The Full Story
About
The idea for this event was inspired by a desire to support and uplift our local Asian communities, especially after witnessing the struggles of places like Little Tokyo on the news. As a new father of a daughter with a blend of Korean and Japanese heritage, I want her to grow up proud of her mixed background and have a strong community to share it with. My wife encouraged me to leverage my experience and do something meaningful, knowing the impact I've made as a consultant, where I’ve successfully driven over $400 million in value on previous projects.
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Every May during AANHPI Heritage Month, I've noticed a lack of large-scale events that truly celebrate our diverse Asian backgrounds. While some local organizations host events, there hasn’t been anything that unites all of our communities in a significant way. Drawing on my past roles as USC Nikkei President and a Board Member of the USC Asian Pacific American Student Association, I felt compelled to create an event that brings together our varied cultures. Our aim is to celebrate our achievements, support local businesses, and build a sense of unity that resonates across generations.
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~ Derek
Mission
Our mission is to build stronger, more interconnected communities among the diverse Asian cultures in Southern California. We strive to create an inclusive event that celebrates the achievements of local organizations, businesses, and clubs during AANHPI Heritage Month. Through this event, we aim to foster a sense of pride and belonging, especially for the younger generation, and to ensure that our voices are heard and our contributions recognized.
Vision
Our long-term vision is for this parade to grow into a cornerstone event that spans an entire weekend, rotating hosting duties among different Asian communities each year. We envision a future where this event not only celebrates diversity but also serves as a catalyst for collaboration and unity among all Asian communities, breaking down barriers and fostering a stronger, more cohesive cultural identity.
