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- Serica Initiative
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Over the past three months, we’ve had the joy of gathering with you — our community — for three Community Appreciation webinars. Each one offered us something invaluable: clarity, connection, and a deeper understanding of what you need from us, and what you want to see more of in the years ahead.
Our most recent session on December 4 was our final gathering of the series, and also our most focused. This time, Deputy Director Daniel and I dedicated the webinar to two programs at the heart of Serica’s next chapter: Voices Rising and our AAPI Women’s Leadership Mentorship Program. These are the initiatives shaping Serica’s 2026 vision — and the ones we’re investing the most in as we work toward our year-end fundraising goal.
What We Shared: A Year of Real Impact
This year has been one of Serica’s most expansive yet. As we walked through highlights during the webinar, the scope of what our small but mighty team achieved together truly came into focus:
45+ events and convenings across NYC, Seattle, and online
100+ AAPI leaders and creators spotlighted across arts, sports, storytelling, public service, entrepreneurship, academia, and more
2,000+ audience members served through in-person programs
16,000,000+ views of our films, panels, and shorts on ALL ARTS, PBS platforms, and social media
Multiple award recognitions, including 3 NY Emmy nominations and 1 Emmy win for Climate Artists
Continued partnerships with The WNET Group’s ALL ARTS, THIRTEEN/PBS, the Yuri Education Project, and TAAF, which helped bring some of our films into K–12 classrooms nationwide through curriculum guides
These aren’t just numbers. They represent stories told, perspectives included, and pathways created — for young AAPI professionals, for emerging artists, for students encountering our history in school for the first time.
Spotlight on Voices Rising & AAPI Mentorship program
During the webinar, Daniel and Andrea shared the background and updates on two of our main programs, Voices Rising and the AAPI mentorship program. These are two main programs we are trying to fundraise around for 2026.
As one mentee shared:
“This program helped me clarify my long-term vision and approach challenges with a solution-driven mindset. Most importantly, it gave me a community of Asian American women leaders to learn and grow from.”
What We Learned From You
Across all three appreciation events, you offered feedback that has already begun shaping our work:
You want even more Voices Rising programs and more locations
You want more opportunities to connect in person
You want AAPI curriculum and storytelling content that reaches schools and families
You want Serica to grow — but stay community-centered as we do
These sessions affirmed something we already believe deeply: Serica exists to serve, uplift, and listen to our community.
And we need your help to keep doing it.
We Need Your Voice — And Your Feedback
As we plan for 2026, your input matters more than ever.Will you take 5 minutes to help us understand your needs and hopes for the year ahead?
🎁 As a thank-you, you’ll receive one free ticket to a Serica event in 2026.👉 Survey link: https://www.sericainitiative.org/eoy-survey
How You Can Help Us Expand These Programs
We’ve already raised early support through these events — but we still have a long way to go to reach our $100,000 year-end goal. These funds directly support:
Expanding Voices Rising to new cities
Increasing mentorship pairs by 50%
Funding speakers, performers, and program filming
Creating more cultural and educational content for classrooms
Growing our impact to reach even more communities across the U.S.
If Serica has inspired you this year, I hope you will consider making a gift.Every dollar makes a difference — and every dollar is matched.
Thank You for Sharing This Journey With Us
Your compassion, your curiosity, and your belief in our mission fuel everything we do.With your support, we can amplify even more voices, build deeper connections, and continue shaping a more inclusive, empathetic future.
