#IAmFromHere: A Modern AAPI Portrait Series

If you have ever been asked "where are you from?", you may have answered that you were born here or grew up in the U.S. But if you were then asked the follow-up question "where are you really from?", then you might understand and have experienced this stereotype: the perpetual foreigner. The #IAmFromHere | A Modern AAPI Portrait Series, inspired by a portrait tutorial created by TikTok creator @rishi.draws, provides a modern surrealistic approach to addressing this ongoing issue for the AAPI community. Knowing that people gravitate toward impactful visuals, the goal of this series is to challenge this stereotype and use a light touch of surrealism to highlight the AAPI community’s stories of where they call home in the U.S. Throughout the month of May, we will highlight members of the community with their own stories of where they are from along with an accompanying modern portrait to bring it all to life. This initiative has been spearheaded by Katy Lee, senior brand marketing consultant, in partnership with Hue and Adweek with creative services provided by Summer Friends. Mita Mallick Head of inclusion, equity and impact, Carta "I was born and raised outside of Boston and have fond childhood and adulthood memories. I also have fond memories of my parents' hometown of Kolkata, India where I spent some summers learning more about my family's history and background." Fahad Khawaja Founder and president, Hue "My dad was born in Pakistan and my mom was born in Malaysia, but I grew up far from both of those places. And yet parts of both cultures were part of me. Growing up with that background and as a third culture kid, I never quite felt like I belonged in one culture or another, but more that I was in between. As I've gotten older, I realize that's actually helped me bridge differences and bring people together to build community and connection. And the diversity of cultures is a huge part of why New York City is and always will feel like home." Henry Ong Director of brand marketing "The City of Angels was where my family decided to plant new roots after escaping Vietnam. I grew up watching the Lakers win multiple championships, I’m practically powered by In-N-Out burgers and I’ve rapped to the West Coast anthems from Tupac Shakur in my car. Allow me to put your doubts to rest—I’m a bonafide Angeleno." Andrew Almendras Vice president, global creative marketing "Drives through L.A. carry some of my fondest memories and deepest thoughts of appreciation for the diversity and geographical landscape that makes the City of Angels such a unique place. I grew up Filipino-American where home was the foundation for fostering an appreciation for my Filipino culture, language and heritage. Exploration throughout the city with my mom opened my mind to welcoming and learning about different types of people, cultures and environments beyond our nuclear family. This experience has shaped who I am today without compromising my Asian heritage but rather further fueling me to lean into it more than ever. And yes, I am from L.A., but I'm also Filipino-American." Stephanie Rickards Media and marketing strategy "The first time I was ever asked, "where are you really from?" was in my twenties. My questioner made up for it though, repeating himself four times when he wasn't satisfied with my answer. Calmly repeating, "Sacramento, in California," it almost became a mantra. As a mixed-race teenager (Filipina mother, English-Irish father), I always thought of my home as boring, even basic. Now, I think of it and feel like the warmth of year-round sunshine or the peacefulness of a City of Trees breeze. There are plenty of love letters to Sacramento and to Northern California. Now, this portrait can serve as mine." Mandira Mehra CMO, MRI Software "Growing up in Lexington, Massachusetts, we had great pride in our small town’s place in the fight for American independence. 'The shot heard round the world' started our nation’s (ongoing) journey to secure life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all." Katy Lee Senior brand marketing leader "I'm first-generation—born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, where my parents opened their first restaurant. The town we lived in was on a hill and you could always see the New York skyline from the main street. Growing up seeing [the skyline] and going into the city so often, I knew I would work there one day. After college, I got my first job in marketing in NYC, where it all started." Mohammad Jaffrey Non-profit executive, Free the Work "I always felt the need to leave the nest and move overseas or to another state. The older I get, the more I realize Los Angeles is, was and will always be home. It is rich, vibrant, diverse and complicated. I don't think of gentrification and avocado toast. I think of the murals in East Los Angeles, the street vendors, the intersection of cultures and historic neighborhoods, the dreams of immigrants persisting to build a better life than they left. I love my birthplace." Crystal Park Marketing "As a child of Korean immigrants, no better place to grow up than in the nation's capital!" Tiana Conley Vice president of chocolate strategy, Mars Wrigley "Growing up in one of the world’s most diverse cities, I thought I would have been embraced as a mixed Filipina and Black woman. But I could never check anyone’s box. I was never Asian enough, Black enough and I wasn’t white; I just wasn’t accepted." Michelle Lee Vice president of marketing "I grew up immersed in tech innovation. Our parents and extended family members worked at these companies but not in leadership roles. I remember my immigrant parents working full-time, raising us kids and then going back to evening school to learn skills so they could grow in their high-tech roles as individual contributors just to keep their jobs. I don't think they'd ever imagined they could be in an executive role. Growing up in Silicon Valley influenced me to be in tech, and not just as an individual contributor but as an Asian American woman leader that could help pave the way for the next generation. Letting them know you also have a place at the table, your ideas matter and you don't have to be someone you're not to be a leader." Annie Reyes Marketing consultant "I grew up watching The Rose Parade (in Pasadena, California) and building floats. It's a piece of American culture that I treasure." Nancy Chen Marketing consultant for high growth startups "My identity is so strongly tied to Southern California. I’m a born-and-raised California girl! Some of my favorite memories are long, lazy days at the beach. Being in the ocean has always felt like coming home. It’s the one place I felt wholly like I belonged. Growing up, we would go on family hikes, which is something that we’ve carried with us even now as adults. And it’s come full circle because, during the pandemic, the ocean and the mountains helped keep me sane." Marvin Chow Marketing at Google "Growing up as an immigrant family in a small New Jersey town just outside New York City, I always felt like an outsider. But it also made me appreciate the power of community." Anamika Gupta Director, head of customer marketing at Fujitsu "Dallas is where I found many of my friends who are closer to me, just like my family back in India. It's the city where I found my potential as a growing marketing leader and got recognition for my work in the corporate world. Aligned to my passion for supporting girls in STEM and bringing more women into leadership positions, I was given a platform to share my voice and provide my support. #TexanAtHeart" Bree Bunzel Marketing "The Northern California forest trails are my family's happy place. A place to hike together, connect with nature and solve all the problems of the world." Brittany Du Bois Author, game writer and marketing content specialist "I remember going to the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum as a child with my family; my church (a safe space for immigrants in which most of us were also of either Black or Asian descent) funded a field trip for the congregation to go. I was pretty young and the museum was warm and had a narrow floor plan. I felt overheated as I internalized the pain and violence that the wax figures so intensely recreated. I looked to my Asian mother, the tension in her face rising as she looked to my father, a Black man, who was wiping sweat from his forehead lined with generational stress. Then I looked to the rest of the congregation of my fellow Americans from near and far. And I remember feeling that this pain could be shared. As an Asian woman, I would never forget that first time I directly, physically and explicitly faced my own history as a Black woman as well." Tony Pham VP of marketing at SuperLayer "Growing up in the Seattle area, I've found that I don't mind the rain. Actually, I find the sound of rain soothing for falling asleep. I also appreciate how the rain nourishes the Evergreen trees to grow." Elyn Yao Marketing leader "I am Chinese American. My parents (Chinese) were born in Indonesia and immigrated to the U.S. in search of a better life. I was born on the East Coast, where my father fulfilled his dream of becoming a doctor, despite his poor upbringing. We moved to the Midwest, where I experienced Asian hate firsthand during my childhood. I have spent most of my life in Seattle, where I felt much more accepted. I now live in Honolulu, which has always felt like home and where no one really asks me, 'Where are you from?'" Julie Liu Marketing manager "Growing up in the Bay Area, specifically the East Bay, is a rich and immersive experience. I have such fond memories of spending weekends with my grandparents who lived in an apartment in Oakland Chinatown. Getting Chinese pastries in the morning, going grocery shopping with my parents in hopes they'd buy me some lychee jelly or Marukawa bubble gum and eating dim sum with my family were core moments in building my Chinese American identity." Sashee Chandran Founder and CEO "My parents were immigrants and worked incredibly hard to eventually buy their dream house in Malibu. It wasn't the typical beach house you think of when you hear 'a home in Malibu.' My parents bought a house in the high hills of the Malibu mountains, so I didn't grow up with many neighbors around, especially ones my age. My favorite memories were exploring my natural surroundings by myself or with my brother while tending to my own creativity, picking flowers and pressing them, catching lizards and climbing boulders." Sisley Chung Senior associate, marketing strategy and analysis "Growing up a few miles outside of D.C., I remember regularly taking the Metro to Union Station, strolling through the beautiful building and getting pastries and drinks at Au Bon Pain with my mom and sister. It was what we did when we were too young to go to school and while my dad was at work." Syed Ali Social media strategist "My dad is a Pakistani Muslim and my mom is an Indian Hindu. They both immigrated to San Francisco, met each other and eventually had me. The two respective countries and religions have been warring against each other for decades, and only in the U.S. were my parents able to fall in love and have a family. Growing up, I found myself constantly balancing the culture and religion of my parents along with that of being an American. But as I've gotten older, I've come to realize that the diversity of my family, and that of my environment, has shaped my worldview and strengthened my curiosity and empathy." Amanda Acevedo Art director "Growing up biracial, I often was asked, 'Where are you from? Where were you born?' Or even, 'What are you?' I was born in Minnesota. Grew up in and around Chicago. I was fortunate to live in a diverse neighborhood and go to a diverse school. I wasn’t the only person, but it was my blended heritage that spurred those questions. I guess it was hard to tell from my appearance where I’m from—that I’m half Korean, half Puerto Rican. Mixed. My mother raised my sister and I around Korean family and friends. I loved the sense of community and how they pitched in to help someone struggling in our circle [like] an extended family. I’m very proud of the Asian influence and Korean culture which shaped my values and identity. Chicago will always feel like home no matter where I am. Born and raised in America." Duc Abrahamson Executive director of nonprofit "I remember walking into the student center at Wayne State University and seeing the diversity of students, feeling as if I had found where I belong." Elliot Lum Association of National Advertisers "Growing up as a kid in Boston, I played in a lot of local and state chess tournaments. My parents took me around to compete in these tournaments held in school gyms or cafeterias. I became part of a community of chess players where race never entered the conversation. Looking back, I was probably the only Asian or, for that matter, person of color who played chess at that time, but I never felt any different or marginalized because of it." Jeanie Chang Licensed clinician, global speaker, executive coach "I grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, where there weren't many Asians. I chose to go to NYU for college to broaden my horizons and study broadcast journalism. I recall the feeling of excitement and eager anticipation I always had seeing the New York City skyline with the Twin Towers and Empire State Building as we drove into the Lincoln Tunnel. The NYC skyline, whether it was during the day or at night, shined and sparkled; it empowered me and gave me such strength. I went to college from 1992 to 1996 and it's forever etched in my mind what the skyline looked like pre-9/11." Jenny Dinh Founder of jdsprojects.com, head of partnerships and talent management "I've spent a majority of my life in San Francisco, even college. The diversity and the variety of food are what I love. I could walk down Clement Street to get some amazing dim sum, then just a few miles away to the Mission district that offered the best taquerias in town. I grew up with friends from all backgrounds, and that exposure to a diverse group of friends growing up has really impacted my life and made me who I am. SF has changed a lot since growing up there; it's not the same, nor do I expect it to be. But I do hope it never loses its charm." Michelle Wong Chief marketing officer at Sprinkles "My grandparents had a store in Chinatown: Sunshine Printing. They served the Chinese community by helping with translations and setting up Chinatown's first and only post office in Los Angeles. I spent many weekends there helping customers and eating lunch with my grandparents. It's also where I learned how to count money. Throughout my life, I heard the question: 'Where are you really from?' It always felt so cruel and ignorant. I was born in LA and so was my mother. My grandparents did so much to help the city of LA and instilled pride in us for our culture and our city." Richard Leong Diversity, equity, inclusion consultant "As a kid, I dreamed of getting as far away as possible from the suburban bubble that is Irvine. But now, I look back and I’m only grateful. Growing up in an Asian American suburb like Irvine meant that I was never made to feel like a minority. I was always surrounded by Asian people, food and culture. And now as an adult working in DEI, I’ve never ever had to center whiteness as my norm because of the diversity I had in my childhood. I’m grateful to be back home now in Orange County, where I can get boba and see the fireworks from Disneyland every night." Sadia Fahimul Social media community manager "As a first-gen Bangladeshi American, I've been lucky to grow up in Los Angeles with a chunk of my family here, plus a community of Bangladeshi families that were like mine. After I finished high school, I was eager to experience finding my own space. I took advantage of opportunities to travel and live in other cities. Yet for some reason, all roads have eventually led me back to LA. I don't know if I see myself in LA in the next few years, but no matter where life takes me, I know that I'll always have a place there." Soyoung Kang Chief marketing officer of eos Products "When we first immigrated to America, my parents sold souvenirs from street stalls in downtown Philadelphia. To this day, seeing images of Philly landmarks—the very ones emblazoned on those snow globes, T-shirts and refrigerator magnets—takes me back to my early childhood, when I sat under a folding table and dreamed of a future in this great country." Andy Kim Head of production at co:collective "Born and raised in the city of the Golden Gate Bridge, where you can catch a sunrise on Ocean Beach or explore the gritty downtown streets. Cruising the 49-Mile Scenic Drive in perfect spring weather with the windows down and music blasting." Casey Lehman Chief marketing officer "I have been bicoastal for the last 15 years—starting my career in NYC, then spending a decade in Seattle, then coming back to NYC." Caroline Kawashima Marketing "My parents sent me to a Catholic elementary school that was dedicated to serving the Japanese American community in Los Angeles after the internment of Japanese American families during World War II. The school was very close to downtown Los Angeles and Japantown. I have fond memories of participating in many Japanese cultural activities like Nisei Week and learning how to Obon dance, eating teriyaki skewers and frequenting many of the local Issei- and Nisei-owned Japanese restaurants. I never felt like I was an 'other' until I went to high school and suddenly realized how different I was. It was a safe but also isolated experience, but I was grateful that I had the opportunity to be deeply rooted in my cultural heritage from a young age. It's something younger generations do not get the chance to experience." Dennis Yao Yu Merchant success team lead "I was born in Taiwan and grew up in Arcadia, a city in Los Angeles. Having family in Taiwan allowed me to travel back and forth every year. Growing up with that background and as a third culture kid, I was fortunate to be immersed in East and West. My fond childhood memories include watching the Lakers win multiple championships, listening to new drops from Dr. Dre, Snoop and Tupac and overindulging in Taiwan's street food." Eileen Buenviaje Reyes VP, product and growth marketing at 1Password "Growing up in the Bay Area when technology was in its infancy was an exciting time. Opportunities felt abundant. And being surrounded by a mixing pot of cultures, with many of Asian descent, created a sense of community unlike any other. I'm grateful for where I grew up and the doors it opened for me and for the people who I grew up with. My friends turned into family." Zena Arnold Marketing leader "Mark Twain supposedly said, 'When the world ends, I want to be in Cincinnati, since everything happens 20 years later there.'" And for better or worse, that was my experience there too. There were almost old-fashioned neighborly values in many people. But also limited worldviews in many who were not always open to those who are different. I felt lucky to have a good community growing up. The Indian families there created a strong network of support for one another." Salim Gheewalla Vice president of marketing and alliances "The busy roads leading to the Houston skyline have always been the imagery of my city. It indicates the notion that there is always something to do and somewhere to be, always moving forward." Catherine Chao Marketing and strategy consultant "I'm from Silver Spring, Maryland. The Smithsonian museums and programs had a profound impact on how I believe access and knowledge can unlock betterment. From summer jazz concerts in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden to Amelia Earhart's plane at the Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian regularly fed my curiosities. These experiences exposed me to the richness of different cultural, artistic and intellectual perspectives as well as the universality that exists in insights and creativity. I learned that some of the biggest dreams came from asking (what are seemingly) the simplest questions. It's a lesson I still carry with me in my work and as a friend." Jeannine Shao Collins President of SeeHer "Love the cherry trees [in Washington D.C.], especially in April when they were in bloom. I was even given a cherry tree for my birthday, which happens to be during cherry blossom season." Alessandro Roco Founder and CEO, Sanzo "For me, New York City has always been a home for dreamers and achievers. It's where the most ambitious and talented people in the world convene and diversity is the norm. You don't have to apologize for wanting to reshape the world here, and no matter where you come from, once you're here, you're home. Yes, living here I get the questions all the time, 'Where are you from?' and 'What are you?' But they don't bother me. They're an opportunity for me to introduce myself and my culture. I'm proud of what my parents sacrificed to come halfway around the world to give my brothers and me a chance to live out our dreams. I'm proud of my uniqueness and I'm proud of the color of my skin. I'm proud to be creating a present and future where belonging, inclusivity and bridging cultures is the default." Mika Takahashi E-retail media director "I am born and raised on the East Coast, first-generation Chinese (Cantonese) and Japanese American. My parents came to the U.S. by way of Northern and Southern California. Much of my extended family still lives there. The combination of identifying with two different ethnicities and cultures, spending summers in Japan and having the opportunity to spend some of my adult life in the U.K. have made it difficult to find true belonging. I tend to identify as a third culture kid due to the multiple facets of my identity, and I believe this is a benefit, especially as an empath. I was raised by parents who worked hard on their dreams and moved to the New York area to pursue their careers in fashion and entrepreneurship in mostly white-dominated industries. I have looked to them for inspiration and applaud their resilience to have a seat at the table in industries that have not been inclusive throughout history. I'm fortunate to be in a role in marketing to influence the industry with a multicultural lens and support opportunities that are being created for people like me." Teresa Penn Marketing director "My mother was a first-generation immigrant from South Korea; she came here after she married my father, who is African American, Czech and Polish. Our house was full of love anchored by a value on family, which enabled me to develop a strong sense of self. Growing up in Minnesota, there are so many stories on this topic I could share. Sadly, it’s gotten worse with time, not better. Here to tell you it’s totally possible for someone who looks like me to be your friend, your neighbor, your colleague and your leader. Please don’t keep asking people where they are from after they answered you the first time. Instead, spend a few moments asking yourself why your personal and professional circles aren’t made up of more people who aren’t from the same place as you. Then go do one thing to change that." Sherman Yee Creative director "Cedar City is where I was born and raised. My family had a restaurant there called China Garden Restaurant for over 30 years. Everyone in Cedar is so nice and taught me to be nice to others." Katie Soo Chief marketing officer "The Bay Area is my home. My grandfather photographed many portraits of his siblings here. The most well-known one is of my Aunt Elsie, wearing one of his suits. It was so progressive for his time, given she was an Asian woman and also because she was wearing a traditional man’s outfit. The photo is printed in the book Unbound Voices, which many read during Asian American studies. My family’s story is also woven into the Asian Art Museum’s photographic history of early settlers in San Francisco, and I’ve spent years retracing my grandfather’s steps and his great migration to America, my home. The experience has been like reading a beautiful, never-ending chapter book. Every time I turn a page, I learn something new and incredible about my family’s history." Megan Amic Director of media strategy "I was born in Arizona but grew up and still live in Southern California with my family and extended family. When I moved to Orange County as a child, I was immediately enrolled in an ESL (English as a Second Language) class despite my mother insisting we spoke English. My class participation was short-lived as they quickly realized how incorrect their assumptions were about my English-speaking ability. This memory is a constant reminder that I may be American, but I do not look American to many." Emmeline Toyama Product manager and team lead, Amazon Fire TV "I’m a child of Chinese immigrants who left their home in the Philippines to give their children a better opportunity and new adventure. San Francisco is an incredibly diverse city filled with rich culture, opportunities and diversity. Now that I’m a mom, I can’t wait to see my children grow up in the Bay Area and build their own traditions and memories while carrying on the ones passed down from our family."