Episode Overview:

Lindsay sits down with ASPIRE (Asian SistersParticipating in Reaching Excellence) leaders Sophia Lai (Board Chair) and Michelle Chen (former Program Manager, Youth Leadership Program) to explore what it takes to nurture the next generation of AAPI girls and women.

They discuss the cultural and structural challenges AAPI girls face, why identity-rooted mentorship matters, and how ASPIRE’s programs turn mentees into mentors—creating a self-sustaining pipeline of leadership, sisterhood, and belonging. Listeners gain insight into how they get involved and support this vital initiative.

Guests

• Sophia Lai, Board Chair - Former director of the 2019 Asian American Women in Leadership Conference; longtime volunteer and builder of mentorship ecosystems

• Michelle Chen, (former) Youth Leadership Program Manager - Led cohorts, cultivated safe spaces, and watched mentees return as mentors and conference volunteers

About ASPIRE

ASPIRE empowers Asian American girls and women through identity development, mentorship, and education. Programs include the Youth Leadership Program (YLP), professional mentorship tracks, and community-based initiatives. Alumni frequently return as mentors, creating a tiered, intergenerational network that compounds impact.

Episode Guide

00:34 Welcoming ASPIRE Leaders + Leadership Pathways

07:16 Challenges Faced by AAPI Women

16:27 Importance of Mentorship

20:06 ASPIRE's Unique Programs

22:06 Diverse Experiences in ASPIRE

22:22 A Success Story: From Student to Mentor

25:09 The Impact of ASPIRE's Mentorship

28:00 How to Get Involved with ASPIRE

29:29 Qualities of an Ideal Mentor

32:30 Future Plans for ASPIRE

33:19 Personal Reflections on Mentorship

36:51 Rapid Fire Questions

Connect with ASPIRE

Website: www.girlsaspire.org

Email: mentorship@girlsaspire.org

IG: @girlsaspire

Connect with Courage Class on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube:

@courageclasspod

@drlindsaykwockhu

www.drlindsaykwockhu.com/podcast⁠⁠

Sign up for Courage ClassNotes, a weekly newsletter:

https://dr-lindsay-kwock-hu.kit.com/980fac101a⁠⁠

Music Credit:

DayNigthMorning from Pixabayinvitation-no-copyright-music-388387