The one thing 2020 has actually been good for is shining a light on the dark places in capitalism, especially in the fashion space. — Molly Crossin

“The clothing brand is secondary to the community, the clothing is a vehicle to unite us and raise money” - Arianne Elmy

Nadya Okamoto in conversation with…Senator Regine Biscoe Lee is a Guamanian politician serving the Democratic and currently serves as senator in the 35th Guam Legislature. I sat down with her to talk about AAPI identity, and her love for her home country, and the values that her upbringing and culture influence her work.

With so many people having to move during the global pandemic (especially students now doing school virtually), I was angered at the inaccessibility of most furniture companies. Shouldn’t cultivating a cozy home be more affordable? Are there brands that make furniture that we love and are values-aligned with the home we are trying to create? These questions guided me through a late-night internet search and ultimately led me to Russet, a female-founded DTC furniture brand (a rarity in the industry) passionate about mental health.

AAPI Herstory: Nadya Okamoto in conversation with Mitra Jalali Nelson, current City Councilmember in Saint Paul, Minnesota

As the Data Strategist at Forward Together, Cindy helps teams leverage data in their everyday work and strategies. She breaks the traditional ways of looking at data, and runs a people centered data program. In addition to her work, she’s committed to bringing more BIPOC folks into movement and political data. From her experience in political campaigning, community organizing, and running a statewide data program she’s ready to incorporate everything she’s learned into her data work at Forward Together. Cindy joins us from TakeAction Minnesota, a statewide progressive political organization. Cindy says there’s lots to learn and she’s ready to win and fail forward.

Nadya Okamoto in conversation with activist, Emma Tang.

Emma Tang is an 18 year old political youth activist and a first year at New York University. She gained recognition through her Instagram @intersectional.abc where she reaches millions of people per week.

AAPI Herstory with Sara Guillermo and Nadya Okamoto

AAPI HERstory: Nadya Okamoto in conversation with New York State Assemblywoman, Yuh-Line Niou, the first Asian American to represent Manhattan’s Chinatown District

Madalene Mielke is the current President and CEO of the Asian Pacific Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS). I’ve been really excited to continue bringing this AAPI Herstory series into the world to highlight badass AAPI women fighting for political change.

As a 22-year-old very passionate about breaking the stigma around menstruation, I talk a LOT about periods. However, something that I think about quite often (but don’t have the knowledge or experiences to take action on) is the lack of conversation about menopause and incontinence. If you think periods are stigmatized…think about how little we even know about or hear about menopause mentioned.

AAPI Herstory: Nadya Okamoto in Conversation with Grace Choi, Director of Policy at the New York City Mayor’s Office

“SAY IT AGAIN 👏🏼 our newest episode includes special guest @nadyaokamoto founder of @periodmovement ✨ Kelsey dives deep with our special guest to address cancel culture and how it has taken a mental health toll on Nadya. After facing her own backlash this year, Nadya had two choices, let the cancel culture define her or DO THE WORK 🙌🏼 Nadya has been named Teen Vogues 21 under 21, Forbes 30 under 30, and GLAMOUROUS Women of the year for her work in female health. So what’s next for Nadya? 🤔”

AAPI Herstory: Nadya Okamoto in conversation with Diedre Nguyen, Cancer Scientist and Candidate for California State Assembly

Linh Nguyen and I sat down to talk candidly about the lack of clarity around what it means to be Asian American today, and the urgency of mobilizing the AAPI vote. Linh was the Director of Coalitions for Senator Cory Booker’s presidential campaign and is currently the Political Director at RUNAAPI.