Lifetime Members

AAJA has contributed to every stage of my career, from receiving a college scholarship to working on AAJA VOICES as a writer (and later as an editor) to taking part in the Executive Leadership Program. I became a lifetime member to give back to this community that has done so much for me.

Even though I retired from active journalism some years ago, I have always considered myself an AAJA lifer. I learned nearly everything I know about organizing and leadership from my volunteer roles with AAJA. I've always believed in the power of AAJA to build community and collective advocacy and to hold the media accountable regarding our voices and our stories, so I can't imagine ever not being a member. Had there been a lifetime membership back in 1984, I might have saved a lot in dues by now!

At every stage of my career, AAJA has been there for me as a source of strength and inspiration. As a college student, I won an AAJA scholarship and was lifted up by journalists who encouraged my dreams. As a professional making my way from reporter to editor to senior newsroom leadership roles, AAJA was there when I needed support, guidance and friendship. Some of my best friends in life I've made through AAJA. I am an AAJA lifetime member because the organization and its people are like family and they have helped me become who I am today.

For me, AAJA’s lifetime membership is a 2-way street. There are benefits, privileges and community. But it’s also a promise… a commitment to the next generation of journalists that we are a family, a coalition built on shared values and aspirations.

40 years ago, AAJA had just dozens of members. But just as it does today, its impact far exceeded its size. Journalists like Corky Lee, Ti-Hua Chang and Helen Zia -- my mentors -- went to help tell the case of Vincent Chin to America. They set the example. Covering this community with integrity and poise -- it's a long journey. And a Lifetime Membership is emblematic of that commitment.

When it comes to empowering the next generation of AAPI journalists and championing accurate reporting of our communities, there is no grassroots organization quite like AAJA. And as someone who has followed AAJA’s work for more than a decade (through high school, college, and now into adulthood), I’ve been touched by the team’s generosity, invaluable guidance, and investments to support students and better civic storytelling. I’m proud to be a lifetime member and owe so much to AAJA and its mission — and I hope you’ll join me in giving back to a nonprofit that has always had our backs.

I have been affiliated with AAJA since 2007, as a corporate executive leading recruitment for Gannett at AAJA’s annual Career Fairs. During the past 16 years, I have observed the professionalism of the organization and its commitment to its members, with programs such as JCamp and the Executive Leadership Program (ELP). The opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with ELP members has been very rewarding. Bottomline, AAJA is a family of journalists and I am grateful that members such as Paul Cheung, Caroline Ceniza Levine, Dickson Louie and others have embraced me as a member and contributor to the success of AAJA members. The Lifetime Membership is a small token of my appreciation to support AAJA and its mission.