From Empowered to Building Power

Raising the next generation of Asian American leaders.

Our Vision

We envision a world where Asian American youth work in solidarity with the broader community to build collective power, belonging, and well-being for all.

Our Mission

We engage youth in Georgia to create community impact through leadership development, advocacy and civic engagement, and storytelling.

2025 – 2026

ASA Impact Report

A year of collective impact

See the reach of our programs, the youth we served, and the community we built together this year.

In the News

Media & Press

11Alive

Article

Georgia educator builds leadership and healing space for Asian American youth

11Alive

Article

Asian Student Alliance creates space for belonging

The New York Times

Article

After the Affirmative Action Ruling, Asian Americans Ask What Happens Next

Voyage ATL Magazine

Article

Rising Stars: Meet Asian Student Alliance of Suwanee

Atlanta Joongang

Article

ASA featured in Atlanta Joongang

Atlanta Joongang

Article

ASA featured in Atlanta Joongang

With Support From

Grants & Sponsors

Created in response. Built for lasting change.

THE STORY OF ASA HIGHLIGHTS THE POWER OF COLLECTIVE CHANGE.

Asian Student Alliance was founded by 7 Asian American educators in Gwinnett County, Georgia at the height of Covid-19 and anti-Asian violence. On March 16, 2021, the Atlanta Spa Shootings took the lives of 8 people, 6 of whom were Asian American women. ASA was born out of the need for a safe, supportive space for Asian American youth.

Through her grief, Yeon Joo Bae opened her laptop. She was desperate to reach other educators across Gwinnett County Public Schools who also felt isolated in their fear and pain. Yeon Joo relentlessly reached out to Jennifer Fero who had the access to host a virtual meeting. Meanwhile, Ahra Cho reached out to the district Board of Education, sharing the pains of Asian Americans teachers, students and families in the community. She knew a coalition was needed; feeling unsure where to begin, she turned to Cindy Ok who was deeply worried for Asian American students’ well-being. The next day, sitting in their inbox was an email from Yeon Joo, calling in dozens of educators to sign a petition and connect over a virtual meeting. Soo Son and Thy Tran were quick to respond. They, too, had been seeking a community response. With heavy hearts and a passion to create a better future, these educators gathered for the first time through their screens. They shared stories through tears, offering nods of solidarity. They found comfort in knowing that they were not alone. The conversation quickly turned to the students– if we feel this way, how about our youth? Fero cast the vision to co-create a leadership conference with youth who were desperate for a space to heal and take action. This secured the focus of the organization on increasing youth agency. Diem Nguyen joined and played a key role in growing the youth’s leadership.

The July 2021 inaugural ASA Youth Leadership Conference built by these educators and youth impacted over 120 Asian American students and community members. What began as a response to grief has grown into a youth-centered intergenerational organization committed to raising the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

Voices of Our Community

I joined ASA in 8th grade following the 2021 Atlanta Spa Shootings. ASA was exactly what I needed-- a community that lifts you up while helping you find ways to make a difference. I feel that my voice is heard and I have a place to contribute. Every event leaves me smiling, laughing, and learning something new. ASA exemplifies the power of a supportive community.

I’ve been in ASA since high school and I’m now a Sophomore in college. ASA has provided me with the skills to navigate life after high school, including professional development, networking, and project management. ASA taught me how to care for one another in the face of adversity and what it means to amplify underrepresented voices for an equitable future.

As one of the youngest members, ASA helped me find my community. I’ve grown in my confidence to speak my thoughts and embrace my cultural background. I am passionate about sharing the Asian American history I learned through ASA and advocate for an inclusive history curriculum at our schools.

ASA is a very welcoming space! As a homeschooled student, ASA has given me an opportunity to make new friends and find a supportive community to openly talk about important issues to youth, like mental health.

Through donating and volunteering at ASA events, we experienced firsthand their dedication to Asian American youth. ASA's important work builds confidence, leadership skills, and provides crucial space for kids who don’t always feel represented.

As Korean Americans who grew up in metro-Atlanta, we didn't have a support system like ASA when we were younger. Now, we are in a position to help build and be a part of a community where students are seen, connected, and supported by community adults in ways we didn’t get to experience.

I volunteer with ASA because I experienced firsthand the power of learning about Asian American history, sharing our stories to advocate for change, and having positive representation. ASA continues to be a space that keeps me rooted in my community.

Growing up without a space like ASA left me with questions about my identity, belonging, and power. I want to make sure no youth feels that way. I’m here to uplift youth as they lead with vision and courage. Their big dreams and commitment to community-building inspire me to grow with them.