The ASA Newsletter: Issue 37
July is a milestone as we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States.
Read on to see Asian Student Achievement did this July!
Coach Corner: Michelle Ji
Senior Specialist/Technical Manager, Transportation and Electronics
3M
Why did you decide to be a coach with the Asian Student Achievement coaching program?
I decided to be a coach for Asian Student Achievement because I remember how uncertain the early years of my career felt, and how much I wished someone had taken the time to guide me. I learned a lot through trial and error: about careers, relationships, and learning how to get your work noticed.
What is a skill set that you recommend to young professionals?
At some point, find a place of employment that values you for you. Early on, in most entry-level jobs in a tough market, there’s a lot of compromises on the part of the person seeking employment – salary, location, availability, etc. Don’t consider those spaces as permanent. Continue defining who you are as a professional and what you need in an environment to shine and look for them. It could be a different department in the same company, a different company, or a different industry altogether. Being adaptable/flexible will give you a little more sense of peace as you advance in your career.
Back to Asian Student Achievement with Sydney Cazier
Graduate from Utah Valley University
Major: English
Former ASA Content Writing Intern
Sydney Cazier is a recent graduate of Utah Valley University who completed her Bachelor’s degree in English. She is also a former intern for Asian Student Achievement (ASA). Cazier sat down with us to share her takeaways from the internship and her advice for other students searching for opportunities.
What were key projects during your time at ASA?
I spent my time within ASA writing and editing for social media posts and blogs, and I loved every minute of it: being a part of Asian Student Achievement only solidified my desire to use my writing and my voice in any career I may land in.
What did you learn from your internship with ASA?
Being a part of the organization was such a gift for me; the experience I gained was only rivaled by the people I met. People like Shane Carlin and Amelia Hoover are going to forever be associated with my professional progression.
What advice do you have for students trying to land their first internship or interviewing for their first full-time job?
Being a part of ASA reminded me to be patient with myself within academic or professional pursuits: progress takes time, but small steps are always better than failure to progress. Be patient with yourself and your process, no matter how slow it might feel sometimes. Stagnation isn’t forever.
Welcome To the Team!
We are excited to welcome William Chen, our Finance & Videography Intern!
Student at New York University
Major: Accounting & Marketing
Why did you decide to intern with Asian Student Achievement?
I joined ASA as a first-generation immigrant because I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate academic and professional resources without guidance. I wanted to be part of an organization that helps bridge that gap for students who may feel the same way I did and make resources more accessible and inclusive.
Intern Hub: Kirana Kottyan
Kirana Kottyan is a high school student, and an Operations Intern for Asian Student Achievement. We sat down with her to hear about the benefits of her ASA internship.
High School Student
How has your experience working with ASA impacted your professional growth?
My experience working with ASA has impacted my professional growth by strengthening my communication skills and teaching me to be an effective collaborator. I can gain new experiences that set me up for success in a professional environment.
Upcoming Event: MN Nice Asian Student Achievement Fundraiser
Past Event: NAAAP Convention
Asian Student Achievement’s founder and CEO, Shane Carlin, was thrilled to attend the NAAAP Leadership Convention last week! Carlin was there on behalf of Asian Student Achievement as well as representing the NAAAP-Chicago board.
We’re especially excited to have met accomplished AAPI role models like New Jersey Senator Andy Kim, author Dr. Stephen Tang, and Executive Director Amy Hever. This was an opportunity for Asian Student Achievement to partner with current and future connections.
The convention ended with the announcement of the 2027 NAAAP National Convention to be held in Chicago, IL at the Swiss Hotel July 15-18, 2027.
A heartfelt thank you to David Im State Farm Agency for believing in our mission and for helping us provide opportunities for networking and professional development.
Engage with Asian Student Achievement
Sign up for 1:1 Coaching
ASA is excited to launch our coaching program! We have carefully selected coaches from various industries to speak with YOU.
Intern with Us!
Asian Student Achievement is now hiring for all intern positions! Join our team and help support Asians and Asian Americans on their path to leadership in the workplace.
Let’s Meet Up!
Want to invite us to your campus or organization? Visit our speaking engagement page to learn more.
Donor Spotlight: Kevin Chan Bradley
Vice President Culture & Belonging
HUB International
Why do you give to Asian Student Achievement?
“I have seen first-hand where some of the myths surrounding the APIA community have hurt our students. Many APIA’s in the workplace have been bypassed because of the ‘great worker, inadequate leader’ myth and Asian Student Achievement is forging a path for the next generation of Asian students to shatter those myths and take their rightful place as leaders in the future. This is why I support Asian Student Achievement.”
The Elizabeth Lorraine Skoien Memorial
We honor the legacy of Elizabeth Lorraine Skoien, a young woman who took her life too soon, and the challenges she faced. The ASA team has compiled mental health resources from Asian and Asian American perspectives on our website, and hopes to encourage more dialogue around the pivotal role mental health plays.
Read our blog about Elizabeth’s life and her father’s commitment to raising mental health awareness. Be sure to explore our additional blogs and mental health resources available throughout the year as we continue to promote education, understanding, and support for mental wellness.
Job Postings
Search for job opportunities from companies committed to DEI.
Our Partners
We are deeply grateful to our partners for their ongoing collaboration and support. Together, we are creating meaningful impact.
Settle into Asian inspired scents to light up your home. Use code ASA10 to save 10% off your order.
ASA x Furever Young Co collaboration pet bandanas are the perfect accessory for your pet. Shop the ASA collection!
Start your mornings with specialty Filipino coffee. Use code ASA10 to save 10% off your order.