Hello, good people of the internet. Thank you for being her. Once again, it's time to meet the Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is Vivian Chan.
Who are you?
Vivian Chan
What are you?
I am a mom, wife, auntie, daughter, crafter, sidelines cheerleader, inspiring optimist, occasional tour guide and a professional planner.
But if you REALLY want to know, I am a second generation Chinese American daughter of former restaurant workers. I am married to a Honolulu-born fourth generation Chinese and third generation Japanese American. I am also a mother of a kindergartener who just wants to be herself with prefers no labels.
Where are you?
Sitting at my work desk between piles of awesome books and stacks of paperwork in Seattle, WA
Where are you from?
I am product of South Seattle, Washington.
What do you do?
I am the Community Programs Manager at the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience also known as, The Wing. Believe it or not, The Wing is the only Pan-Asian American museum in the country. It is an affiliated area of the National Parks Service and the Smithsonian.
With the exception of our art gallery, museum staff works with community members to create exhibitions surrounding a topic. Through an almost one year process, we share food and stories, reaching into our backgrounds, connections and networks to tell an exhibition story through their voices, photos, and sentimental and everyday objects.
I work with our empowered community members and artists in creating activities/programs that cannot be told in an exhibition space or within their walls. I've been very fortunate to oversee everything from film screenings, panel discussions, art demonstrations, a fashion show, artist talks, religious blessings, martial arts demonstrations, massive multi-teamed lion dances, reunions and more.
What are you all about?
Empowering our Asian Pacific Islander community made up of young and seasoned: restaurant, garment, young and old professionals, nurses, doctors, lawyers, artists, authors, activists, volunteers, and seniors. All of their personal stories and experiences matter. Their stories help make America what it is. They are just as important as the most famous celebrities and politicians of yesterday and today.
I've enjoyed connecting our Asian and non-Asian guests to each other and sharing with them a part of our collective American story. Through meeting all of these individuals, they have in turn inspired me.
What makes you angry?
Oh, so much. The current events of the world can be harrowing. We need more empathy and compassion. Everyone can use more of it.
