You Can Make an Impact: Support AANHPI Youth

 

Imagine a world where every AANHPI girl and gender-expansive youth embraces their story with pride, finds belonging, and leads with courage.

At Asian Girls Ignite, this isn’t just a dream—it’s our mission.

Founded in 2020, Asian Girls Ignite is a Colorado-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) girls and gender-expansive youth. Through culturally responsive, social-emotional learning programs centered on identity affirmation, storytelling, and leadership development, we help students cultivate a strong sense of self and belonging.

We dream of a world where AANHPI girls and gender-expansive youth boldly define their own power, celebrate their unique stories, and lead with purpose in shaping their futures and communities.
— Mehgan Yen, COO of Asian Girls Ignite

But we can’t do this work alone. We rely on the generosity of supporters like you to make our work possible. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a direct, tangible impact. When you give, you’re not just funding programs—you’re creating opportunities for young people to feel empowered and celebrated for who they are.


 

Your Support Matters

Your support sends a powerful message:

You belong.

Your story matters.

We celebrate you.

Your generosity provides students with…

Identity Affirmation

Our programs help youth take pride in their identity and cultivate a strong sense of self.

Isa joined Asian Girls Ignite in 2020, uncertain of her place in the world. Today, she’s embracing her identity with confidence and inspiring her peers. 

“Asian Girls Ignite helped me celebrate myself—not just in this space, but everywhere, all the time. Without Asian Girls Ignite, I don’t think I would’ve found that as easily—or at all.”

Through Asian Girls Ignite, Isa discovered the power of connecting with others who share her experiences, traditions, and favorite foods. This rare and supportive space has helped her grow into her identity as a Japanese and Mexican woman and feel proud of who she is.  


Leadership Skills

Our programs equip students with the tools and confidence to lead, advocate, and inspire positive change in their communities.

In 9th grade, Jane noticed there wasn’t an Asian affinity group at their school. Inspired by their experiences with Asian Girls Ignite (Jane has been with us since the very beginning and attends as many events as possible!), they took the initiative to restart it.

While the first year focused on building interest, Jane’s leadership has since transformed the group into a thriving community. Now, as one of the group’s leaders, Jane is organizing events like a field trip to Denver’s historic Chinatown, creating opportunities for their peers to explore and connect with their heritage.


Safe Space

We strive to create environments where youth feel supported, understood, and free to be themselves.

When Janelle joined Asian Girls Ignite, she discovered a place where she could connect with peers who shared similar experiences.

“For the first time, I felt comfortable, welcomed, and truly understood.”

Through Asian Girls Ignite, Janelle deepened her understanding of her own identity and culture while connecting with others, growing into a global citizen who proudly embraces her story.


Community Connection

“I wish I had this growing up.” We hear this often from community members at our events.

Sunny joined AGI uncertain of what it meant to embrace her Asian identity (though she was definitely excited about the Asian food!). Today, she’s confidently sharing her story and thriving in a community that celebrates her for who she is.

Her journey was deeply influenced by her father Zak’s resolve to ensure she didn’t face the struggles he experienced growing up.

“I wanted to make sure Sunny felt proud of who she is, in a way I didn’t growing up,” Zak shared.

Through AGI, Sunny found a sense of belonging and pride, surrounded by peers who truly understand her experiences. “I never thought there were so many people out there like me,” Sunny said.


The Direct Impact of Your Support

When you give to our programs, you’re directly investing in the lives of youth who are shaping the future. Here’s how your donation can make a difference:

$25 provides a student’s meals for program days

With $25, you’re doing more than feeding a student—you’re connecting them to their culture through thoughtfully prepared meals that celebrate AANHPI heritage, while also supporting local AANHPI-owned businesses.

$50 provides a student’s materials for a creative workshop

Your $50 opens the door for a student to explore their creativity, helping them craft stories, art, and connections that reflect their vibrant identity and culture.

$100 covers a storyteller’s fee at a student event

With $100, you’re introducing a role model whose stories will light the way for students to see themselves as courageous changemakers.

$250 funds the student Wellness Grant

Your $250 offers a student the gift of wellness—providing the support they need to care for their mind, body, and soul during some of their most formative years.

$500 sponsors a student’s Leadership Workshop

With $500, you’re empowering a student to step into their leadership, shaping their future with courage and the tools to create lasting change in their communities.

$750 provides a student access to our week-long Summer Program

Your $750 provides an unforgettable summer experience where students deepen their sense of self, embrace their culture, and form lifelong connections.

$1,000 gifts a year of AGI programs to a student

With $1,000, you’re giving a student a life-changing year—one filled with identity affirmation, leadership opportunities, and a community that will uplift them for years to come.


Join Us in This Important Work!

Your gift brings us closer to a future where AANHPI youth thrive as leaders, storytellers, and changemakers in their communities. Together, we can help young people step into their power.

Make an immediate impact today!

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In Waves: Art Installation at Denver International Airport by Asian Girls Ignite

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Building Bridges of Belonging: Strategies to Support AANHPI Adoptees