"We Are the Leaders" showcases the rich history of resistance and change within the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. From the towering figures of ancestors who fought against injustice, to the unsung heroes who continue to champion causes on the ground today, "We Are the Leaders" is a testament to the enduring spirit of activism within our community. Inspired by the words of the legendary activist Grace Lee Boggs, "We are the leaders we've been looking for," Miko and Jalena have created a platform that amplifies the voices and stories of AAPI individuals who are paving the way for a future built on equality and justice. Through this project, they hope to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in our community, highlighting the strength and resilience that defines our heritage. Join Powerleegirls on this incredible journey as they shine a spotlight on the remarkable individuals who continue to shape the AAPI narrative and remind us all that we are the leaders we've been searching for.
We are the Leaders: Sex Positivity
Powerleegirls highlight an elder activist who has broken the mold and a younger activist who is reimagining the way forward. Tonight’s focus is sex positivity. We get to hear from two queer icons who are sex educators. We talk with Lani Kaʻahumanu, a hapa queer elder who is known for putting the B in LGBTQ and founding the Peer Safer Sex Slut Team and with Jayda Shuavarnnasri a Thai-American cis queer woman also know as your sex positive Asian Auntie.
We are the Leaders: Missing in History
Powerleegirls focus on AAPI stories that Helen Zia says are “Missing in History”. Storyteller activists include: Anirvan Chatterjee of the Berkeley South Asian Radical Walking Tour, Sammie Ablaza Wills of APIENC and musician Hāwane Rios.
AAPI Special Programming – We Are the Leaders
To celebrate the AAPINH month we hear from activists featured in “We Are the Leaders” including: Helen Zia, Anirvan Chatterjee, Sammie Ablaza Wills, Hawane Rios, Yuri Kochiyama, Julia Putnam, Gail Romasanta & Saru Jayaraman.
We Are the Leaders: The Advocates
PowerLeeGirls hosts, Miko Lee and Jalena Keane-Lee begin their series “We Are the Leaders”, highlighting the AAPI history of resistance and change from ancestors to the leaders on the ground today.
Tonight’s show features advocates for social justice APIENCs leader Sammie Ablaza Wills and disability rights advocate Mia Ives-Rublee.
We Are the Leaders – Labor
Powerleegirls are talking about labor- in the fields, in restaurants and in prisons. We talk with author Gayle Romasanta to learn more about ancestor farmworker Larry Itliong. We talk about prison labor with Asian Prisoner Support Committee’s Ke Lam and restaurant workers with Saru Jayaraman founder of One Fair Wage.
We are the Leaders: Movement Builders
Powerleegirls focuses on “Movement Builders”, people who have shaped or led the way for AAPI justice. We talk with Helen Zia about Vincent Chin and the start of the Asian American movement, we hear from Yuri Kochiyama about AAPI Black solidarity and we talk with Julia Putnam about the legacy of Grace Lee Boggs.