Pastor Lee Jong-rak

“Out of the deepest places of hurt come hope, that every life has dignity, and that it is what we make of the life-changing moments that determines how they shape our lives.”

In 2009, Pastor Lee Jong-Rak created the Baby Box to save abandoned babies who would have otherwise died on the streets. Pastor Lee and his wife found a baby at their Joosarang Community Church doorstep one winter’s night several years ago. This baby was just one of many babies abandoned on the streets, in bathrooms, and at other dangerous locations where they’d have little to no chance of survival. Pastor Lee knew he couldn’t save them all but he knew he had to try. Only hoping to save one more life, Pastor Lee created Baby Box and ended up saving over 1,600 lives in the past 10 years with this temperature-controlled, tiny cubicle.

At first, they focus on saving babies but as time goes on, Pastor Lee knows that one of the major reasons that the babies are left at the Baby Box has something to do with their parents’ financial situation. So, recent activities in Baby Box also focus on helping their parents to safely return the babies back to them by providing monthly services to their parents such as baby-care kit, some economic support for 3 years to help them stand on their own feet faster. To learn more you can watch the documentary ‘The Drop Box.’ 

Source: https://babyboxkorea.give.asia/campaign/the-pastor-who-saved-1-600-babies#/story, https://myhero.com/L_JongRak_union_es_US_2016_ul

Justine Tiu and Adrian Zhang

“Change how you see yourself and your potential to grow.”

Justine didn’t crochet her first plushie too long ago before co-founding the company The Woobles. It all started when she wanted to make a handmade gift for a friend, and she quickly learned how difficult it was. She spent weeks piecing together YouTube videos, diagrams, and crochet blogs. She tried and tried, made a lot of mistakes, and did a lot more of hoping for the best. All she could think was, “what’s a girl gotta do to crochet a cute penguin, goshyarnit?!” And that’s why her and Adrian made The Woobles – to give beginners like you the easiest way to learn crochet.

The Woobles is more than just crocheting. It’s about proving to yourself that you can always learn something new. Changing how you see yourself and your potential to grow. And building the confidence that you can take on whatever comes your way. 

Sources: https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2022/07/22/wooble-founders-turned-a-200-into-5-million.html

Roy Choi

“Sometimes, in the deepest moments, there are no words. There is only food.” 

Roy Choi was born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Los Angeles, California. Choi is known as one of the architects of the modern food truck movement through Kogi BBQ by merging food and social media with community and honoring the street food culture that laid the path before him, and for his civic minded TV show ‘Broken Bread’ on KCET/Tastemade, which in 2020 won him a James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Host in a television series. On a global scale, Roy is co-host in the full blown Netflix cooking series ‘The Chef Show’ with Jon Favreau. Roy resides in Los Angeles where he is a voice and advocate for street food culture past, present, and future, and the co-owner, co-founder, and chef of Kogi BBQ, Chego!, Best Friend at Park MGM Las Vegas, and LocoL.

Sources: https://www.foodandwine.com/author/roy-choi

Leah Hing

“Try everything.” 

“Try everything” was Leah Hing‘s self-stated philosophy. A Chinese American woman born in Portland in 1907, she lived up to these words. From cutting off her long pigtails without parental permission, to touring the country as part of an all-girl band, to obtaining her pilot’s license, Hing lived life to the fullest. In her 80s, she reflected on her life, and remembered her father telling her: “You’ve got to do what you want.” She responded: “So I did!” She was the first Chinese American woman to earn her pilot’s license. Trained by Tex Rankin, an early aviation pioneer at Pearson Field in Vancouver, Washington, she received her pilot’s license in 1934. Later she became an instrument mechanic during World War II at a Portland air base.

Source: https://www.thehistorictrust.org/daring-doers-leah-hing/

Makoto Fujimura

“My practice of painting and making leads me directly to worship. Making is a path toward greater awareness and integration.” 

As a leading contemporary artist and a believer, Makoto Fujimura brings his love for Jesus into every painting. His popular “slow art” requires dozens of layers of pulverized minerals and hours upon hours of patience, but the results are certainly worth it. And with his thoughtful approach to art and writing, it’s no surprise that his works have won numerous awards, including the Aldersgate Prize for Silence and Beauty (IV Press) and the 2023 Kuyper Prize. He is founder of IAMCultureCare and the Fujimura Institute, and co-founder of Kintsugi Academy. He has served on the National Council on the Arts. 

Sources: https://raptinterviews.com/features/makoto-fujimura, https://uscatholic.org/articles/202112/get-to-know-god-the-artist-with-painter-makoto-fujimura/

Hayao Miyazaki

“You may not like what’s happening, but just accept it, and let’s try to live together. Even if you feel angry, let’s be patient and endure, let’s try to live together. I’ve realized that this is the only way forward.”

Hayao Miyazaki is a Japanese animator, filmmaker, and manga artist. A co-founder of Studio Ghibli, he has attained international acclaim as a masterful storyteller and creator of Japanese animated feature films, and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished filmmakers in the history of animation.Miyazaki’s films often incorporate recurrent themes, such as humanity’s relationship to nature and technology, and the difficulty of maintaining a pacifist ethic. Reflecting Miyazaki’s feminism, the protagonists of his films are often strong, independent girls or young women. Miyazaki is a vocal critic of capitalism and globalization. 

Miyazaki once said, “I get inspiration from my everyday life.”

He also said: “Always believe in yourself. Do this and no matter where you are, you will have nothing to fear.”

Sources: https://bedtimehistorystories.com/hayao-miyazaki-studio-ghibli/, https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2023-11-13/japanese-animation-master-hayao-miyazaki-boy-and-the-heron

Kalpana Chawla

“The sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning of your dreams.”

In 1997, NASA astronaut and mechanical engineer Kalpana Chawla made history as the first woman of Indian origin to go into space. She worked as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator aboard the Space Shuttle Colombia. Her words challenge the conventional notion of limits and encourages individuals to dream big. She reminds us that the sky, often seen as the ultimate boundary, should not be perceived as a limit but rather as a starting point for our aspirations. May we breakthrough the perceived barriers and aim for the unimaginable. 

In 2003, during her second mission to space, Chawla tragically died, along with her six crewmates, when the Colombia disintegrated during re-entry. She posthumously received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.  

Sources: https://guideposts.org/inspiring-stories/18-inspiring-asian-americans-and-pacific-islanders/

Jeremy Lin

“My identity is in Christ, not in basketball.”

Jeremy Lin a point guard who made history as the first American-born player of Taiwanese descent in the NBA. Jeremy Lin didn’t receive a single scholarship offer to play basketball in college. Instead he walked on to Harvard’s basketball team and played all four years without a scholarship. Ivy League schools don’t usually get a lot of attention and Lin wasn’t drafted into the NBA. He earned a spot on the Golden State Warriors squad for the 2011 season, but he didn’t play and they cut him on the first day of training camp this season. The Houston Rockets picked him up and let him play a few minutes in two preseason games and then cut him again. The Knicks then picked him up to start the season but quickly sent him down to the D-League (developmental league) and he was only recalled because two other Knicks’ point guards were hurt.

He was given a chance to play coming off the bench against the New Jersey Nets on February 4, 2012 and scored 25 points. In the next four games he set an NBA record by scoring 109 points in his first four starts in the league. He has graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, hit a game winning 3 pointer against the Raptors and dropped 38 on Kobe and the Lakers. Everywhere he goes he is hearing cheers of MVP and people can’t decide which nickname they like more: Linderella or Linspiration.

Jeremy Lin can play basketball and he is proving that, but even more than that he is teaching everyone to not give up on their dream. He had every reason to give up on his, but he didn’t. He wasn’t recruited, wasn’t drafted, was cut several times, was sent down to the D-league, and yet he kept believing. He has gone from being a total unknown to increasing the sales and traffic to the Knicks online store by 3000%. Linsanity is sweeping the nation not just because he can play basketball – but because he is teaching us all to believe.

Source: https://tybennett.com/dont-give-up-on-your-dream-the-jeremy-lin-story/, https://people.com/sports/jeremy-lin-admits-wasnt-always-comfortable-with-linsanity-new-hbo-documentary/

Gelaine Santiago

“Sometimes pushing hard isn’t what we need. Sometimes treating ourselves gently is what makes us stronger.”

Gelaine was born in the province of Bulacan and moved to Canada when she was 3. For most of her life, she grew up disconnected from other Filipinos and ashamed of being Asian.

She returned to the Philippines for the first time at the age of 22, accompanied by Jérôme (her husband and Cambio’s Co-Founder), and while visiting her dad’s hometown in Malolos and meeting family members for the first time, she realized there’s a lot she didn’t know about her culture. Or herself.

Gelaine and Jérôme began researching ethical fashion brands and social enterprises in the Philippines, where they learned about artisans upcycling old t-shirts into bags, and Filipino jewelry designers that strived to preserve pre-colonial techniques. That’s when they found a gap to fill and the idea for Cambio & Co. was born. A company that creates sustainable livelihood and celebrates Philippine artisans, while empowering Filipinos in the diaspora to reconnect with our heritage and celebrate who they are. Today, they are proud to serve over 6000 Filipina/x/o customers in 18 countries and connect you to artisan communities across the Philippines. 

Sources: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu2r3dUSZo9/?img_index=1

Eugene E. Cho

“Our calling is not simply to change the world, but perhaps as important, our calling is to be changed ourselves.”

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Rev. Cho immigrated to the United States as a child. Rev. Eugene Cho’s many passions involve leadership, justice, the whole Gospel, and the pursuit of God’s Kingdom here on this earth. Before coming to lead Bread for the World as its president, he founded Quest Church in Seattle, WA and acted as its senior pastor for eighteen years. He is also founder of One Day’s Wages (ODW) and serves as its board president. ODW is a grassroots movement of people, stories, and actions to alleviate extreme global poverty.

Eugene is also the author of two acclaimed books, Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian’s Guide to Engaging Politics (2020) and Overrated: Are We More in Love with the Idea of Changing the World Than Actually Changing the World? (2014)

Sources:https://eugenecho.com/my-story/, https://www.bread.org/article/rev-eugene-cho-recognized-as-anoutstanding-american-by-choice/

Amanda Nguyen

“Joy is the most radical form of rebellion.”

In 2013, Harvard University student Amanda Nguyen, the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, attempted to access information on her rights as the survivor of a sexual assault, and found it nearly impossible. So when she realized that there was no national legislation in existence establishing consistent rules, rights and protections for individuals who have experienced sexual violence, she wrote it herself. The Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights Act of 2016 provides survivors with certain guarantees, including the right to a rape kit procedure at no cost, as well as the requirement that kits be preserved for 20 years. Nguyen was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, and is the founder and CEO of Rise, a multi-sector coalition that advocates for survivors’ rights, and assists people in writing and passing their own bills. 

Sources: https://www.history.com/news/asian-american-inventions-contributions, https://www.teenvogue.com/story/amanda-nguyen-on-anti-asian-racism-justice-and-joy

Duke Kahanamoku

“The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun.”

Nicknamed “The Big Kahuna,” Duke Kahanamoku was a towering figure in the worlds of sports and entertainment.  This legend teaches us It’s not about being the best or the most skilled; it’s about embracing the moment, riding the waves, and reveling in the thrill of the ride. When prioritizing fun over perfection, we open ourselves to possibilities. We become less self-conscious, more adventurous, and more willing to take risks. We start to appreciate the little things, the simple joys of gliding through the water and connecting with nature.

Duke Kahanamoku was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1890, Kahanamoku was a five-time Olympic medalist in swimming, having competed in the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp, and the 1924 Olympics in Paris. Kahanamoku also was an alternate for the U.S. water polo team at the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles. Following his trail-blazing athletic career, Kahanamoku worked as an actor, sheriff, and surfer, helping to popularize the Hawaiian sport of surfing to a new generation of surfers all over the world.

Sources: https://tinybeans.com/asian-american-historical-figures/

Michelle Yeoh

“Your story may not have such a happy beginning, but that doesn’t make you who you are. It is the rest of your story – who you choose to be.”

After years of captivating performances, Malaysia’s very own Michelle Yeoh has been awarded the coveted Academy Award for Best Actress, for the film “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

This win not only cements Yeoh’s status as one of the most talented actresses of our time but also marks a significant moment in the representation of Asian actors and actresses on the big screen. From her early days as a dancer to her rise in Hong Kong cinema and eventual foray into Hollywood, Yeoh’s journey has been remarkable. With her incredible talent and unwavering dedication to her craft, she has become a true icon in the film industry. 

She faced many challenges as an Asian actress in Hollywood and often had to fight against stereotypes and discrimination, with many roles offered to her being limited to characters that reinforced Asian stereotypes. Yeoh refused to be typecast and worked hard to break barriers in the industry. Her hard work paid off when she was cast as Captain Philippa Georgiou in the hit TV series “Star Trek: Discovery.” Yeoh’s performance as the captain of the USS Shenzhou was lauded by critics and fans alike, and she became a fan favorite. 

Despite facing numerous challenges, she never gave up on her dream and worked tirelessly to break barriers in the film industry. Her talent and dedication have made her a true inspiration to many, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and actresses around the world.

Sources: https://www.womenlines.com/michelle-yeohs-inspiring-journey-to-the-2023-best-actress-oscar-win/, https://www.tatlerasia.com/style/fashion/michelle-yeoh-oscars-2023-after-party-red-carpet-dress-outfit-photos-award

Yo-Yo Ma

“Music has the power to heal, to inspire, and to bring people together.”

Yo-Yo Ma is an internationally renowned cellist and one of the most celebrated musicians of our time. Born on October 7, 1955, in Paris, France, he is of Chinese descent and began playing the cello at a very young age. His talent and dedication to his craft have led him to become a legendary figure in the world of classical music. His words encapsulate the profound impact that music can have on individuals and communities alike. Music possesses an incredible ability to heal, serving as a cathartic outlet for emotions and offering solace in times of hardship. It has the power to inspire, igniting passion and creativity within our hearts and minds. 

Source: https://www.bookey.app/quote-author/yo-yo-ma

Rei Kawakubo

“For something to be beautiful it doesn’t have to be pretty.”

Rei Kawakubo (born October 11, 1942, Tokyo, Japan) self-taught Japanese fashion designer known for her avant-garde clothing designs and her high-fashion label, Comme des Garçons and her luxury retail store, Dover Street Market. Rather than respond to trends, Kawakubo rooted her designs in concepts, straddling art and fashion. She used tremendous amounts of fabric and often looked voluminous on the wearer’s body. Because they did not fit the industry’s perception of what women wanted, her garments were sometimes described as antifashion. Kawakubo’s iconoclastic vision made her one of the most influential designers of the late 20th century.

Source: https://www.vogue.com/article/comme-des-garcons-rei-kawakubo-spring-2021-interview

https://theyselfbywake.com/rei-kawakubo-challenging-the-boundaries-of-fashion-2/