Episode 36: Michelle Li, Founder of "The Very Asian Foundation"

We are so lucky to have Michelle Li, Founder of The Very Asian Foundation, multi-skilled journalist (over 20 years of experience no less) and anchor at 5 On Your Side in St. Louis, Missouri on the show. After a 25 segment segment on January 1, 2022 over the foods that Americans ate for New Years, she was met with a disgruntled and racist caller who left her a voicemail complaining to the show about Michelle.

I talked to Michelle, along with. live audience, on the importance of using our voices and our platforms. We talked about the further work we, as AAPI community have to do.

My favorite part of the episode is having Michelle sit in my "hot seat" for an exercise on what she wants her life to look like in 5 years now that she is starting a non profit to help amplify diverse AAPI voices through education, storytelling, and community connection by raising money for organizations.

You can learn more about The Very Asian Foundation here on their website to donate, or on Instagram

You can follow Michelle on Instagram and Twitter too

Thank you to our guests that jumped into asking Michelle questions -- you can also learn more and support on how they are using their voices

Jane Park Ang - uses her Tiktok platform of 3.5 Million and does not shy away from discussing Stop Asian Hate

Megan Park of Stripes and Olives - offers handmade clothing and dolls celebrating Korean Heritage

Sari from Creative Cravings currently using their platform to provide resources for Ukraine

To stay up to date with Avenue Mama for future events and exclusive discounts, subscribe here