Announcing the 2024 AGI Wellness Grant Recipients
At Asian Girls Ignite (AGI), fostering well-being within our community isn’t just a mission—it’s a heartfelt commitment. This year, thanks to a generous $2,000 donation from Yen Chau of NineFold, LLC, we awarded four $500 AGI Wellness Grants to empower Colorado AANHPI girls and gender-expansive youth in grades 6-12. These grants honor the diverse ways our students define and pursue self-care, from embracing cultural traditions to nurturing creativity and maintaining meaningful relationships.
We were thrilled to present these grants at our 2024 Annual Holiday Soirée, celebrating alongside our supportive community of students, families, and allies.
This year’s recipients were thoughtfully selected by our panel of esteemed reviewers: Yen Chau, Saige Ju, Naiya Kulprathipanja, Akemi Tsutsui-Kunitake, and Dr. DJ Ida. Here are the inspiring stories from this year’s recipients, whose journeys remind us that wellness is personal, transformative, and deeply rooted in connection.
Meet the 2024 AGI Wellness Grant Recipients:
Alina Lin - 7th Grade Student
“Self-care simply means having my ‘me time’—choosing how to meaningfully spend my time, from listening to my favorite music and reading good books to participating in events that strengthen my Asian female identity.”
Alina plans to use her grant for individual counseling, art supplies, and reading resources, ensuring she stays balanced amid the pressures of school and extracurricular activities.
Arianthe Inlong - 9th Grade Student
“Joining AGI helped me rediscover my cultural identity and connect with my Filipino roots. Through cooking my father’s favorite dishes and learning traditional dances, I honor my heritage while building community.”
Arianthe’s grant will support her passion for Filipino cultural traditions, including learning traditional dances, cooking family recipes, and taking Tagalog language lessons to deepen her connection with her heritage.
Bea Yang - 8th Grade Student
Accepted by her sister, Elise
“Self-care means doing something that brings you joy. For me, that’s dancing—I dance every day. It lifts my mood and makes me feel free.”
Bea will use her grant to further her love for dance, exploring opportunities that allow her to express herself and find freedom through movement.
Jane Eskew - 10th Grade Student
“At my first AGI meeting, I realized there’s no such thing as being ‘not Asian enough.’ The right community will accept me for who I am—and I’m so grateful I found that with AGI.”
Jane will use her grant to visit her sister in California, strengthening their bond through shared cultural experiences, art projects, and time spent together exploring their heritage.
Why the AGI Wellness Grant Matters
The AGI Wellness Grant reflects our belief that self-care is multifaceted and deeply personal. By supporting these students' unique paths, we uplift a shared value: that well-being is essential to growth, healing, and identity exploration.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our donor, Yen Chau of NineFold, LLC, and our incredible AGI community for making this possible. Together, we celebrate the resilience, creativity, and determination of our students—and we look forward to seeing how their journeys unfold.
Stay connected with AGI by following us on Instagram or signing up for our mailing list as we continue building a supportive space where AANHPI girls and gender-expansive youth can thrive, be seen, and be heard.
Make a Lasting Impact
Every story shared here reflects the transformative power of belonging, cultural connection, and personal growth fostered through AGI’s programs. Your support enables more AANHPI girls and gender-expansive youth to explore their identities, pursue their passions, and build meaningful community ties.
Consider making a donation today and be a part of the journey that empowers our students to thrive, be seen, and be heard.
