This year, TAP-NY is welcoming three new board members. Learn more about them below – and be sure to make it out to an event to meet them!
What drew you to TAP and why did you decide to join the board?
After moving to New York last year, joining TAP was a solid way to build community. Being on the board seems like a positive opportunity to make some impact.
What do you hope to accomplish in your role? New event ideas?
I’d like to further interconnect the seemingly distinct NYC communities. It would be fun to collaborate with the gay community, for example. I’d also like to organize some events geared toward helping the eldery and women.
What is your favorite aspect of Taiwan?
It’s difficult to choose only one aspect. The people are certainly welcoming – the Taiwanese tend to be craft-oriented, gentle, and harmonious.
What would our membership be most surprised to learn about you?
My nickname is 嘟嘟 (dudu) which means really really chubs.
What drew you to TAP and why did you decide to join the board?
I had been with the Boston chapter when I lived there several years back. Through TAP, I developed a stronger sense of pride in my heritage and got to know some great people, and the experiences we shared stand out as some of my most memorable and meaningful from that phase of my life. Naturally, then, after I moved to New York last year, I didn’t hesitate to join TAP-NY.
What do you hope to accomplish in your role? New event ideas?
I’d like to organize events that showcase the richness and diversity of Taiwanese culture, e.g. in food/drink, language, visual arts, performing arts. I hope that, through these, our community will be able to learn more about our culture and connect more deeply with their roots.
What is your favorite aspect of Taiwan?
There’s a lot that I like, but if I had to choose one, I’d say the people. Whenever I go back, I’m struck by the resilience, pride in craft, collectivism, and kindness that the people there embody, and I feel like I belong.
What would our membership be most surprised to learn about you?
I probably spend too much of my time on food.
What drew you to TAP and why did you decide to join the board?
I’ve always been drawn to discovering my Taiwanese heritage and I was introduced to TAP in college through USC’s Taiwanese American Organization. I was fortunate to have great mentors from the TAP-LA chapter and while I ended up moving out of LA, I was pleased to discover TAP-NY. I decided to join the board because I think I can help provide that same open-arm welcome for anyone wanting to explore Taiwanese heritage or simply adjust to NYC!
What do you hope to accomplish in your role? New event ideas?
I’m really hoping to increase engagement with recent grads and newcomers – even reaching out to various TASA organizations can give back to Taiwanese Americans and increase representation in the workplaces of the various industries that TAP members are a part of!
What is your favorite aspect of Taiwan?
The convenience of 7-11!
What would our membership be most surprised to learn about you?
Taco Bell is my favorite authentic & fine-dining (obviously) establishment and I hit the highest rewards tier in their app in my first month in NYC.