Shane Carlin

ASA President/CEO

Board of Directors

Shane Carlin breaking bread with Djorgi Sunoto and his parents in Jakarta.

As I reflect on my recent trip to Jakarta, Indonesia and Hong Kong SAR, I’m reminded how small our world truly is– and how Asian Student Achievement (ASA) can truly expand its arms from the United States to around the world.

In Jakarta, I had the pleasure to catch up with a former ASA intern, Djorgi Sunoto. Over conversation with him and his parents as we broke bread, Djorgi discussed his experience working full-time before offering a reminiscent reflection of his time at ASA. Djorgi told me that, “Through this internship, I not only gained a wide range of hands-on experiences, but also built a valuable network of mentors and peers who have been instrumental in shaping my career. It was a truly transformative experience that prepared me for future challenges and growth.” It was sincerely heartwarming to hear this from a former ASA intern, and I’m so proud to see his success today. I also was able to meet-up with former connections from my National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) days in Jakarta. Through my meetings with all of these people, I learned more about how our different countries can truly intersect in so many substantial ways.

During my stint in Hong Kong, I was able to visit Mr. Victor Lau, Head of Venture Acceleration Entrepreneurship, Office of Research & Knowledge Transfer Services, at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Alongside his team, we explored future partnerships between their university and ASA. In addition, I continued my relationships with Mr. Lemon Kwan, Head of the Knowledge Transfer Sub-Office at the Education University of Hong Kong, who graciously invited me to speak at his campus last year. This time, we continued future talks for other partnerships. Lastly, I had the distinct pleasure in meeting up with some ASA donors who have been so gracious to our mission.

Shane Carlin with Mr. Victor Lau and the CUHK Venture Acceleration Team in Hong Kong.

Shane Carlin meeting with Mr. Lemon Kwan (Education University of Hong Kong) and Ms. Ada Chan (City University of Hong Kong).

That was just a sample of my engagements with some of the connections that Asian Student Achievement has across the world. To conclude, we need to realize that while our own respective home address is wonderful, stepping out the door and seeing the world can bring so much to so many. Happy New Year to all and may everyone have good health and great prosperity in 2025!

Amelia Hoover

Operations Manager

We’re delighted to introduce Amelia Hoover, who joined us as an Operations Manager this month. However, this isn’t her first time working with us—Amelia also worked as a Sales Intern for Asian Student Achievement in 2018.

Amelia graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. In her professional career, she has worked in learning & development, training, administration, recruiting, and onboarding in the field of Human Resources.

Amelia is passionate about giving back to her community, volunteering with the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship organization and serving on the leadership team of the Cincinnati Badminton Club. In her free time she enjoys going to the gym, spending time with family, traveling, and chasing after her grey long-haired cat Bé.

Baisun Candle Co. & ASA Collaboration

Thank you to everyone who purchased candles from Baisun Candle Co. this season! For anyone still interested in shopping Baisun’s rich and delectable scents, you can visit their site below.

Of course, this partnership wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of Brandon Leung, the founder and CEO of Baisun Candle Co. We at Asian Student Achievement wish to offer Brandon a sincere thank you for the commitment to our cause.

A huge thank you to founder and CEO of Baisun Candle Co., Brandon Leung!

My New Year’s resolution is to read at least one book and watch at least one movie per month for this year!

Anna Luu, Marketing Coordinator

University of Kentucky graduate student

My New Year’s resolutions are to fix my sleep schedule and to read everyday!

Avery Tortora, Videography Intern
Penn State University student

For the new year, I am trying to get more fit and maybe adopt a cat!

Xiangyi Fei, Data Analytics Intern

Vanderbilt University and University of California, San Diego alum

My New Year’s resolutions are to spend more time with my dog before I go off to college, and to have lots of fun when I go to Korea this summer!

Ella Moon, Graphic Design Intern

High School student

My New Year’s resolution is to read more books!

Sarah Mun, UX/Web Design Intern

University of Washington alum

This year, I’d like to improve my Mandarin by at least one level.

Kaylin Lebo, Content Writing Intern

University of California, Irvine alum

Asian Student Achievement is hiring for ALL of our intern positions. Join our amazing team and help Asians/Asian Americans through the pipeline to leadership in the workplace.

Click the button below to find the job descriptions of all our intern positions and send your CV to ops@learnasa.org.

Mr. Jim Wims

Former Staff Emeritus, University of Kentucky

We are saddened by the loss of our former donor Mr. Jim Wims, who left us after battling cancer. Though he retired as Staff Emeritus at the University of Kentucky, Mr. Wims’ influence extended far beyond the world of education–our President/CEO, Shane Carlin, recently met with Mr. Wims in October of 2024, and was fortunate enough to have fellowshipped with him. We at Asian Student Achievement wish to honor and memorialize Mr. Wims’ time on this Earth, as well as his enduring impact on so many students at the University of Kentucky and beyond. He was a true advocate for all students from all walks of life. Our hearts go out to his family and friends at this time.

Thank you to all donors for supporting ASA, and for the work you do to support the APIA community!