Asian Avenue magazine - February 2016

magazine

asian avenue February 2016 Volume 11 Issue 2

Connecting Cultures Linking Lives

DIVERSITY MATTERS:

Colorado’s colleges and universities offer diversity programs and services FINDING INNER

PEACE AT KADAMPA MEDITATION CENTER RESTAURANT PEEK: JASON’S THAI DESSERT PEEK: SNOWLAB

Denver

Broomfield

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Dear Asian Avenue readers, Happy year of the monkey! The lunar new year begins on Feb. 8, 2016. Wishing you all the best in all aspects of your life this year!

Particularly, we hope that your love life flourishes with the advice from Tom Shieh. Read his 10 Tips for Keeping Your Relationship Strong; my favorite is “learn to like each other.” It’s time to start planning for Valentine’s Day! How about sushi at our favorite spot, Go Fish? I ate (and drank) at their Broadway location every week this past month. The amazing staff will definitely make your Valentine’s Day a memorable one!

In this issue, we feature the diversity programs, services and organizations at four Colorado’s universities: University of Colorado Denver, University of Denver, Regis University and Colorado State University. These universities share a common belief that having a diverse student body and faculty enriches the educational experience.

Diversity also challenges stereotyped preconceptions; encourages critical thinking, and helps students learn to communicate effectively with people of varied backgrounds.

Kudos to these universities and the many others that provide inclusive services and support systems across their campuses.

Having worked with the refugee community, I am aware of the needs and challenges these families face, as well as their incredible stories of resilience and survival. 2,250 refugees, asylees, secondaries and other refugee-eligible populations were resettled in Colorado in 2015. Here in Colorado, organizations such as the state refugee program, Denver Health and Asian Pacific Development Center, provide medical and social services to support these families with their transition to a new country. Learn more about the individuals you see here in the metro Denver area, and next time, say hi!

asian avenue magazine

staff & support Publisher & Founder: Christina Yutai Guo President: Annie Guo Editorial and Marketing Manager: Sarah Shirazi Senior Designer: C.G. Yao Graphic Designer/Photographer: Anastasia Yagolnik Copy Editor: Jaime Marston Cook Staff Writer: Patricia Kaowthumrong Staff Writer: Mary Jeneverre Schultz Staff Writer: Brenda Velasquez Marketing Coordinator: Chun Guo Marketing Coordinator: Mai Choua Lee Photographer: Trang Luong Intern: Akemi Tsutsui

advisors group General Counsel: Michael C. Song Patty Coutts, Donna LaVigne, Nestor J. Mercado, Sum C. Nguyen, Alok Sarwal, Tom Shieh, John Yee, Nai-Li Yee, George N. Yoshida

contributing writers Gil Asakawa, Clarence Low, Tom Shieh

contributing photographers Gil Asakawa, Soyon Bueno, Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Japan International Cooperation Center, Clarence Low, Trang Luong

on the cover Minh Tran (left) and Lester Knight (right) graduate from the University of Colorado Denver with 3D animation majors in May 2015. The university provides diversity services and programs for its students.

Photo provided by Soyon Bueno.

Annie Guo, President Asian Avenue magazine

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Asian Avenue magazine offers businesses the most cost-effective way to reach consumers in the Denver/Boulder metro areas and beyond. For more information, call during business hours or e-mail us at marketing@asianavenuemagazine.com for our media kit and ad rates.

editorial To submit story ideas, letters to the editor or calendar events, e-mail editor@asianavenuemagazine.com.

Asian Avenue magazine (ISSN 1932-1449) reserves all copyrights to this issue. No parts of this edition can be reproduced in any manner without written permission. The views expressed in articles are the authors’ and not necessarily those of Asian Avenue magazine. Authors may have consulting or other business relationships with the companies they discuss.

Published by Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 Tel: 303.937.6888 | Fax: 303.750.8488 www.asianavenuemagazine.com Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.

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February 2016 | President’s Note

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ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Colorado chapter celebrates its tenth anniversary this month.

NAAAP is non-profit organization that cultivates, supports, and promotes Asian American leaders by offering professional development opportunities on the local and national level.

COVER STORY - DIVERSITY MATTERS Diversity enriches the educational experience. It strengthens communities and the workplace, and it fosters mutual respect and teamwork. Diversity helps build communities whose members are judged by the qualities of their character. Read about the diversity programs and services at some of Colorado’s major colleges and universities.

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FEATURE - REFUGEES IN COLORADO In recent years, Colorado has resettled more than 2,000 refugees each year. The highest populations have been groups from Burma, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Eritrea and then Democratic Republic of the Congo, who reside in the Denver metro area. Last year, 69,933 resettled across the U.S. RESTAURANT PEEK There’s something for everyone at Jason’s Thai.

Don’t let the name fool you; Jason’s Thai is more than just Thai food. This Asian bistro offers everything from Thai curries and noodle dishes to an extensive selection of sushi, Vietnamese pho and Chinese food.

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February 2016 | Table of Contents

BUSINESS TRAVEL FEATURE A delegation of ten Asian-American leaders, including President and CEO of the Asian Chamber of Commerce Clarence Low, was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The Kakehashi Project provides opportunities to engage with Japanese leaders.

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EVENT CALENDAR BOOK REVIEW Mastering the Art of French Eating: Lessons in Food and Love by Ann Mah

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MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT Colorado Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Yumi Hwang- Williams DESSERT PEEK SNOWLAB serves shaved snow made with the highest quality ingredients, and it’s even vegan friendly! This genre of dessert is the first of its kind in Colorado.

CHEF’S MENU Roast Duck - a blend of sweet, crispy skin and roasted meat!

HEALTH Finding Happiness and Inner Peace at Kadampa Meditation Center

ON SCENE

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Community honors the late, George

Sakato, recipient of WWII Medal of Honor

Colorado Chinese Club gathered on New Year’s Day to raise the flag for the Republic of China (Taiwan)

Congressman Mike Coffman presents congratulatory letter to community leader Lily Shen

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ADVICE COLUMN Love & Relationships: 10 Tips for Keeping Your Relationship Strong

Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 Tel: 303.937.6888 | Fax: 303.750.8488

www.asianavenuemagazine.com

Find us @AsianAveMag

#AsianAveMag

u

events upcoming Asian Avenue magazine Lunar New Year Dinner - Year of the Monkey Friday, Feb. 5, 6pm to 9pm

Kings Land Chinese Seafood 2200 W. Alameda Ave. #44, Denver, CO 80223 Cost: $40 General | $30 Student/Senior For more info or tickets, visit www.asianavemag.ticketleap.com/monkey.

You are invited to celebrate the lunar new year with Asian Avenue magazine! Enjoy a 10-course Chinese dinner and a dragon and lion dance by the Qing Wei Lion and Dragon Cultural Troupe. There will also be a silent auction and raffle with many goodies to take home for the new year.

Anime fans, get ready to come together and share your love of all things Japan. This event celebrates Japanese culture in the Mile High City with special guests: Matthew Mercer (Levi, Attack on Titan), Christopher R. Sabat (Vegeta, DBZ), Chris Patton (Greed, FMA), Cristina Vee (Homura, Madoka Magica), and more!

Friday, Feb. 19, 6pm to 8:30pm

Tibetan Wood Block Printing

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 12pm to 1pm DoubleTree Hilton Denver Stapleton-North 4040 Quebec St, Denver, CO 80216 Cost: $20 NAAAP members | $30 non-members To purchase tickets, visit www.naaapcolorado.org

Colorado Anime Fest 2016

NAAAP Colorado is happy to celebrate 10 years of building leaders! Join them as they reflect on past achievements, celebrate current leaders, and look to a brighter future. There will be appetizers and a special performance by Denver Taiko!

Friday-Sunday, Feb. 12 - 14

Denver Art Museum, North Building-Lower Level 100 W 14th Avenue Pkwy. Denver, CO 80204 Cost: Museum admission ticket For more info or tickets, visit www.asianartassociation.org or call 720-913-0130.

Renaissance Denver Hotel 3801 Quebec St. Denver, CO 80207 Cost: $45 Registration | $50 at Door | $125 VIP For more info, visit www.coloradoanimefest.com.

NAAAP Colorado 10-Year Celebration

Friendship Cup Karate Tournament Saturday, Feb. 20, Begins at 9am

This talk led by Dr. Benjamin Nourse will explore the world of Tibetan printed books, from the production of hand carved printing books to the various printing styles that emerged among the great Tibetan printing centers. This lecture will showcase some of the artistry and diversity of woodblock painting in Tibet.

Colorado School of Mines Campus Lockridge Arena, 17th & Elm St, Golden, CO 80401 Cost: $7 General | $5 Senior | Free under age 4 For more info or to register, call Gary Tsutsui at 720-253-4307 or visit www.coloradobudokan.com.

Join Colorado Bodokan for their 18th annual Friendship Cup, one of Colorado’s largest and best traditional karate tournaments with hundreds of competitors from all over the region. The Friendship Cup provides a venue to share technical knowledge and engage in spirited competition.

VSA Boulder’s Lunar New Year Show Saturday, Feb. 20, Begins at 6:30pm

CU-Boulder, UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom Cost: Free For more info, visit www.facebook.com/vsaboulder.

The Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) at University of Colorado Boulder invites you to their 2016 Lunar New Year Show. This free event with food will have feature performances by special guests Vietnamese artist Andy Quach and YouTube artist Nicole “Nix” Tan. This year’s show includes traditional dances, modern dance, skit, fashion show, and more!

Upcoming Events | asian avenue magazine

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Book Review Mastering the Art of French Eating: Lessons in Food and Love from A Year in Paris

By Ann Mah Reviewed by Mary Jeneverre Schultz When journalist Ann Mah’s diplomat husband is assigned a three-year stint in Paris, Ann is overjoyed. She had grown to expect posts in political hotspots like Beijing or Washington, D.C., not the city they had dreamed of exploring together for years. For Ann, a lifelong lover of food, this is an opportunity to steep herself in one of the world’s greatest cuisines. But just as she unpacks her pots and pans and buys a wicker market basket, her husband is called away on a new assignment, on year in Iraq, an unaccompanied post. Suddenly, Ann’s vision of a romantic sojourn in the City of Lights is turned upside down. In Mastering the Art of French Eating: Lessons in Food and Love from A Year in Paris, Mah blends food, travel and gastronomic history as she embarks on a journey to reinvent her dream of living in Paris.

Not unlike another diplomatic wife, Julia Child, Chinese-American Mah begins carving out a life for herself in a new city. Journeying through Paris and the surrounding regions of France, Mah combats her loneliness by seeking out the crispiest of buckwheat crepes and learning the way that andouillette sausage is really made. She explores the history and taste of everything from boeuf Bourguignon to soupe au pistou. And somewhere between Paris and the south of France, Mah overcomes her aversion to traveling and eating alone and even uncovers a few of life’s truths.

This book interweaves with lively characters Mah meets and the traditional recipes she discovers throughout her travels. Both funny and intelligent, this is a story of love— love of France, food and family—and of how hard choices can change your life for the better.

Mah travels throughout the streets of Paris, Troyes, Brittany, Lyon, Provence, Toulouse, Castelnaudary, Carcassonne, Alsace, Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Burgundy, Aveyron. Her treasured recipes discovered during her travels include steak frites, andouillette, crepes, salade lyonnaise, soupe au pistou, cassoulet, choucroute, fondue, boeuf bourguignon, aligot, and more.

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February 2016 | Book Review

Book Title: Mastering the Art of French Eating: Lessons in Food and Love from A Year in Paris Author: Ann Mah

Pages: 275 Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books ISBN: 9780670025992 Online: www.annmah.net

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ann Mah is a journalist and the author of the novel, Kitchen Chinese. Mah was awarded a James Beard Foundation culinary scholarships in 2005 and her articles about food, travel, fashion, style, and the arts have appeared in The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, The Huffington Post, International Herald Tribune, Washingtonian Magazine, and South China Morning Post, among other publications. The wife of a U.S. diplomat, Mah currently splits her time between New York City and Paris.

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YEARS OF BUILDING LEADERS IN COLORADO

NAAAP celebrates 10-year anniversary

The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Colorado chapter celebrates its tenth anniversary this month.

NAAAP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that cultivates, supports, and promotes Asian American leaders. NAAAP offers professional development opportunities on the local and national level, engages its membership in community service, and organizes professional networking events. Through NAAAP, members work together to enhance leadership in their careers and communities.

NAAAP Colorado Chapter This is an exciting phase for NAAAP Colorado for it is one of newest ventures in North America to form! Consisting of members from diverse professional fields throughout the Front Range and the greater Denver Metropolitan area, NAAAP Colorado is dedicated to empowering the Asian Pacific American community by providing service in leadership and career development, professional networking events, and promoting civic responsibilities, altogether advocating multicultural awareness in Corporate America.

Two years before the establishment of NAAAP Colorado, a group of APA representatives from various companies within the state came together to network and share best practices in the corporate

world. The representatives within the focus group realized that with the APA population growing in Colorado, there was a need for an organization that would support their professional development. For the next couple years, the idea of forming an APA professional group lingered.

Jie Zheng was one of the participants.

In 2006, Zheng attended the NAAAP National Convention in Seattle, Washington, as a keynote speaker representing Sun Microsystems. During the course of the two-day convention, Mr. Zheng participated in a number of discourses with APA leaders, employees and entrepreneurs from large corporations to small businesses.

The discussions revolved around diversity and leadership in the working environment. Ideas of professional programs geared towards diversity practices were juggled around. The overall experience at the convention sparked his motivation and drive to take action and establish a NAAAP chapter in Colorado.

Anxious to share his experience and ideas with professionals in Colorado, Zheng connected with a group of passionate leaders from Sun Microsystems, Coors Brewing Co., Kaiser Permanente, Asian Chamber of Commerce, and Wells Fargo in September 2006. From there, the group worked together to formally establish NAAAP Colorado, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in October 2006.

Within months, NAAAP Colorado launched its first successful event: the 2007 National Ski Trip at Winter Park Ski Resort. A number of members throughout North America attended and wintessed the dedication that the NAAAP Colorado team possessed. Since then, NAAAP Colorado continues forging their way to build the most dynamic APA professional organization in the state.

10 Years Later Roger Liu, current NAAAP Colorado president, says “Today, we have a winning strategy. We’ve formed community and corporate relationships based on grassroots collaboration using our collective resources to create programming that is compelling and inspiring.”

He said the most important accomplishments for the chapter include establishing collaborative partnerships with a variety of corporate and community organizations (such as MillerCoors, Charles Schwab, Wells Fargo, Asian Chamber of Commerce), building a talented executive team, winning the bid to host the National Leadership Academy.

Moving forward Liu sees NAAAP Colorado becoming a platform by which professionals connect and grow. He envisions a well-connected network of corporate and community partners providing development resources and relationship building opportunities.

The NAAAP vision: We b 10

February 2016 | Organization Spotlight

[

Asian Americans come from unique and important perspectives. I feel that NAAAP aligns with my way of giving back in a meaningful way.

- Roger Liu, NAAAP Colorado President

]

NAAAP National As the largest and fastest growing Asian American professional organization in North America, NAAAP continues to provide its members with the tools and resources to further career advancements and empower Asian Americans to become great leaders and reliable employees. Founded in 1982, NAAAP has since expanded to more than 25 metropolitan cities in the United States and Canada. NAAAP members are affiliated with either a chapter or a venture. Ventures exist as chapter start-ups throughout North America.

Members include a diverse group of leaders and working professionals, with various levels of educational and professional backgrounds: corporate, small business, non-profit, academic, and governmental. Our members are Asian Americans of all descents, who work together on career advancement while making significant contributions to the community.

NAAAP is dedicated to the improvement of the Asian American community by promoting leadership, career development, educational exchange, professional networking, social networking, and civic responsibilities.

NAAAP’s mission is to cultivate and empower leaders for professional excellence; connect accomplished professionals for mutual success; engage and participate with the community-at-large; and inspire leaders to make a meaningful difference in government, education, business, and society.

10-Year Celebration on February 19 This month, NAAAP Colorado will host the annual National Leadership Academy, which kicks off with an employee resource group (ERG) symposium on Friday, Feb. 19. The symposium is open to all ERG leaders, regardless of NAAAP membership to hear from key speakers from a variety of industries on topics including: how to grow group membership, how being involved with ERGs can help advance your career, how to lead programs that will help gain traction within your company, and more!

That evening, the Colorado community is invited to celebrate the local chapter’s tenth anniversary with an open bar, appetizers and a special performance by Denver Taiko.

When: February 19, 2016, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Where: Doubletree by Hilton Denver - Stapleton North Cost: $20 for NAAAP members | $30 for non-members For more information, visit www.naaapcolorado.org.

uild leaders!

NAAAP Colorado | asian avenue magazine

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Musician Spotlight B

orn in Seoul, Yumi Hwang-Williams immigrated to Philadelphia when she was nine. She began her violin studies a year later, and made her debut at the age of fifteen as a soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, her exceptional musicianship has earned her a reputation as an artist and soloist who, in addition to her thoughtful and stylish interpretations of the classics, is known for her commitment to exploring and performing the works of contemporary composers. She has served as Concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra since 2000 and is also a faculty member of the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver.

Growing up, people would often warn her about a life in music. “I had people throughout my young days say don’t go into music unless you really love it. When they would say that to me. I would say, yes I love it,” says Hwang-Williams. “It was not a deterrent, but an affirmation.” She knew after auditioning for the Curtis School of Music that music was going to be her course in life.

One of the roles of Concertmaster includes the tradition of walking on stage, as well as ceremoniously tuning the orchestra as a final check before performing. “People may not realize what goes on behind the scenes,” says Hwang-Williams. “The string players have to coordinate bowings, such as up bow, down bow. The composers often have some bowing indications, and my job is to help the section use the optimal bowing for the interpretation. Other principles take my bowings and match them so all sections are uniform.” Other duties as concertmaster involve serving as a liaison between the orchestra and the conductors and acting as an ambassador for the organization, which involves building relationships with donors and patrons. HwangWilliams describes her investment in these activities as rewarding, in that it makes her feel part of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra family.

When asked if she has a favorite piece of music to play, HwangWilliams explains that she likes to fully immerse herself in whatever piece she’s working on, and strives to make it her favorite piece. “I think violinist, Isaac Stern, said it best, my favorite piece is the one I’m performing now.”

In many ways, the life of a musician parallels the life of an athlete. “We need to spend a lot of time staying healthy by getting regular massages, stretching, warming up, and staying on top of potential signs of injury.”

Balancing life as Concertmaster and a mother is something HwangWilliams takes very seriously. “As a mother your child always comes first, then it’s all about prioritizing and being present at whatever you are doing.” She goes on to explain that as Concertmaster, she would not be able to juggle her schedule without her mother, who lives with her. “[She is] the glue that keeps it all together.”

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February 2016 2016 || Musician Artist Spotlight February Spotlight

Colorado Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Yumi Hwang-Williams

Not to be missed!

MAY 13-14, 7:30 PM BOETTCHER CONCERT HALL

Yumi Hwang-Williams will perform Béla Bartók’s Violin Concerto No. 2 (conducted by the versatile Andre de Ridde) before the orchestra takes on Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9.

Colorado Symphony Orchestra

The Colorado Symphony will partner with Colorado Public Radio to live stream select performances throughout the season. w w w. c o l o r a d o s y m p h o n y. o r g For more information Yumi Hwang-Williams, visit www.yumihwviolin.com.

Best Gift for Chinese New Year

A Rediscovered Treasure THE CHINESE REGIME DOES NOT WANT YOU TO SEE YOU CANNOT SEE the authentic Chinese culture Shen Yun presents anywhere else. Not in another show.

Not even in China. Traditional Chinese culture is based on harmony between heaven, earth, and humankind, whereas the Communist Party advocates struggle against nature and man. It sees this culture as a threat to its power, and for decades it has tried to destroy it. It nearly succeeded.

Erhu & Pipa The Heart of Shen Yun’s Melodies

It is said that the erhu is the instrument most capable of resembling the human voice. It has only two strings, but in the hands of a virtuoso it can fill the air with tenderness, sorrow, or joy— holding the audience spellbound.

But ten years ago, a group of Chinese artists came together in New York and decided to change that. They created Shen Yun and have brought the culture back from the brink of extinction. Shen Yun cannot perform in China, but it is now sharing this heritage with millions around the world. In fact, Chinese people fly from China especially to see Shen Yun.

The pipa is known as the king of Chinese instruments. It has an expressive depth that can convey both delicate, heavenly melodies and thunderous sounds of battle.

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DIVERSITY MATTERS: Colorado universities and colleges offer diversity programs and services.

University of Denver (DU) Niche.com Diversity Rating B+

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February 2016 | Cover Story

The United States is home to over 4,000 colleges and universities. More and more these institutions are starting to value diversity and multicultural programs, and share a common belief, that diversity in their student bodies, faculties, and staff is important for them to fulfill their primary mission: providing a high-quality education.

According to the American Council on Education (ACE) diversity enriches the educational experience, challenges stereotyped preconceptions; encourages critical thinking, and helps students learn to communicate effectively with people of varied backgrounds. It strengthens communities and the workplace, and it fosters mutual respect and teamwork. Diversity helps build communities whose members are judged by the qualities of their character and their contributions and it also enhances America’s economic competitiveness.

Sustaining the nation’s prosperity in the 21st century requires us to make effective use of the talents and abilities of all our citizens, in work settings that bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Read on to learn about the diversity programs and services at some of Colorado’s major colleges and universities.

University of Denver (DU) is a private institution that was founded in 1864. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,643. The campus has an international population of 6 percent, while 20 percent are students of color. The Center for Multicultural Excellence (CME), in collaboration with University partners, fosters an inclusive environment that welcomes, supports, and celebrates the University of Denver’s exceptional students, faculty, and staff.

The Center works to increase the presence of historically underrepresented populations within all ranks of the University, as well as their retention, success, and sense of belonging.

CME coordinates over 50 multicultural/ diversity programs, including the Asian American and Pacific Islander Services at the University of Denver with a mission to foster support, outreach, cultural events and activities as they pertain to DU’s Asian American population.

The Asian Student Alliance (ASA) focuses on the academic, political and social aspects pertaining to the Asian American population on the DU campus through community events aimed at promoting political awarenessand education, volunteering in the local community, and networking on campus whether it is with other student organization leaders or with staff and faculty. As one of the few Asian political student organizations in the state, ASA seeks to bring awareness and education to the community on the significant issues affecting Asian Americans from the past, present and in the future.

The university’s Kappa Phi Lambda sorority was established in 2013 and became the first and only Asian-interest sorority on the DU campus and in Denver. Their mission is to strengthen the sisterhood amongst women by providing service and promoting cultural diversity to its members and the community. Kappa Phi Lambda also exists to further educate individuals about Pan-Asian culture.

For more information visit: www.du.edu.

The University of Colorado Denver is a public institution that was founded in 1912. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 13, 509 students. Located in the heart of downtown Denver, students of the University of Colorado Denver are motivated, focused, hard working and busy. 29 percent of the total students population are ethnic minorities, while 44 percent of the undergraduate freshman class are ethnic minorities. The most popular undergraduate majors include: biology, business, psychology, and music.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) at the University of Colorado Denver provides leadership to enhance diversity university-wide and to foster a culture of inclusion. The offices focuses on numerous elements of campus life, including:​​ recruiting and retaining diverse students, faculty, and staff;​​ maintaining an institutional climate of inclusiveness, respect and understanding for everyone; and expanding ​​​ communitybased programs to reduce health and educational disparities.​ The Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) office provides services to support underrepresented students and to promote a diverse and inclusive campus for all students, faculty, and staff. The EOP consists of American Indian Student Services (AISS), Asian American Student Services (AASS), Black Student Services (BSS) and Hispanic Student Services (HSS). EOP provides vital links to the culturally rich and diverse community surrounding CU Denver.

The Asian American Student Services program provides academic advising, scholarship information, cultural programs, advocacy, resource referral, student organization sponsorship, and other supportive services tailored to the specific needs of Asian American students.

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans Student Services (GLBTSS) at Auraria offers a variety of support, education and advocacy services for the entire campus community.

TRiO Student Support Services helps first-generation lowincome students and students with disabilities: advocacy, peer and professional mentoring, tutoring, advising, scholarship and financial aid application assistance.

For more information visit: www.ucdenver.edu.

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER Niche.com Diversity Rating A-

Photo Credit: Soyon Bueno

Diversity Programs | asian avenue magazine

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COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY Niche.com Diversity Rating C+ Colorado State University (CSU) is a public institution that was founded in 1870. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 23,858 students. Located in Fort Collins, 17 percent of the total students population are ethnic minorities. The most popular degrees at CSU include business, education, engineering, and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

The University is committed to enhancing its diversity through the inclusion of individuals reflective of characteristics such as: age, culture, different ideas and perspectives, disability, ethnicity, first generation status, familial status, gender identity and expression, geographic background, marital status, national origin, race, religious and spiritual beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and veteran status.

The University’s commitment to diversity is a longstanding one that reflects the essential functions of a diverse community, spanning international boundaries, plays in the furtherance of its role and mission as a land-grant institution.

The Student Diversity Programs and Services at CSU supports students in a variety of ways and provide opportunities to successfully participate in, and contribute to, the diverse campus environment.

The Asian Pacific American Cultural Center is committed

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February 2016 | Cover Story

to inclusion and interculturalism. The Center creates and supports opportunities for interaction among University and community constituencies to provide a learning environment that supports all students.

The Native American Cultural Center seeks to foster a campus free of prejudice, bigotry, harassment, and violence by providing a space for all members of CSU communities to explore and increase their understanding of aspects related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression in an open and non-judgmental environment.

Resources for Disabled Students collaborates with students, instructors, staff, and community members to create useable, equitable, inclusive and sustainable learning environments. RDS is also committed to supporting Colorado State University as a non-discriminating environment for qualified students with disabilities. Women and Gender Advocacy Center (WGAC) provides programs and resources focusing on all genders, social justice, and interpersonal violence prevention. Additionally, WGAC provides advocacy and support for victims of sexual violence, stalking, sexual harassment and relationship violence.

For more information visit: www.diversity.colostate.edu

REGIS UNIVERSITY

Niche.com Diversity Rating BRegis University is a private institution that was founded in 1877. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,009 students. Regis University boasts a diverse student body, more than 20 percent are people of color; 65 percent are female; three percent have a disability. The most popular majors at Regis University include: Health Professions and Related Programs; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities; and Psychology. “Diversity� often is a term tossed around with little thought to its meaning. But at Regis University, the term diversity is at the core of their faith-inspired commitment to build an inclusive community that values the dignity and contributions of all its members.

Regis University believes that differences should thrive in a learning environment characterized by the Jesuit traditions of mutual respect and the pursuit of justice. Respecting our human differences, whether they are physical or philosophical, is what diversity is all about. It is not necessary that we all believe the same thing, but we all must respect others’ beliefs and opinions.

Within Jesuit tradition, respect for self and others is critical. A learning community that embraces a diversity of thoughts and ideas benefits all of its members. The discovery and discussion of different viewpoints is what makes a university unique.

Mi Gente seeks to promote community awareness of issues important to the Latino community as well as create a welcoming environment for all students to network and meet new people and create new life experiences. The group works to bring knowledge/awareness to Regis community about the Latino culture to create tolerance in our ever changing demographic.

The Asian Student Alliance builds relationships among Asian students by sharing a variety of Asian cultures, values and experiences, as well as to promote awareness to the Regis community.

The Black Student Alliance strives to bring diversity to the campus through African, Black-American, and Afro-Caribbean culture. The group seeks to provide a safe and family oriented group for all of those open to diversity. BSA aims to spread a feeling of inclusion throughout the student body, and in the process breakdown stereotypes and prejudices.

The Gender & Sexuality Alliance supports those who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, as well as their allies. The alliance promotes a safe and inclusive campus environment for all members of the Regis University community and often engages the Regis University community in dialogue about the complexity of gender and sexuality. For more information visit: www.regis.edu.

ABOUT NICHE

Niche provides reviews and insight from everyday experts; we make choosing a neighborhood, college, or K-12 school a more transparent process. Founded in 2002 by Carnegie Mellon University students as CollegeProwler.com, it has grown into one of the largest content startups in the country. For more information visit: www.niche.com.

Diversity Programs | asian avenue magazine

17

Photos at the Asian Pacific Development Center

Refugees in Colorado WHO IS A REFUGEE?

A person who owing to a wellfounded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it.

WHO IS AN ASYLEE?

When people flee their own country and seek sanctuary in another country, they apply for asylum-the right to be recognized as a refugee and receive legal protection and material assistance. An asylum seeker must demonstrate that his or her fear of persecution in his or her home country is well-founded.

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February 2016 | Feature

WHERE ARE REFUGEES RESETTLED IN COLORADO?

The majority of refugees are resettled in the Denver metro area. Approximately 150 refugees are resettled in Colorado Springs and 150 refugees in Greeley each year.

HOW MANY ARE RESETTLED IN COLORADO?

In 2014, 2,287 refugees, asylees, secondaries and other refugee-eligible populations were resettled in Colorado and 2,250 in 2015.

WHERE ARE COLORADO REFUGEES FROM?

“In 2014, our highest populations have been groups from Burma, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Eritrea and then Democratic Republic of the Congo.

While these are all refugees, they come from different experiences and different backgrounds, different strengths and different skill sets.�

- Kit Taintor, Colorado State Refugee Coordinator

HOW MANY REFUGEES ARE RESETTLED IN THE U.S.?

In recent years, the annual admissions levels for refugees has been set at 70,000 persons. Each year, after consultation with Congress, the U.S. Department of State, and refugee-related agencies, the President signs a Presidential Determination regarding the number of refugees to be resettled in the U.S. In 2014, 69,987 refugees were resettled in the U.S and 69,933 in 2015.* The 2015 Presidential Determination allows for up to 85,000 refugees. *Data from the Worldwide Refugee Admissions Processing System (WRAPS)

Information provided by the Colorado Refugee Services Program

COLORADO UPDATE

In November 2015, Governor John Hickenlooper announced that Colorado would accept Syrian refugees. According to World Vision, 4.6 million Syrians are refugees, and 6.6 million are displaced within Syria; half are children. Most Syrian refugees remain in the Middle East, in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt; slightly more than 10 percent of the refugees have traveled to Europe.

“We will work with the federal government and Homeland Security to ensure the national verification processes for refugees are as stringent as possible,” he wrote in a statement. “We can protect our security and provide a place where the world’s most vulnerable can rebuild their lives.”

Here in Colorado, many organizations and individuals already work closely with Colorado’s refugee families. Harry Budisidharta, Deputy Director at the Asian Pacific Development Center says, “The majority of our clients are refugees from Bhutan and Burma. They face many difficulties as they adjust to a new culture. These difficulties include: language, jobs, mental health issues, housing, and youth adapting to school life.”

“To address the barriers facing the refugee community, we must educate and empower the community. This is why advocacy is an integral component of our work. We meet with elected officials and representatives from various government agencies to educate them about the challenges facing the refugee community. We also do advocacy workshops for the refugee community so that they can advocate for themselves.

The refugee community needs our help, but they do not need our pity. They are amazingly resourceful and resilient people.”

According to Colorado State Refugee Coordinator Kit Taintor, Colorado has a proud history in resettlement. “Over the years, we’ve resettled folks from Vietnam, from Bosnia, from Rwanda and so you see the history of refugee resettlement as you drive around Metro Denver and around the state,” she said.

“You see the Vietnamese grocery stores and restaurants, you see the Ethiopian restaurants out on Colfax, so you can see all the legacy of refugee resettlement. But we’re proud to say that last federal fiscal year, Colorado actually ranked number one compared to all states when looking at such important outcomes as entered employment, hourly wage or the number of jobs that refugees were able to attain with healthcare benefits.”

“The refugee community needs our help, but they do not need our pity. They are amazingly resourceful and resilient people.”

-Harry Budisidharta, Asian Pacific Development Center

COLORADO RESOURCES

For more information about Colorado’s refugee services and programs, please visit these sites: Colorado Refugee Services Program sites.google.com/a/state.co.us/cdhs-refugee African Community Center | www.acc-den.org Ardas Clinic | ardasclinic.com Asian Pacific Development Center | apdc.org Colorado African Organization | caoden.org Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice | cahep.org Denver Health | denverhealth.org/medical-services/primary-care/ our-services/community-services-and-resources/refugee-clinic

Lutheran Family Services | lfsrm.org Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning | springinstitute.org

Asian Pacific Development Center provides culturally appropriate behavioral health, primary medical care, and related services to Colorado’s refugee and immigrant families.

Refugees in Colorado | asian avenue magazine

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Bringing the ramen culture to Denver!

RAMEN YAKITORI SUSHI OPEN

Mon-Thu & Sat: 5pm - 1am Fri: 5pm - 2am | Sun: 4pm - 9pm 48 parking spots available behind the building!

Double Happy Hours!

(Dine in only)

Daily 5pm to 6pm | 10pm to close Sushi $2 Hakushika Hot Sake (sm) $2 Japanese Beer (sm) $3 Selected Hand Roll $3 and more!

2907 Huron St. Unit 103 | Denver, CO 80202 | Tel: 720.639.2911

www.mytokio.com

Golden Shanghai Asian Restaurant

● The Best Chinese Restaurant by 710 AM Restaurant Show ● The Best Chinese Restaurant by the 1430 KEZW Restaurant Show ● Voted 2007 Top 100 Chinese Restaurant in the US

1412 S. Parker Rd. A-134 Denver, CO 80231 (303) 743-7666 (303)743-9079 (303)743-8210

Jason’s Thai Asian Bistro & Sushi

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS

BY SARAH SHIRAZI JALAPENO FISH $13.95 Fish fillet, jalapeno, chili pepper, bell pepper, ginger, garlic

CRISPY DUCK $14.95 Crispy duck served with baby bok choy on the side

BUDDHA’S FEAST $7.75 (LUNCH), $10.75 (DINNER) Assorted veggies and tofu in garlic sauce

SHANGHAI MOON $12.95 Stir-fried minced chicken, shrimp and shitake mushrooms in a fabulous special sauce; paired with crispy lettuce for wrapping

VIETNAMESE NOODLES BOWL $7.75 (LUNCH), UP TO $12.95 (DINNER) Rice noodle bowl with steamed veggies, served with chili-lime sauce (served with cold or warm noodles)

MASMAN CURRY $7.75 (LUNCH), UP TO $12.95 (DINNER) Asparagus, red peppers, green peppers, yellow peppers, broccoli, snow peas, potato

This family-owned restaurant has been a quiet haven from the bustle of University Blvd. since 2008. The interior—modern in aesthetic—lends a hand to the warm atmosphere, which contains an elegant balance of intimacy and informality (with three gigantic televisions perfect for watching sports games). The consistent service adds a nice touch, and even during the busiest hours, seems unflustered and maintains its composure.

There’s something for everyone here, and the regulars have favorites across the menu.

Don’t let the name fool you; Jason’s Thai is more than just Thai food. This Asian bistro offers everything from Thai curries and noodle dishes to an extensive selection of sushi, Vietnamese pho and Chinese food, both mainstream and traditional styles.

Step outside your comfort zone and order off of the traditional Chinese menu. The main menu doesn’t list the traditional Chinese dishes, unless you happen to read Chinese. Either way let your server know you want to try their Sichuan-style dishes. Trust me, after you do, you will forget all about sesame chicken, although they make a pretty tasty version.

Spicy food lovers must try the spicy boiled fish, chock full of fresh chilies, chili paste, tilapia, bean sprouts, bok choy, and dried scallions. This dish comes with plenty of sauce to drizzle over rice and enjoy with the tender pieces of tilapia.

Another favorite off the traditional Chinese menu is the deep-fried breaded chicken. This dish can be addicting, and can be shared as a starter, or family-style. And while it’s on the spicier side with tien tsin (Chinese red chili peppers), the exterior breading helps tone things down a bit.

Presentation is always key, and Jason’s Thai definitely delivers with the chicken and shrimp combination dry pot, a delicious stir fry blend made up of chicken, shrimp, peanuts, celery, peppers, bean sprouts, and sesame seeds.

Jason’s Thai isn’t just the perfect lunch or dinner spot, but boba tea lovers can even stop by the tea nook in the back for boba tea or a special Taiwanese dessert called shao xian cao, a sweet but balanced cup filled with grass jelly, tapioca, mango pudding, in a base of milk tea.

Karaoke lovers, Jason’s Thai also has two private karaoke rooms fully equipped with a television and karaoke system. The first hour is free with a food order; afterwards it’s $25 per hour to sing the night away.

2022 S. University Blvd. Denver, CO 80210 | Tel: 303.777.8388 | www.jasonsthai.com

Hours: Mon- Thurs 11am- 10pm | Fri: 11am- 10:30pm | Sat: 12pm-10:30pm | Sun: 12pm-10pm Restaurant Peek | asian avenue magazine

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strawberries, pineapples and popping bobas - oh my!

Photo by Trang Luong

don’t forget the drizzle!

By Annie Guo

4360 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO 80222 | 720.612.4546 | snowlabco.com Only a few months in and SNOWLAB has achieved an admirable five-star rating on Yelp as Denver’s premiere shaved snow spot!

What is shaved snow? Originated in Taiwan, also known as xue hua bing, shaved snow is a creamy ribbon-like dessert topped with fruits and drizzled with a sweet sauce.

Located on Evans Avenue near the Colorado lightrail station, SNOWLAB serves shaved snow made with the highest quality ingredients, and it’s even vegan friendly! This genre of dessert is the first of its kind in Colorado and provides an alternative to ice cream and frozen yogurt that can be enjoyed guilt-free.

Founded by Daniel Huynh and Augusto Guerrero, the two have been friends and travel buddies for seven years. While visiting California, they enjoyed shaved ice every day of their trip.

They knew they had to bring this delicious dessert to Denver! After months of preparation, SNOWLAB opened in October of last year.

Huynh says “we wanted to stick to the Colorado theme by making it with real and natural ingredients, rather than powder.”

Unlike many of their competitors, SNOWLAB does not use powder and additives like high

how it works!

1 choose a size

Regular, Large, Big Bowl

22

February 2016 | Dessert Peek

fructose corn syrup. Instead, they introduce only natural flavors made from fresh and, whenever possible, local ingredients. They believe in setting a high standard with each and every shaved snow cup that they serve. In doing so, they focus on providing tasty frozen desserts without the use of dairy products.

Start out trying one of their specials like the Green Tea Mountain with green tea shaved snow, red bean, mochi and condensed milk. Or venture out to create your own combinations with candy and fruit toppings. The staff will help you craft the perfect combination.

Looking for a drink instead? SNOWLAB also offers a menu of teas–Strawberry Fields, Meditative Mind, Chai Tea to name a few–and coffees like Vietnamese iced coffee.

They put themselves in their customers’ shoes to deliver not only a great product but the best customer service to everyone who walks in. This holds true as you read through the many positive reviews of the dessert shop.

You are welcome to stay a while whether you are using their free wi-fi, studying for an exam, or playing Connect Four or other board games.

SNOWLAB invites you to come chill. facebook.com/snowlabco | instagram.com/snowlabco

2 choose a flavor

3 customize your toppings

Green Tea, Vanilla Chocolate, Strawberry, Black Sesame, Avocado, Coffee

Bananas, Lychees, Pineapples, Strawberries, Mochi, Red Bean, Chocolate, Graham Crackers

4 top it off with drizzle!

Caramel, Chocolate, Condensed Milk, Mango, Raspberry

Follow SNOWLAB on Facebook and Instagram to see their secret menu/toppings.

Roast Duck

Ingredients

• Whole duck (weight of about 4-5 pounds), mostly unfrozen • Kosher salt and pepper • Soy sauce, 10-14 tablespoons • Fresh green onions, 2-3 each • Star anise, 3-4 each • Honey, 6 tablespoons • Chinese red pepper, ½ tablespoon • Prepared Asian sweet chili sauce or plum sauce, 4 tablespoons

D

ating back to the Ming Dynasty, Peking Duck was reserved only for the most competent chefs in China. When palace chefs fled the city after the fall of the Ching Dynasty in 1911, the recipe spread to the outer providences. Its blend of sweet, crispy skin and roasted meat has become popular across the globe, and today, Peking Duck remains a favorite entrée in Chinese American food culture. Enjoy this succulent duck dish with your friends and family for the Chinese New Year!

Method 1. Preheat oven to 300° F. 2. Rub a handful of kosher salt all

over the duck. Rinse all salt away and pat dry with a paper towel. Season duck with salt and pepper, inside and outside. Cut away and discard any extra fat.

3. Mix soy sauce, green onions,

star anise, Chinese red pepper and prepared Asian sweet chili sauce or plum sauce together in a bowl. Wait for 30 minutes to let the flavor of the ingredients marinate into the sauce.

4. Brush the sauce on the duck.

5. Air-dry the duck on a rack for one

hour. Let the sauce dry and permeate into the skin of the duck.

7. Brush the duck with honey.

8. Tuck the wings under the duck;

carefully place the duck breast side up in a roasting pan. (This prevents the tips from burning and helps balance the duck during cooking).

9. Roast duck at 300° F for

approximately 45 minutes per pound or until internal temperature of duck is 160° F. Turn up the heat to 450° F and roast an additional 5-8 minutes to crisp up the skin.

10. Cut and serve.

Chef’s Menu | asian avenue magazine

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1986-2016 THANK YOU DENVER!

30% off

your entire

bill Offer valid at Denver and Arvada locations.

Expires March 31st, 2016

Denver Location 2390 South Colorado Blvd Denver, CO 80222

Arvada Location 5355 Wadsworth Bypass Arvada, CO 80002

Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice FREE and LOW-COST Health Care

Quality medical examinations for diagnosis and treatment.

Vaccinations, blood tests and annual exams.

Dental and behavioral health care.

Female provider for pap smear and birth control tests.

Interpretation support for all our immigrant communities.

Women’s Wellness Services We provide FREE breast and cervical cancer screenings to women who qualify: • Ages 40-64 • Lawfully present in the United States • Uninsured or Underinsured (cannot afford the deductible) • Some income guidelines

We welcome elderly individuals and couples with Medicaid to join us for fun and care at Happy Living!

We provide free lunches, social activities and transportation to Aurora each day. We take care of seniors by providing health care services, a comfortable environment and translation services. Our partner, CAHEP, provides medical and dental services for all adults at Happy Living.

Please contact us ASAP due to limited space.

Tel: 303-937-6888

12201 E. Mississippi Ave, Aurora, CO 80012

WALKIN PATIENTS WELCOME! Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Saturday by appointment 5250 Leetsdale Drive | Between Forest & Holly | Suite 110 | Denver 80246

Tel: 303-954-0058 | www.cahep.org

Coming Soon!

Kadampa Meditation Center Colorado Locations: 1336 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80204 1081 Marion St. Denver, CO 80218

Tel: 303-813-9551

Email: info@MeditationInColorado.org Website: meditationincolorado.org

Finding Happiness and Inner Peace at H

appiness. It’s something we all think about, at times even obsessively.

We think, “I will be happy when, insert wishes here.” For example, I will be happy when I find a partner; I will be happy when I lose 20 pounds; I will be happy when I make more money, and the list goes on.

Buddhists say that we’re simply suffering by trying to seek happiness in this way.

“Happiness is an inside job,” says Malarie Bleich in her New York accent.

Sitting in a room of about 20 people the Kadampa Meditation Center (KMC) in Downtown Denver, the front of which is laden in Buddha imagery, Bleich starts to ask the group, “why are you here tonight?”

“To turn my brain off,” says one of the students in the Wednesday night introduction to meditation class.

“Our minds are in a constant state of movement,” says Bleich. “We simply can’t get our minds to sit still, which is the complete opposite of practicing mindfulness. When we learn to meditate, we learn to get some mindfulness, and we learn presence of mind. If we don’t have mindfulness, we don’t have mental control.”

KMC is a non-profit organization that was founded over 20 years ago by internationally renowned Buddhist teacher and author Geshe Kelsang Gyasto.

KMC teaches modern Buddhism and meditation from its two locations: Capitol Hill and a new location that opened in Downtown Denver last summer.

KMC Colorado is part of a network of over a thousand branches worldwide.

The Center gives people the opportunity to learn about and practice Buddha’s teachings and meditations as an effective way to solve their daily problems and discover an enormous capacity for inner peace and happiness.

According to resident teacher Kadam Lucy James, beginning with realistic

meditation times is key. “Start out with five minutes, then ten, then fifteen,” says Kadam Lucy James. “Focus on your breath and naturally the thoughts that pop up in your head will go away. “ Meditation is becoming more popular, according to the Center’s education coordinator and teacher, Kelsang Pagma.

“We’re seeing more and more people coming to our center to seek change in their lives.” As a Buddhist nun, Kelsang Pagma is committed to helping others learn the teachings and techniques to find inner peace and happiness.

KMC offers a variety of classes for all levels at a suggested $10 donation. You can also become a member starting at $40 per month.

Classes at KMC Colorado

Buddhist Meditation Class (Capitol Hill): Tuesday, 7pm – 8:30pm Beginners’ Meditation Class (Downtown, Glenarm): Wednesday, 7pm – 8:30pm Meditations for a Happy Life (Downtown, Glenarm): Sunday, 10:30am – 12pm Happiness Hour Meditation (Downtown, Glenarm): Monday & Thursday, 5:30pm – 6:15pm, Fridays, 3:30pm – 4:15pm Lunchtime Meditation: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday (Downtown, Glenarm): 12:15pm – 12:45pm, Tuesday (Capitol Hill): 12pm – 12:30pm Health | asian avenue magazine

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Kakehashi Project 2015:

Asian American Leadership Delegation to Japan

By Clarence Low, President and CEO of the Asian Chamber of Commerce of Colorado Called the Kakehashi Project, a delegation of ten Asian-American leaders from around the United States was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Mr. Clarence Low, President and CEO of the Asian Chamber of Commerce of Colorado, recently participated in the second annual Asian American Leadership Delegation to Japan in December 2015.

The Kakehashi Project is considered a sister program to a long-standing program called the Japanese American Leadership Delegation. Both programs provide opportunities to engage with Japanese leaders in government and business, and gain a better understanding of policy issues and challenges facing Japan, and to deepen relationships between the U.S. and Japan. Delegates also experienced Japan’s society, history and culture through visits to a number of districts around Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima.

Several guides from the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) received traveling delegates and provided exemplary coordination and logistics for the visits to numerous offices and cities.

Delegates received briefings that included: • Japan’s foreign policy and domestic challenges and opportunities; • Japan’s long-term care insurance system; • Reconstruction efforts in the Sendai, Tohoku earthquake/ tsunami-affected areas; • Japanese territorial and sovereignty challenges in the South China Sea; • Gender equality opportunities within corporate and governmental positions; and • Fuel cell technology and innovations from Toyota Motor Corporation.

Delegates were graciously received by Mr. Yoji Muto, State Minister for Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, as well as Mr. Daisaku Kadokawa, Mayor of Kyoto. One of the delegates, Mr. Daniel

Temple of the Golden Pavilion, Kyoto.

Photo Credit: Clarence Low

26

February 2016 | Business Travel Feature

Koh, who serves as the Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Boston, Massachusetts, exchanged remarks and gifts honoring its International Sister City relationship between Kyoto and Boston.

A highlight of the trip included beautifully presented dinners, hosted by members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, the delegation had opportunities to experience delicious cuisine, including a traditional Japanese breakfast, blowfish, sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market, keiseki, oysters from Hiroshima, and shabu-shabu.

Other notable opportunities to experience Japan included traveling to Hiroshima and Kyoto by Shinkansen (bullet train), visiting the National Diet building, participating in a special ceremony at the Meiji Shrine, visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, visiting the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, sake tasting at Gekkeikan Brewery and taking in traditional dance and music performances at Gion Corner.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) briefing regarding the South China Seas.

Photo Credit: Clarence Low

2015 Kakehashi Project Participants

Asian American Leadership Delegation (AALD) met with Kyoto Mayor Mr. Daisaku Kadokawa. Photo Credit: Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE)

Background on the Japanese American Leadership Delegation The relationship between the U.S. and Japan is considered by many as the most important bilateral relationship in the world, and Japanese Americans are uniquely positioned to help shape it. The connections between Japanese and Japanese Americans are complex. While World War II played a major role in severing ties between Japanese Americans and Japan, today’s opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit are great and demand a renewed commitment to involving Japanese Americans in U.S.-Japan relations.

The Japanese American Leadership Delegation provides Japanese American leaders with the opportunity to become acquainted or re-engaged with Japan and participate in discussions related to the role that Japanese Americans can play in addressing key issues that face both countries, now and in the future.

The first delegation was invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to visit Japan in 2000. It included third and fourth generation Japanese Americans selected from various professional fields including the educational, cultural, philanthropic, legal and political sectors. Since the initial trip, delegations of Japanese American leaders from throughout the United States have visited Japan every year since 2002.

For more information about the Japanese American Leadership Delegation visit: www.usjapancouncil.org/jald.

• Rosemary Abriam, President and CEO, Center for Asian Pacific American Women, San Francisco, CA • Allan A. Alvarez, Independent Producer and Host, H. Hawaii Media-KPHI Filipino Radio, Honolulu, HI • Christine Chen, Executive Director, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote, Washington, D.C. • Pramila Jayapal, State Senator, Washington State Senate, Olympia, WA • Daniel Arrigg Koh, Chief of Staff, City of Boston/Mayor’s Office, Boston, MA • Tuyet-Anh M. Le, Executive Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Chicago, IL • Clarence Low, President and CEO, Asian Chamber of Commerce, Denver, CO • Patricia Shin Rockenwagner, Senior Vice President, Condé Nast, Los Angeles, CA • Henry Tanaka, Dean of Art, Design and Humanities, Oakland Community College, Royal Oak, MI • Bonnie Wong, President, Asian Women in Business, New York, NY The Asian Chamber of Commerce appreciates the nomination for the Kakehashi Project from the ConsulateGeneral of Japan in Denver, and for its continued efforts and support building deep relationships between countries.

Connect with the Asian Chamber of Commerce 924 W. Colfax Ave. Suite 104-G Denver, CO 80204 303-595-9737

www.acccolorado.org

AALD dinner hosted by MOFA North American Affairs Bureau Deputy DirectorGeneral Mr. Shigeo Yamada. Photo Credit: JICE Kakehashi Project | asian avenue magazine

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GEORGE T. SAKATO, RECIPIENT OF WWII MEDAL OF HONOR, DIES AT 94

By Gil Asakawa

COLORADO CHINESE CLUB RAISES FLAG FOR THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN) On Jan. 1, in celebration of the new year, the Colorado Chinese Club hosted a ceremony to raise the flag for the Republic of China (Taiwan) at the Pacific Ocean Marketplace in Alameda Square. Over 70 people attended including the general director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), Jack Yang and his wife, Rita Yang. Lily Shen, President of Colorado Chinese Club, welcomed guests and thanked the many organizations that supported this event.

The ceremony was particularly symbolic as it was the first flag raising ceremony after the relocation of TECO from Kansas City to Denver.

George Sakato, who was known as “Joe” to family and friends, was given an emotional sendoff on Jan. 16 in a service at Heritage Christian Center, a facility large enough to accommodate the crowd of about 200 that came out to say goodbye. Sakato died on Dec. 2 at the age of 94.

Sakato was the last living member of the fabled 442nd Regimental Combat Team who had received a Medal of Honor from President Clinton, decades after he proved his heroism rescuing the famous Texas “Lost Battalion” in the forests of France. When his best friend was shot and died in his arms, Sakato killed 12 Nazi soldiers and personally captured four and assisted his platoon in taking 34 prisoners.

He was a familiar sight at Denver Japanese community and veterans’ events such as the annual Nisei Veterans Memorial Day Service at Fairmount Cemetery. He was interred at Fairmount before the family attended the service in Aurora, which featured a welcoming guard of veterans outside the church. Inside, a mix of military personnel and Japanese Americans made up much of the audience.

With radio host Rick Crandall as emcee, speakers including generals and politicians and even Makoto Ito, the Consul General of Japan at Denver, w words of tribute. Family members and friends shared their memories and Crandall ended the service with a powerful tribute of his own.

The audience watched a video of George Sakato receiving his Medal of Honor from President Clinton in 2000. Photo Credit: Gil Asakawa

28

February 2016 | On Scene

CONGRESSMAN MIKE COFFMAN CONGRATULATES COMMUNITY LEADER LILY SHEN FOR RECEIVING THE BOARD MEMBER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Congressman Mike Coffman (left) congratulates APDC Board Vice Chair Lily Shen (right) for receiving a lifetime achievement award.

On Jan. 23, Congressman Mike Coffman presented a congratulatory letter to community leader, Lily Shen in response to her recent award from the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council’s (CBHC) 2015 Board Member Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congressman Coffman wanted to personally acknowledge Shen for her contributions and receipt of this prestigious award.

Shen has been an outstanding vice chair of the Asian Pacific Development Center’s (APDC) Board of Directors for the past two years and has a respected track record, serving for a collective total of over 15 years. She continues to be an active and enthusiastic member of the fundraising committee and has successfully brought new donors and supporters to APDC throughout the years. For more information about APDC, visit www.apdc.org.

Supreme Court to Review Executive Actions on Immigration

Asian American Declares Candidacy for Lt. Governor of Washington

T

he U.S. Supreme Court announced it will hear a case challenging President Obama’s executive actions on immigration. Nearly half a million Asians would receive protection from deportation if the high court rules in favor of the plan.

Earlier this year the Fifth Circuit court blocked the President’s executive actions to expand his plan to allow children who came to this country illegally before age 16 to remain. It also blocked his order to let adults remain if their children are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

“The Fifth Circuit decision to block President Obama’s executive actions not only denies deportation relief, but also denies many the ability to apply for work

authorizations, obtain driver’s licenses, obtain health care, open a bank account and receive in-state college tuition,” said Moua, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

The MinKwon Center in New York has helped hundreds of undocumented immigrants apply for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) since 2012.

“We are ready and eager to do the same for expanded DACA and DAPA eligible individuals when their time finally comes,” said Grace Shim, executive director of the MinKwon Center. “In that spirit, the MinKwon Center urges the Supreme Court to make the just decision and help move the nation one step closer to comprehensive immigration reform.”

J

ournalist and political newcomer Phillip Yin declared his candidacy for Lt. Governor in the state of Washington.

Yin is running as a Republican in a state that is fairly evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. He hopes to replace five-time Democratic incumbent Brad Owen who has yet to declare his candidacy for a sixth term.

“I want a great economy with better jobs,” said Yin to AsAmNews. “With my international experience, I feel I can bring even more great jobs and fuel the economy.”

Yin was raised in Washington state in Yakima where his parents ran a restaurant.

He currently lives in Bellevue where he is raising three daughters.

Asian Americans Snag Oscar Nominations in Animation

A

Ronnie del Carmen

Sanjay Patel

Rosa Tran

t least three Asian Americans received Oscar nominations for their work in animated films.

Filipino American Ronnie del Carmen received a nomination along with Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, and Josh Cooley in the category of Best Original Screenplay for Inside Out. Inside Out was also nominated in the Best Animated Feature category, but Del Carmen was not named in the nomination.

Indian American Sanjay Patel along with Nicole Grindle received a nomination for Best Animated Short Film for Disney Pixar’s Sanjay’s Super. The fact that Sanjay’s first name is in the film’s name is no coincidence. The story is about the conflict Patel felt growing up between the modern world and the Hindu traditions of his father.

In the Best Animated Feature Film category, Vietnamese American Rosa Tran received a nomination with Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson for Anomalisa. Tran is a producer in stop motion and live action animation. Anomalisa is the story of a man’s inability to connect with other people. It is adopted from the acclaimed play by Charlie Kaufman.

Priyanka Chopra Becomes First South Asian Actress to win People’s Choice Award

P

riyanka Chopra, the star of ABC’s Quantico won the People’s Choice Award for favorite actress in a new TV series. Chopra has been an international sensation on the Bollywood scene, but has never had a big hit in the United States until Quantico.

According to Pinkvilla, she is the first South Asian actress ever to win this award.

Chopra clearly enjoyed her moment in the spotlight.

At one point, she even ran up to a photographer backstage to give him a peck on the forehead.

National News | asian avenue magazine

29

Love and Relationships 10 Tips for Keeping Your Relationship Strong

By Tom Shieh

I

don’t profess to be an expert about love. In fact, in this particular area, I’ve honestly made a lot of mistakes – probably more than most.

My wife and I have been together for over 20+ years. We met as teenagers and were high school sweethearts. I’m proud that after all these years, after all our fights, after all of our ups and downs, we’ve weathered the storms. Even after the rigorous demand of raising three kids, disappointment of failed business ventures, challenging family dynamics, and some vicious arguments ending with shouting and sleepless nights, we found a way to remain committed to loving one another passionately and faithfully— even more so today than ever before.

What’s the secret to a thriving relationship? And, is there even a secret?

What are the factors and principles determine whether an intimate loving relationship will last or not?

Here are my top 10 tips for keeping your relationship strong: 1. Know what you want and communicate it clearly. Do you honestly know what you ultimately want

30

February 2016 | Advice Column

and need in your relationship? If not and if you don’t communicate it, how does the other person stand a chance? And yet, too often, we get upset because they’re supposed to read our minds and know without asking.

2. Learn to like each other. Many parents love one other, but over time, they don’t like each other anymore. You can say, “I love you” to the other person as a gesture of a desire to commit to them long-term.

However, do you like them? You have to like and love your significant other.

3. If you treat your significant other the way you did in the beginning, there won’t be an end. How did you court and woo your significant other in the beginning? It might have been with flowers, chocolates, movies, gifts, date nights, long phone conversations, etc.

Don’t stop doing these small things and gestures of love. Don’t ever take each other for granted.

4. It’s not whether or not you fight; it’s how you fight. All healthy couples fight. In fact, I’m more concerned about couples that don’t fight than the ones that do fight. The real issue though is how do you fight, and how do you resolve conflict? Arguments can bring relationships closer if both parties learn from it and commit to one another even more deeply in understanding.

5. Gentlemen: Learn to say “I’m sorry” quickly and mean it genuinely.

Women are born with natural detectors and immediately sense if you’re 99.99% genuine. If you’ve hurt the other person, take responsibility and fully apologize even if you’re only 0.01% wrong. Don’t play the victim game.

6. Grow together. Couples that grow together, stay together. Find a hobby, activity, or interest that both of you can share together. Learning and growing together fosters a deeper sense of intimacy and common vision.

7. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Learn to lovingly laugh at yourself and each other without taking offense.

8. Learn each other’s love languages and speak it. Gary Chapman has written a wonderful book called The 5 Love Languages which are: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch.

Learn your significant other’s language and express it to them daily. Don’t just speak your language and wonder why they aren’t feeling loved.

9. Look for what’s impractical and inconvenient. When you’re romantic, you do things that are impractical and inconvenient. When you surprise someone, it’s the same thing. Don’t let your relationship become stale by always doing what’s routine, practical, and convenient.

10. Take care of yourself. Do things that make you happy. When you’re happy yourself, you tend of radiate your happiness toward the other person. You’re no longer purely relying to make each other happy. Instead, it’s just two happy people being even happier together.

Tom Shieh is blissfully married to his high school sweetheart; they’ve been together for over 21+ years. Originally from Taiwan, they have 3 joyful children together and currently reside in beautiful Denver.

Connect with Tom: linkedin.com/in/tomshieh facebook.com/tomshieh

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