This year’s theme for CAUSE’s annual event—the long awaited Summer Soirée—was “Radiating Strength.” Now, if someone were to look at me and determine if I radiate strength, the answer would more than likely be no. But, being surrounded by the vast number of AANHPI leaders and trailblazers at the soirée, it seemed as if their strength had rubbed off on me, even if it was for just one evening.
Team Horio posing for a photo after the election results
Nearing the end of the night, the event’s theme came into conversation between several interns and a couple of CAUSE’s board members. Between some back and forth in our discussion about Soirée, there was one opinion that drew my attention—a statement that the theme this year had the potential of coming off as too cocky, too pompous. “Radiating Strength” has the potential of being seen as pretentious, but there was, of course, some pushback against this particular remark. Radiating strength is not only about being overly confident. Instead, it is about knowing one’s place and what you know you deserve. The AANHPI community has frequently been left out of important conversations, and as a lot of us have heard before, if we are not at the table, we are on the menu. Because of this, another person’s response to this year’s theme really stuck out to me. They said that we should be proud and radiate strength because otherwise, we will continue to linger in the mold we are expected to fit into. By taking the initiative, standing out, and proactively advocating for our communities, we can secure our rightful seat at the table and expand it further such that all people can be represented. The game is not musical chairs, it’s the opposite.
2024 CLA interns debrief the soiree with Board Chair Charlie Woo and Board Member Ralph Barnes
Ultimately, if there is one thing CAUSE has taught me so far, it is to stand up for yourself and others, especially when things seem to be working against you. With dedicated people who are willing to fight for change, we can continue to radiate strength in all capacities.
Interns Eliana Kim and Gabrielle Shen take a photo with friends at the soiree
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not reflect the views or positions of CAUSE or the CAUSE network.
Written by Gabrielle Shen, Leadership Academy 2024 Intern.
The CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) for students is a nine-week, paid, internship program that prepares college undergraduates to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander community on their campuses and beyond.