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 While the historical content itself does not change, she observes that evolving current events and perspectives shape our relationship to the past.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