Asian Persuasion
It’s Asian American and Pacific Islanders month and what better way to celebrate than to honor those living right here in RVA. We must start by not dismissing our plentiful Asian food culture. We are privileged to have the incredible Asian cuisine flooding our city, from the tasty Phở of Phở Tay Do to the lumpiang of Auntie Ning’s to Akida’s tasty sushi to India K’Raja’s long running lunch buffet. Whether it’s Vietnamese or Filipino, Sushi or Gyoza our Asian food options are on point, but aren’t we so much more than that? I mean we did produce Constance Wu (Fresh Off the Boat, Crazy Rich Asians) (big up to my alma mater!), but we have other notable Asians in our community who are contributing other talents, awareness, politics, advocacy, and businesses to RVA.
May Nivar
There are many significant people who donate to RVA’s success and accomplishments, enlightening those on the inclusivity and cultural awareness of our fine home. Individuals like May Nivar who is chair of the Virginia Asian Advisory Board. She is also the founding chair of the Asian & Latino Solidarity Alliance of Central Virginia and serves as a Richmond chapter member of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities and all their members, including Justin Lo (left). Justin is Associate General Counsel, Financial Services for the Virginia State Corporation Commission and a restaurant critic for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Justin has helped voice inclusion and diverse cultural references in food criticism. In addition he has shred his experiences with discrimination in the current climate.
I can go on and list all of the resident Asian and Pacific Islanders who contribute to RVA (there’s a ton), but I’d rather focus on who I know and have known throughout the years who have enriched Richmond life for me and others through friendship, connection and inspiration. I’m proud to call them “my people”.
Photo by: Devin Bousquet
Anthony Meñez, my lifelong comrade who is a talented graphic/web designer, illustrator, cartoonist, and sketcher and hosts RVA’s annual Zombie Walk contributing funds to the American Cancer Society. Anthony is incredibly dedicated to his crafts and is a member of the 7 Hills Scooter Club here in Richmond. He also sings a mean Depeche Mode.
Sunny at Raindance Film Festival
Sunny Zhao, a true storyteller and visionary. He is an ward-winning film director and musician. His film company Dreams Factory has done several advertising and branding campaigns world wide. His feature debut film, Gift (2018), received accolades and was 2018 and 2019 Official Selection for Richmond’s International Film Festival. He and I share a love of cars and beauty of imagery.
Photo: MARK GORMUS/TIMES-DISPATCH
Sae and Stephanie Ahn, my trustworthy dry cleaners. Since 2006, this brother/sister duo has been in the business of cleaning, mending, and storing their customer’s clothing. What makes them so great? They have a hydrocarbon solvent-based dry-cleaning machine which makes them an Organic dry cleaning business, making it better for the environment and their employees. Mmmm so fresh and so clean!
Faisal Qureshi, another friend from my high school days. He is partner at Chaplin & Qureshi whom I recommend frequently for my real estate transactions. In addition, Faisal also practices in the areas of civil litigation, and commercial litigation.
Dr. Thanh (Tanya) Giang Sargent, my fellow Freeman High School classmate who is not only super smart (hello PHD in Molecular Biology), but is a Research Professional and Educator, teaching in Henrico County Public Schools. She also can rock a shaved head like no other and makes awesome videos for her students.
Satori Poch, Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Dipl. O.M whose practice, Comfort Acupuncture introduced me to the healing effects of acupuncture and Chinese medicine which has significantly helped me with anxiety and hormonal issues.
Photo by: Peter McElhinney
The Staff at Fusion Nail, these people are salt of the Earth and do an amazing job at manicuring the nails of Richmond. I cannot say enough great things about them and what they do.
Ana Douangdara McCubbin, one of the most gorgeous people I’ve known for 25+ years. Ana is owner and creator of Eleven 25 Studio. If you need customized art, hand lettering and this and that for personal, business, weddings, showers, home, etc, she’s your girl. Ana has a fantastic eye and creates sweet artistic pieces.
Rachel Leyco, Richmond musician and owner/event designer of EQ Events. Rachel has graced the stages of RVA for over a decade and recently released her new album last year. She’s just truly a talented person with a great soul and a love for craft beer!
Prabir Mehta, you’re very Richmond if you know who this individual is. Musician and non-profit warrior, Prabir is one of the most intelligent and talented people I know and has contributed much to Richmond society including these notable institutions, Gallery5, The Science Museum of Virginia, Science Matters, Gather, WCVE/PBS, Classical Revolution RVA, The Omaha Conservatory for Music, The Enrichmond Foundation, and many others.