Jessica Nguyen sits down with a few members of the Southeast Asian American (SEAA) SEAAster Scholars Collective–Jacqueline Mac, Linda Pheng, Vanessa S. Na, Varaxy Yi–to hear more about their experiences as POC/SEAA in academia, the meaning of homemaking, and the origin story and mission of their collective. After running into each other at various conferences and acknowledging that there were not many SEAA that occupy the academic space, they made it a goal to create a support system that provided the exchange of knowledge and authentic voices/experiences of the SEA diaspora. Oftentimes feeling alienated and isolated in academia, which is a predominantly White space, some members have taken more creative approaches (like dyeing their hair blue) in order to stand out and fight against invisibilization. When speaking about the challenges they had to overcome, they realized they wanted to do more than just survive. They wanted to thrive.
Focusing on fostering a collaborative atmosphere, the SEAAster Scholars Collective was founded to help people feel whole and supported. Engaging with other scholars who are able to empathize with their cultural experiences and honor each other’s beliefs and values, they found empowerment. After sharing their favorite moments and takeaways from being a part of this group, they end the podcast by providing advice and resources to those interested in pursuing a career in academia.
The SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICAN (SEAA) SEEASTER SCHOLARS COLLECTIVE is committed to advancing knowledge and understanding of the postsecondary experiences of SEAA students, staff, and faculty. We met as graduate students through various social connections and higher education networks and were thrilled to learn that there were other Southeast Asian womxn in higher education. We hold individual and collective identities as Khmer American, Lao American, ethnic Chinese Vietnamese American, daughters of refugees, partners, friends, and sisters.
Varaxy Yi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, California State University, Fresno
Malaphone Phommasa, Ph.D., Director, Transfer Student Center, University of California, Santa Barbara
Latana J. Thaviseth, Ph. D. Student, University of California, Los Angeles
Linda Pheng, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Vanessa S. Na, Ph.D. Student, University of California, San Diego
Jacqueline Mac, Ph. D. Candidate, Indiana University, Bloomington
WEBSITE: Seaasters.com
INSTAGRAM: seaaster_scholars
Episode 68: Civic Advocacy and Politics with Lacy Lew Nguyen Wright of Ballot Breakers, State Rep. Padma Kuppa of MI, State Rep. Patty Kim of PA
Episode 66: Learning about Life Coaching, Holistic Healing, Spirituality, and Self-Improvement with Seo Kelleher
Episode 65: Starting Passion Projects and Dealing with Burnout with Tiffany Huang of Spill Stories
Episode 64: Documenting Southeast Asian Narratives and Trending Community Issues with Project Yellow Dress
Episode 63: Healing your Relationship with Your Parents with Ivy Kwong
Episode 62: Discussing the Importance of Political Participation within Asian-American Households with Helena Berbano
Episode 61.5: Loveboat, Taipei with Abigail Hing Wen (+Giveaway!)
Episode 61: An Introduction to the Intersection of Identity and Product Design for the Asian-American Consumers with COVRY
Episode 60: A Casual Chat on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Living with CeCe Horbat
Episode 59: On Intergenerational Trauma with SEARAC
Episode 58: Quitting Your 9-to-5 job to Pursue a Creative/Entrepreneurial Path with Wonton in a Million and Simply Gilded
Episode 57: Last Words - Season 4 Finale
Episode 56: Collaborations through Love Intersections
Episode 55: Healing as a Survivor
Episode 54: An Earnest Fight Against Anti-Blackness
Episode 53: SEARAC: Affirmative Action and Data Disaggregation
Episode 52: NAPAWF: Reclaiming Our Bodies and Minds through Political Advocacy and #BodyLove
Episode 51: Bharat Babies: The Power of Storytelling
Episode 50: AAPI Women Lead: #ImReady
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