Episode 15 - SIH Live Event Recording

Nothing can replace a conversation in real life. LOVED every moment with the season 1 and season 2 guests who participated in the Someday Is Here Live Event last month on February 22nd. We enjoyed a conversation around a coffee table and reflected on what it meant to be in an all asian event setting, our hopes for the up and coming leaders, and why this space is so important. I hope you were able to see some of the photos from the day. Check out @somedayisherepodcast for highlights. Let me know if you were in the audience and took part. I’d love to hear your feedback from our time.

Season 1 Guests (in order of appearance on the episode):

Hosted by Vivian Mabuni with Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, Ruth Chous Simons, Michelle Kim McCoy, Diane Dokko Kim and Helen Lee

Season 2 Guests (in order of appearance on the episode):

Hosted by Vivian Mabuni with Dorina Gilmore-Young, Tracey Gee, Jensine Lee, Susie Gamez, Michelle Reyes, Alia Joy

Episode 15 w/ Tracey Gee

Loved my conversation with Tracey Gee as we covered so many important topics about being an Asian American woman leader.. We talked about struggling with fitting in and also about some of the great asian values we add to the greater good in society. As we talked about leadership, Tracey shared about how she uses the Strengths Finder to help develop women in leadership through identifying their strengths and unique contributions. Her passion for coaching and consulting is so evident through our conversation. I can’t wait for you to listen to this interview! —Viv

Tracey is a certified StrengthFinders coach who is all about helping people find their strengths and how they are uniquely made. She talks about the value of the older generations and the importance of valuing and honoring them even if they don’t have the things that are marked as productive, successful, or worthy in the wider society.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TRACEY

www.traceygee.me
Instagram: @traceygee.me

Tracey Gee is a leadership development coach and trainer who is passionate about working with mission-driven leaders, teams, and organizations. She has had over 20 years of leadership experience as a director with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. She is also a Gallup certified StrengthsFinder coach and consultant. She is also a published author of a book for Asian American women called, “More Than Serving Tea: Asian American Woman on Expectations, Relationships, Leadership and Faith.” Originally from the Bay Area of California, Tracey now lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two boys, and rescue dog Kona.

FAVORITE ASIAN COMFORT FOOD

Turkey juk (rice porridge)

LEADERSHIP LESSON

Lean into what is authentically true about you. What is unique and strong about you instead of getting caught up in comparison and imitation

Episode 14 w/ Jennifer Chung

Jennifer Chung went from recording a makeshift Youtube cover to Alicia Keys in 2007 to now recording her own original songs listened by hundreds of thousands of people. Jennifer takes the road less traveled and we get to see a glimpse of how she got there. She shares with us the hard truth that when we’re financially independent we get to make our own decisions regardless of what others may think.

LEARN MORE ABOUT JENNIFER

http://jenniferchung.com
Instagram: @jenniferjchung
Twitter: @jenniferjchung
Facebook: @jenniferjchung
Youtube: JenniferJChung
Spotify: Artist Page

Singer-Songwriter Jennifer Chung was born in Korea and raised in the bay area, California. Her mother, a dance teacher, her father, a recording artist -- she was always surrounded by the arts through dance and song. The stage was a familiar place as she grew up performing Korean Traditional Dance, singing at talent shows, jazz bands, musical theater, embarking on her YouTube journey by posting her first video in 2007 as one of the pioneer Asian-American content creators. She went on to receive a B.A in Drama at the University of California, Irvine, and released her first full length album 4 Years & Counting... (2011) October of 2017, Jennifer released her long awaited mini album After All produced by Sam Ock. Her voice is admired for its versatility: theatrical belting strength, soulful-pop textures, and clean control with jazz influence. Jennifer currently resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband, Joules, producer, rapper, and founder of The Futuristic Vintage. Together they make the hip hop-soul music duo known as WATS [We Are The Songs]. You can also find their podcasts that recently launched titled, "WATSCAST Podcast."

Favorite Asian Comfort Food

Korean fried chicken & Spicy rice cake

Leadership Lesson

Everyone needs to take responsibility for themselves

Episode 13 - Season 1 Recap w/ Viv

Our host Vivian highlights favorite moments from Season 1, what she's looking forward to in Season 2, and details on our first ever Someday is Here Live Event.

It’s not too late to Sign Up for this One Day event you don’t want to miss!

Episode 12 w/ Jenny Yang

What an inspiring conversation with Jenny Yang. I have so much respect and gratitude for the work that she is doing. She is passionate about her work and family. I especially love how she shares the work she does with her children. Jenny Yang’s work on political campaigns and international affairs started in DC. Now she is the VP of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief. She explores the tension of assimilation and amplification in our ethnic journey. Jenny shares about how she navigates balancing family and her work traveling advocating for immigrants and refugees. Can’t wait for you to join the conversation!

LEARN MORE ABOUT JENNY

Twitter: @JennyYangWR + @WorldRelief
Instagram: @JennyYang318
Facebook: @JennyHwangYang

Jenny Yang provides oversight for all advocacy initiatives and policy positions at World Relief. She has worked in the Resettlement section of World Relief as the senior case manager and East Asia program officer, where she focused on advocacy for refugees in the East Asia region and managed the entire refugee caseload for World Relief. Prior to joining World Relief, she worked at one of the largest political fundraising firms in Maryland, managing fundraising and campaigning for local politicians. She is co-author of Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion and Truth in the Immigration Debate, serves as Chair of the Refugee Council USA (RCUSA) Africa Work Group, and was named one of the 50 Women to Watch by Christianity Today.

FAVORITE ASIAN FOOD

Tteokguk: oxtail soup and rice cakes

NEWS & LINKS

World Relief: https://worldrelief.org/

Jenny’s book link: https://www.amazon.com/Welcoming-Stranger-Justice-Compassion-Immigration/dp/0830833595

https://worldrelief.org/welcoming-the-stranger

LEADERSHIP LESSON

Humility goes a long way. It expresses to the people you work with that none of us have the right answers, that we have to work within a team and in collaboration with each other. Whenever I see someone curious and learning, is a huge strength of leadership.

EPISODE 11 w/ Nikki Toyama-Szeto

What an honor to interview Nikki Toyama Szeto this week on Someday is Here. Nikki is a brilliant thinker, leader, and communicator. I loved hearing her journey as a Japanese American woman in high level leadership roles and the wisdom she shared for up and coming leaders. Excited for you to hear your feedback! —Viv

Nikki Toyama-Szeto writes and teaches leaders nationally and globally. Currently she resides in Washington D.C., but has lived in Nairobi, Cairo, and Bangkok. Nikki helped develop and direct Urban Global Trek, an urban immersion program designed to challenge college students to use their majors on behalf of the world’s most marginalized people. Currently, she is the Executive Director of Evangelicals for Social Action and directs the International Justice Mission’s Institute for Biblical Justice and oversees Global Prayer.

FAVORITE ASIAN COMFORT FOOD

Tonkatsu Curry and Mango Sticky Rice

LEARN MORE ABOUT NIKKI

Twitter: @ntoyamaszeto
Buy her book: More Than Serving Tea

Leadership Lesson

“Take lots of risks and make those mistakes now. Mistakes will only get bigger and bigger”

POINT OF PRIDE

“It took awhile for me to journey and begin to see that my ethnicity and gender are a gift. They’re God’s best gift to me.”

EPISODE 10 W/ VICTORIA PARK

Absolutely loved my conversation with the talented and delightful Victoria Park. As an actress and filmmaker, Victoria is comfortable behind and in front of the camera. We talked about how our Asian DNA is infused into all of the different areas in our lives. Victoria shared examples of this working in the industry from her gratitude for those who have gone before, the strong community of those currently share the space with her, and the hope she has for those Asian Americans growing up seeing someone who looks like them on the screen. Can’t wait for you to listen to this week’s episode!

Victoria Park is an actress, filmmaker, and self-professed cat lady. You can watch her on CW's The Flash, on Tuesday nights at 8/7c. She is also known for her role as Gaby Cho on the critically-acclaimed show "Sweet/Vicious" on MTV, and her leading role in feature film "Everything Before Us" by Wong Fu productions, whom she also frequently collaborates with. When not working, she can be found getting lost in the great outdoors, spending time with friends and incredible husband, and/or eating all the things."

FAVORITE ASIAN COMFORT FOOD

Any type of dumplings: : ravioli, pierogi!

LEARN MORE ABOUT VICTORIA

Instagram: @heybvp
Facebook: @heybvp
Twitter: @heybvp
IMDb: Victoria Park

LEADERSHIP LESSON

Leadership is through service and sacrifice.

Picture provided by History.com

DID YOU KNOW

In 1885, Mamie Tape, an 8 year-old Chinese-American girl, became a catalyst for school desegregation. Her parents decided to file a lawsuit when their daughter was not allowed to enroll in the Spring Valley Primary School in San Francisco. The landmark Supreme Court decision known as Tape v. Hurley, rule that state law required public education should be open to all children. This work to fight for the right for public education to be available to all children emerged 70 years before the historical Brown v. Board decision to desegregate schools for African-American children. For more information on the story of Mamie Tape see https://www.history.com/news/chinese-american-segregation-san-francisco-mamie-tape-case

Episode 9 w/ Kat Lee

What a touching and meaningful conversation with the fabulous author, speaker and podcast host, Kat Lee this week on @SomedayIsHerePodcast. Kat shares her story of meeting her Filipino family as an adult, the feelings of loss, and what can be found. Kat’s journey is an important reminder that it is never too late to uncover your story. Grab a couple tissues. You will not want to miss this week’s episode! 

Kat Lee is passionate about teaching others how to jump-start each day with a grace-filled, life-giving morning routine. She is the author of the Hello Mornings book (published by Thomas Nelson), a speaker, podcaster, and the founder of HelloMornings.org. She and her husband, Jimmy, live in Waco, Texas, with their three children.

Favorite Asian Comfort food

Garlic rice dish

Learn more about Kat

Facebook: @hellomorningsofficial
Instagram: @hellomornings + @hellokatlee
www.hellomornings.org

LEADERSHIP LESSON

“Love the people you lead”

DID YOU KNOW?

---

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Someday is Here is a live event for Asian American women in all walks of life. We will hear from various Asian American authors and speakers present on topics tailored to Asian American women. Come meet some of the guests who have been interviewed on Season One of the Someday is Here podcast. We will have breakout sessions and also tape a live podcast interview with all the speakers. It'll also be a great opportunity to meet other Asian American women from all over the country. We look forward to seeing you on February 22nd!

Episode 8 w/ Diane Dokko Kim

I know I start just about every interview off with “I’m so excited to introduce you to our guest this week,” but truly I AM SO EXCITED to introduce you to my friend, Diane. We had a very honest conversation which wove together our pride and pain in our ethnic stories and experience.  

Diane was born in Korea, but at a young age her family moved to Northern California. She talks about the importance of truly trusting in your own voice and expresses how she values being able to see both sides of her cultures and how it has become an asset. Diane is full of energy, wit, and wisdom. Look forward to hearing your stories from the show this week! —Viv

Learn More about Diane

Faith, Family & Special Needs @
Facebook: DianeDokkoKim
Instagram: @DianeDokko
http://www.dianedokkokim.com

Diane is a Christian wife, special-needs parent, and disability ministry consultant, author and speaker. Her passion is to encourage and comfort others with the comfort received from Christ, and to speak up for those who cannot… Not everyone is affected by disability. But whether by a diagnosis, disillusionment, death—or the death of a dream— everyone gets “crippled” by something. No one is exempt from the jagged edges of a broken planet. All believers struggle to reconcile faith with disappointment, grief and loss —unexpected, yet powerful tools for discipleship and spiritual transformation. The greatest gifts can come wrapped in hardship. Brokenness may steal, kill, and destroy indiscriminately. But Jesus is an equal opportunity healer and Redeemer. Thank you for joining us on the journey of being wrecked, redeemed and repurposed.

Favorite Asian Comfort Food

Kalbi : sugar, water, soy sauce (1:1 ratio) garlic, green onions 

Tteokbokki (Korean rice cake)

LEADERSHIP LESSON

“If you want to be a leader, you need to know how to follow first”

DID YOU KNOW?

The first significant wave of immigration for Koreans started on January 13, 1903. Korean immigrants arrived in Hawaii to work on pineapple and sugar plantations. By 1905, more than 7,226 Koreans had come to Hawaii.

Resources

Unbroken Faith- https://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-Faith-Spiritual-Recovery-Special/dp/1683971345

C.S. Lewis Quote:  “What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it.”

Episode 7 - Dorcas Cheng-Tonzun

I look forward to introducing you to my friend Dorcas this week on Someday Is Here. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and especially appreciated how Dorcas opened up about being a recovering perfectionist, depression, and defining belonging while living overseas. Those crucial years living abroad have helped her grow in her understanding of her immigrant parents and find honor in growing up in a shame and honor culture. Dorcas is so kind, humble and Stanford smart. Can’t wait for you to listen and learn this week from her!

LEARN MORE ABOUT DORCAS

www.chengtozun.com      
Facebook: dorcasct
Twitter: @dorcas_ct         
Instagram: @dorcas_ct

Dorcas Cheng-Tozun is an award-winning writer, a former columnist for Inc.com, and the author of Start, Love, Repeat: How to Stay in Love with Your Entrepreneur in a Crazy Start-up World. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Image Journal, Christianity Today, and dozens of other publications in the U.S., Asia, and Africa. Dorcas also served as the first director of communications for leading global social enterprise d.light, and continues to provide communications consulting for several international social enterprises. She is a Silicon Valley native who has also lived in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Kenya. She and her husband, Ned, have two young sons.

LEADERSHIP LESSON

“It’s not about you, it’s about the people around you.”

Did You Know:

Suicide was the leading cause of death for Asian Americans, ages 15 to 24, in 2017. http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html
Social Media Handles & Links:

Book: Start, Love Repeat: How to Stay in Love with Your Entrepreneur in a Crazy Start-up World https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1478920742/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

EPISODE 6 w/ Helen Lee

You are in for a treat this week. The incredible Helen Lee is on the show. I admire Helen. She is a dear friend, a gifted writer, generous, kind, and smart. She has worked in publishing for over two decades and is an award winning writer. 

Helen describes the exact moment in 6th grade when she discovers what it means to be Korean when filling out a form about her ethnicity. She teaches us that words and tones can be misinterpreted, but sometimes it’s just about acknowledging the differences that can help us grow and be better leaders. I loved our conversation and can’t wait for you to hear her insights. —Viv

LEARN MORE ABOUT HELEN

Twitter: @helenleebooks
Instagram: @helenleebooks
Facebook: @helenleeprofile
www.helenleebooks.com

Helen Lee is the associate director of strategic partnerships and initiatives for InterVarsity Press (IVP), and the director of content and resource development for Missio Alliance. She has previously served as an editor and marketer at IVP and acquired, edited, and marketing numerous books, in particular those by authors of color. Helen is an award-winning writer and the author of The Missional Mom; she has contributed to many other devotionals, Bibles, and articles over her more than 20 years in Christian publishing. Helen lives in the Chicago area with her family.

LEADERSHIP LESSON

When you are working in a context where the leadership is largely non-Asian there are very distinct ways I think we Asian Americans communicate and relate. They are unique and distinct, and it will feel jarring that no everyone relates that way.

FAVORITE ASIAN COMFORT FOOD

Kimchi jjigae: Spicy Kimchi Stew (pork) 

EPISODE 5 - w/ Whitney Yang

I am honored to have Whitney Yang as a guest this week--wife, mom, actress, photographer and skilled culinary chicken preparer. I loved our conversation about Hmong culture and Whitney’s dedication to retaining much of her identity as a Hmong American. 

In this conversation, she shares the nuances of Hmong culture and tradition, her ethnic journey, and teaches us about the “Secret War”.  You’ll want to take notes for her favorite comfort food! As I learned more about Hmong history, I am so impressed by the resilience and fortitude of the Hmong and understand better why the community remains so tightly connected. Enjoy the episode! -Viv

Whitney is a first generation Hmong-American who was born into a large and racially diverse home. She is most known for her supporting role in Clint Eastwood's film, Gran Torino, where she is honored to represent her own people. Since then, she has married the love of her life and is currently raising three beautiful boys. Whitney describes herself as an introverted hermit who lives a not-so-solitary home. Her current goal is to have at least five children before she reaches age 30 so that she can focus on career aspirations sooner. For enjoyment, you can find her photographing weddings, tending her garden, and schooling newbies in Catan.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHITNEY

Instagram: @whitneyandmatsayaphotography
Facebook: Whitney and Matsaya Photography
Photography: Whitney and Matsaya

LEADERSHIP LESSON

“Leading is not about getting people to do what you want to do; it’s about stepping down, serving them, and being at their level…humbling yourself”

FAVORITE ASIAN COMFORT FOOD

Chicken Soup w/ Herbs >>RECIPE HERE<<

DID YOU KNOW

“The Secret War” In 1962, American CIA soldiers went to Laos and recruited 19,000 Hmong men, and kids as young as 10-12 years old, to fight as foot soldiers against the communist Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Since the U.S. lost, the tragic outcome was there was no exit strategy for the Hmong people.. They were ultimately left to fend for themselves. Many were captured and cruelly punished for helping the Americans.

From the mid to late 1970’s there was a large immigration of Hmongs from Laos and Thailand to the United States. While U.S. policies were created to aid in the resettlement of Hmong refugees in America, the U.S. still does not recognize the Hmong soldiers who helped the Americans in the war as war veterans. 

To learn more visit:

https://www.mnvietnam.org/story/the-cia-the-hmong-and-the-secret-war/

https://www.pbs.org/video/the-hmong-and-the-secret-war-zwwpgu/

EPISODE 4 - W/ KATHY KHANG

I’m excited to introduce to you my friend, Kathy Khang--author, speaker, wife, mom,and yoga instructor. Kathy has the ability to identify injustice and communicate with clarity, and sometimes humor, about the inconsistencies she experiences in life. Our conversation was informative as she shed light on some of Korea’s history. I especially found Kathy’s ability to articulate her journey insightful and inspiring. She connects the power of culture created around language and food, and the loss brought when you don’t understand the “mother tongue”. I look forward to hearing your feedback from this week’s episode. -Viv

Kathy Khang is a writer, speaker, and yoga teacher. She is the author of Raise Your Voice: Why We Stay Silent &amp; How to Speak Up (IVP, 2018), contributing editor for Sojourners magazine, a coauthor of More Than Serving Tea (IVP, 2006), and brings more than 21 years of ministry experience with expertise gender, race, ethnicity, justice, and leadership development.

LEADERSHIP LESSONS

Leaders are READERS! Over time through failure of things that I thought I knew then what are the ways in which I can learn what I thought I knew and didn’t or unlearn something which is also a great way to do through reading.

FAVORITE ASIAN COMFORT FOOD

Soondubu Jjigae: Tofu Stew (really spicy with tofu, pork belly, spam, egg, sausage and onions)

LEARN MORE ABOUT KATHY

Instagram: @mskathykhang
www.facebook.com/kathykhangauthor
www.kathykhang.com

EPISODE 3 w/ Michelle Kim McCoy

I’m so excited to share my conversation with Michelle Kim McCoy this week. Michelle is warm, kind, and fun. A multi-talented Korean American woman who invests in herself and her cultural identity on and off the screen. 

Michelle opens up about her experience growing up as the “token Asian American” in most circles. Then, attending the University of California-Irvine, where the majority culture looked like her--causing her to question her value and identity. Michelle shares how she uses life experiences, such as the recent birth of her son, to incorporate and share about Korean culture. I especially appreciate her willingness to unpack the challenges she faced with her parents for marrying her husband, who is Black and Jewish. I can’t wait for you to listen and share your feedback! —Viv

Michelle Kim McCoy is a pastor's wife, actress and photographer based in Los Angeles. She and her husband, Kelly, are expecting their first child this month (His due date is Vivian's Birthday - July 25th!!). When she's not busy going on auditions or working on set, she's serving college students at The Church at Rocky Peak or running Michelle Kim Photography. You may have caught her in episodes of The Gifted, Grey's Anatomy, Ray Donovan, The Last Ship, Shameless and Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide. Every Monday, Kelly, Michelle and their adorable dog Mr. Snuffy practice sabbath and document their adventures at #dluxsabbath.

Favorite Asian Comfort Food

Brodard’s in Garden Grove

Learn more about Michelle

Instagram: @michellekimmccoy
Photography: Michelle Kim Photography
Acting: IMDb

Episode 2 w/ ruth Chou Simons

I’m excited to invite as the first guest on this podcast my friend, Ruth Chou Simons. Ruth is a talented artist, a business woman, mom to six boys, and a fun-loving, spicy food loving beautiul soul. With a vibrant Instagram account of over 126K followers, Ruth has curated a space for beauty and inspiration. —Viv

Ruth is the award winning author of “Gracelaced” and newly released “Beholding and Becoming.” She illustrates and write about seeing beauty and truth through her everyday life. From name pronunciation to Asian school lunches, she opens up about her experience of being born in Taiwan and growing up in New Mexico. She shares leadership skills on leading out of freedom instead of being performance driven. Ruth is a refreshing reminder of how no matter where you are in your life stage we are all still works in progress.

Learn more about Ruth at

Website: ruthchousimons.com, gracelaced.com
Instagram: @ruthchousimons
Facebook: facebook.com/gracelacd
Twitter: @gracelaced

In this episode I start off by giving you a little back story of how the show got its name and we dive into what it means to be an Asian American living in both eastern and western worlds.

Each week guests will share their leadership and ethnic journeys. To begin, I share my own story; of what I’m proud of and what has been painful. I also share leadership lessons and some of my favorite Asian comfort food. Thanks for listening!

—Viv