Mandy Kwan

Mandy Kwan, 20’s 
Seattle, WA
she/her

Current Role: Seattle Foundation

What racial, ethnic, cultural community or communities do you identify with? 
Chinese, Asian-American.

When and how did your family come to the United States? Where were you born?
My parents came in the 80s to Seattle, and I was born in Seattle. 

What are the strengths and challenges of being Asian, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander?
A strength would be the ability to understand different experiences and perspectives. A challenge would be trying to find the spaces where those experiences and perspectives are both honored and championed. 

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Graduating from college. 

What is one thing you learned or appreciate from your family growing up?
Asking questions in order to understand. 

Do you speak your family's native language? Why or why not?
Yes I do, and I hope to not lose it! 

What advice do you have for the younger generations in our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community?
To go for what you want and reach whatever goals you have, but also be understanding of the many ways that older generations may not understand what or why you want to do what you want to do. 

What gives you the greatest joy in life?
Seeing the people with whom I surround myself live their best lives and seeing me grow into a better version of myself. 

Are there any projects you have created that you'd like to share and promote?
mandykwan.com

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