),

Susan Ellenberg (Santa Clara County Supervisor),

Cindy Chavez (Santa Clara County Supervisor),

Matt Mahan (San Jose Mayor),

Lisa Gillmor (Santa Clara Mayor),

Kathy Watanabe (Santa Clara Councilmember),

Suds Jain (Santa Clara Councilmember),

Yan Zhao (Saratoga Mayor),

Sheila Mohan (Cupertino Mayor),

Larry Klein (Sunnyvale Mayor),

Patrick Ahrens (De Anza Foothills College Board President),

Bien Doan (San Jose city Councilmember),

Margaret Abe-Koga (Mountain View city Councilmember),

Yang Shao (Fremont Vice Mayor),

Hung Wei (Cupertino city Councilmember and former Mayor),

Greg Tanaka (Palo Alto City Councilmember),

Linda Sell (Sunnyvale Councilmember),

Betty Duong C (CSO of Supervisor Cindy Chavez),

Vickie Fairchild (Santa Clara Unified School District President),

Bonnie Lieberman (Santa Clara Unified School District President),

Ben Yee (Chair of Fremont Planning Commissioner), and

Alan Wong (San Francisco City College Board President).

Celebrate Lunar New Year was organized by Ding Ding TV, Silicon Valley Community Media, and Vietnamese in San Jose Group. Partner of the event included California State Library. Co-organizers of the event included Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce, Phu Nu Cali Magazine, Santa Clara Fire Dept, India Currents, National Asian American United, and Silicon Valley Korean American Federation.

Volunteers that made the event possible included Diana, Minh, Queenie, Beverly, Tran, Francis, Vandana, Joel, Wesley, Harbir, Daniel, Jaya, Joanna, Susan, Hong, Amy, Jimmy, Chin, Liyan, Meiya, Tien, Sara, Nora, and Khochuoi.

Organizing committee included: Diana Ding (Founding Chair of Celebrate Lunar New Together), Minh Thanh Tran (Chair of 2024, President of Vietnamese In San Jose Group), Queenie Ngo (Co-Chair, President of Phu Nu Cali Magazine), Beverly Molina (Co-Chair, Community Engagement / IDE Officer – Santa Clara Fire Dept.), Tran Vu (Co-Chair, Board Member of Organization of Anonymous Contributors), Vandana Kumar (Co-Chair, President of India Currents), Joel Wong (Co-Chair, President of National Asian American United), Harbir Bhatia (Co-Chair, CEO of Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce), and Sarah Han (Co-Chair, Silicon Valley Korean American Federation).

AA Stories at Silicon Valley Central Chamber’s annual holiday event

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 17:32:28 GMT

AA Stories at Silicon Valley Central Chamber’s annual holiday

At Dec. 17th, we promoted our AA Stories at Silicon Valley Central Chamber’s annual holiday event. Distribute the flyers and introduced to Business leaders. Here are some pictures.

AAStories Holiday Gathering

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:32:28 GMT

Asian American Stories Holiday Gathering

We had a wonderful event today and had a great result distributing our flyers.

Asian American Stories Committee Kick-off the New Year

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:32:28 GMT

Asian American Story Committee Kick-off the New Year

Asian American Stories

Coming To America Workshop

2026 Asian American Stories Workshop

Theme: Coming to America

Workshop Overview

1. Opening & Mission

2. Theme & Contest Overview

3. Ten Ways to Create a Powerful and Engaging 1-Minute Entry

4. Tools & How to Create Your Video

5. Judging Criteria & Awards

﻿

Watch the Replay

Zoom Workshop

The 2026 Zoom workshop is coming!!

Asian American Stories 2025 Thanksgiving Party

AAS 2025 Thanksgiving Party

2025 AAS Youth Summer Internship — Closing Ceremony & Celebration

2025 AAS Youth Summer Internship — Closing Ceremony & Celebration

Opening Remarks by Diana Ding

The Vision Behind the Internship: Remarks by Penny Zou

Reflections on Our Journey by Elly He

Voices Behind the Stories: Intern Reflections

Celebrating Achievements: Closing Remarks by Judges and VIPs

Youth Summer Internship Awards Presentation

Looking Ahead: 2026 Contest Theme Revealed

Dion Lim Interview｜ Strength in Diversity

Dion Lim Interview｜Strength in Diversity

“Every Heart Healed Is My Gift to America”

“Every Heart Healed Is My Gift to America” ----Peter Xu

Joan Chen Interview | A Cultural Bridge Between China and America

Joan Chen Interview | A Cultural Bridge Between China and America

2025 AAS Youth Internship in Action：Creating Impact Together

2025 AAS Youth Internship in Action： Creating Impact Together

Diana on Founding a Platform for Youth Voices

2025 AAS Youth Internship: Joel on Why Youth Voices Matter

Penny‘s Words of Inspiration for Young Interns

Elly Walks You Through the Program Timeline

Nina’s Guide to Creating a Powerful 1-Minute Video

Announcing the 2026 Theme: “Coming to America”

Announcing The Third Annual (2026)Video Contest: "Coming to America"

2025 Asian American Stories Youth Internship Program

2025 Asian American Stories Youth Internship Program

Asian American Stories – in the news of Vice Mayor Kelly Cox

Asian American Stories – in the news of Vice Mayor Kelly Cox

2025 Summer Internship Opportunity for Students

2025 Summer Internship Opportunity for Students

A Special Thank You from Jasper Chen

A Special Thank You from Jasper Chen

Asian American Stories: A Celebration and Next Year’s Theme

Asian American Stories: A Celebration and Next Year’s Theme

Asian American Stories team receives an recognition from Santa Clara City

Asian American Stories Receive Award from Santa Clara City

Asian American Stories Award Ceremony 2025

Asian American Stories Award Ceremony 2025

3rd Silicon Valley Lunar New Year Together

Silicon Valley Lunar New Year Together

Builders of Silicon Dreams Film Screening

Builders of Silicon Dream Film Screening in June

Asian American Stories Award Ceremony 2024

Asian American Stories Award Ceremony 2024

AA Stories celebrate the Lunar New Year Together 2024

AA Stories at Silicon Valley Central Chamber’s annual holiday event

AAStories Holiday Gathering

Asian American Stories Committee Kick-off the New Year