Making a Difference Beyond Eye Care
My commitment to community service and social impact is a core part of who I am. As a healthcare professional and community member, I believe in using my platform and resources to make a positive difference in the world. Here are some of the initiatives I've been proud to be a part of:
COVID-19 Response: Protecting Our Frontline Heroes
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I recognized the urgent need to support our healthcare workers. In collaboration with Philanthropy Worldwide, I spearheaded an initiative to secure and donate 250,000 pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to frontline healthcare workers.
This effort involved:
Fundraising to procure supplies of PPE to donate
Coordinating with suppliers to source high-quality PPE
Organizing logistics for efficient distribution
Partnering with hospitals and clinics to ensure the supplies reached those most in need
The impact of this initiative extended beyond the physical protection it provided; it was a gesture of support and appreciation for those risking their lives to keep our communities safe.
Founding Rain Haus: Amplifying Voices, Inspiring Change
Inspired by the power of shared stories and the need for diverse representation, I founded Rain Haus with a group of inspirational minority women. This organization is dedicated to uplifting voices and empowering individuals from all walks of life.
Through Rain Haus, we've been able to touch lives, change perspectives, and contribute to a more inclusive society.
Uplift AAPI Voices: Standing Against Hate, Promoting Safety
In response to rising concerns within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, Rain Haus organized the "Uplift AAPI Voices" event which featured speakers from the AAPI community, live music, interactive workshops, food as well as donations for raffles provided by generous sponsors, and a fundraising campaign.
This initiative had three main objectives:
1. Raise awareness about issues facing the AAPI community
2. To fundraise to acquire pepper spray for the community in New York where it is difficult to buy.
3. Take concrete action to promote safety and peace of mind
As a result, we were able to donate 50,000 pepper sprays to individuals in need in New York, providing a tangible means of personal protection and empowerment.
Rain Haus x Project By Project
Summer Safety Series
Rain Haus collaborated with Project by Project to facilitate a summer safety series. We distributed pepper sprays, safety alarms, multilingual instructions, and mental health resources to communities in need across all boroughs of New York City, including Brooklyn. This collaboration was a culmination of efforts that began with recognizing a lack of safety resources for the Asian community during a challenging time.
The journey from idea to impact was inspiring:
Identifying the issue of insufficient safety resources
Gathering inspiration from talks and listening to community leaders
Creating an organization (Rain Haus)
Hosting an event and fundraising
Finally distributing pepper sprays and resources to those in need
With this initiative, the initial mission for Rain Haus was accomplished: amplifying voices and maximizing our collective impact to nourish the community.
Speaking Engagements: Sharing Experiences, Inspiring Action
My community work has opened doors to impactful speaking opportunities. At Plate by Plate New York 2022, I shared insights on leveraging professional skills for social good and the power of collective action in community service. This prestigious event connected me with fellow change-makers, amplifying our collective impact.
In another engaging talk for Vita Coco Company, I explored AAPI Food & Creativity, weaving personal stories of how food brings people together and expresses love across cultures. These platforms have allowed me to inspire others while deepening my own commitment to community service and cultural understanding.
Get Involved
If you're interested in collaborating on philanthropic initiatives, have ideas for community projects, or want to learn more about how you can get involved, I'd love to hear from you. Together, we can amplify our impact and create the change we wish to see in the world.