

Rapid Response: Scaling a mission w/TAAF's Sonal Shah
Jul 15, 2021
Sonal Shah, President of The Asian American Foundation, is no stranger to tackling big challenges. She previously launched the White House Office of Social Innovation. In this discussion, she addresses the rise in discrimination against Asian Americans and the foundation’s mission to create a sense of belonging. Sonal shares insights on navigating hate, the importance of reframing narratives, and fostering community resilience. With innovative strategies and collaborative efforts, she emphasizes the need for swift action to make a significant impact.
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Atlanta Shootings Spur Action
- Sonal Shah and her board were discussing strategy when news of the Atlanta shootings broke.
- This tragedy spurred them to accelerate the launch of The Asian American Foundation (TAAF).
TAAF's Mission
- TAAF aims to foster a sense of belonging and prosperity for the Asian American Pacific Islander community.
- This includes working towards a future free from violence, discrimination, and slander.
Perpetual Foreigners
- Asian Americans are often perceived as perpetual foreigners, leading to blame during times of crisis.
- This “othering” has historical roots, exemplified by the Chinese Exclusion Act and Japanese incarceration.