Asian Girls Ignite

Year Founded: 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. They connect AANHPI girls and gender-expansive youth in grades 6-12 to transformative experiences led by AANHPI women who use storytelling to empower the next generation to write their futures in their own voice. Their programs and events nurture youth mental wellness through a strong support system and a deeper exploration and understanding of their identities. AGI believes that Being Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) encompasses a kaleidoscope of identities, including adoptees, multiracial and biracial individuals. Regardless of physical appearance, the AANHPI identity is a celebration of diverse heritages, cultures, experiences, and communities. When students feel seen and valued they are enabled to define success and power on their own terms.

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.