Monday, August 31, 2015

Is GOP losing the AAPI Vote? Fiorina Slams 'Festering Problem' of Chinese Maternity Tourism - NBC News

my article for nbc news asian america
"The major issue for all Asian American organizations is that we've hardly been discussed in this presidential election, and that this is the way we're introduced is deeply offensive. It perpetuates stereotypes of Asian Americans as foreigners who commit fraud and intend to do harm to the US," said Ramakrishnan. "While making statements like this may help get them attention and name recognition, will it harm their candidacies in the long run and harm the Republican party in general?"
Fiorina Slams 'Festering Problem' of Chinese Maternity Tourism - NBC News

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Race, Justice, Outreach at the Heart of this New Orleans Camp - NBC News

Remembering how little coverage and outreach there was of/for the Vietnamese American community in New Orleans ten years ago, and glad today to be able to highlight the good work of VAYLA New Orleans​ and Minh Nguyen​ on this tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina
"We are building leadership, building confidence, and really changing the narrative around young people, especially young people of color. We do care about the community, we are part of the community, so let us be at the table to help figure this out."
Race, Justice, Outreach at the Heart of this New Orleans Camp - NBC News

Wayne State Law School APA History and the Law

I am pleased to be a part of Wayne State University School of Law's first offering of "Asian Pacific American History and the Law: Perspectives on APA Civil Rights" this fall semester with Roland Hwang and Ann Malayang Daley, Thursdays 6-8 pm, LEX 8015 (3 credits).

Tell all the law students you know at Wayne State to sign up while there are still seats.

I also just updated my "Upcoming" page--lots of writing classes and APIA speaking engagements coming up this year, but there's still some room for more. Invite me! (Discounts for California locations!) http://www.franceskaihwawang.com/p/upcoming.html

Saturday, August 29, 2015

"Jumpstart your college application essay" last day today

Last day of my writing class at WCC today, "Jumpstart your college application essay." We're writing all the common app, UM, and MSU questions. There's still time if you want to send me your teenagers and get those applications finished before school starts.

https://washtenaw.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=7897&int_category_id=0&int_sub_category_id=0&int_catalog_id=0

Friday, August 28, 2015

This Automatic Roti-Maker Has a $72 Million Waiting List - NBC News

WANT. my article for NBC Asian America re Rotimatic.
"With a demanding job, I often found that I did not have the energy to make [roti] and that's when I really missed my mom's garam garam karki roti," said Pranoti Nagarkar, co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of Zimplistic, in a video.
This Automatic Roti-Maker Has a $72 Million Waiting List - NBC News

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Jeremy Lin's Little Brother, Joseph, Signs Semi-Pro Deal - NBC News

My article for NBC News Asian America re #BabyLin
"During his tryout with the team, he demonstrated exceptional poise, high basketball IQ, and a great shooting touch," Chris Tsai, general manager of the Fubon Braves, told NBC News. "We think he has the potential to be a very good point guard in Taiwan, and he has the right attitude and work ethic to make that happen."
Jeremy Lin's Little Brother, Joseph, Signs Semi-Pro Deal - NBC News

Trump's 'Offensive' Asian Parody Sparks Criticism - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America
"Coming on the heels of Jeb Bush's use of the derogatory term 'anchor babies' and saying that term 'is more related to Asian people,'" Representative Mike Honda (D-CA), Chair Emeritus of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and Chair of CAPAC's Immigration Task Force, told NBC News that Trump's "offensive" parody "builds upon a disturbing narrative that is fueled by xenophobic speech and thinking."
Trump's 'Offensive' Asian Parody Sparks Criticism - NBC News

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Leaders Demand Apology from Bush for Asian 'Anchor Baby' Remarks - NBC News

My article for NBC News Asian America
"All that is accomplished through talk of anchor-babies - be they from Latin America, Asia, Europe, or Africa - is to use xenophobia to further isolate immigrants," she said. "It's time for our country to return to a substantive discussion on immigration."
Leaders Demand Apology from Bush for Asian 'Anchor Baby' Remarks - NBC News

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Asian Americans Tweet Outrage After Jeb Bush 'Anchor Baby' Gaffe - NBC News

my article for NBC Asian America re Jeb Bush
"I felt that Asian Americans need to be included in the immigration discussions," Fong told NBC News. "Our stories need to be told accurately so that our diversity and our contributions can be shared. Bush doesn't get to tell my story."
Asian Americans Tweet Outrage After Jeb Bush 'Anchor Baby' Gaffe - NBC News

Monday, August 24, 2015

Human Rights Lawyer Settles NYPD Case After Arrest for Blocking Sidewalk - NBC News

My article for NBC News Asian America re Chaumtoli Huq case
"Being a human rights attorney, I know the legal system does not work for those who have been historically and presently excluded from it, and knew this growing up as a working class immigrant in the Bronx," Huq said. "But going through the legal system as a client, not the lawyer, gives you a perch from which you see the day to day ways we are asked to negotiate away our rights, and be comfortable with what we get."
Human Rights Lawyer Settles NYPD Case After Arrest for Blocking Sidewalk - NBC News

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Jumpstart Your College Essay - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Today at WCC! Wake up your high school senior and send him/her/them this afternoon!
Have you been meaning to start your college application essays all summer? What do these questions mean? Where do you even start? How do you fit it all into the word count? This course is a college application essay boot camp to sit down and just get it done. Using timed writings and discussion, we will inventory our high school experiences, analyze application essay questions, write a good first draft, and discuss editing techniques. Bring a laptop, notebook, and pen.
Jumpstart Your College Essay - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Publicize Your Event - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Course Cancelled.

Develop a comprehensive marketing plan for your event or nonprofit today at WCC. Come join us!
Traditional and social media offer nimble and low-cost ways to get the word out about your organization, special event, or cause. However, a little strategy goes a long way. Learn how to write a press release and calendar listing. In addition, participants will review guidelines on length, frequency, tone and branding. Participants will also discover how to effectively use photographs, video, audio, graphics. The power of links, social media networks, and knowing your audience will be discussed. Bring a notebook and pen.
Publicize Your Event - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Thursday, August 20, 2015

#WeNeedDiverseBooks Talks Need In Publishing | Neon Tommy

Hey look, it's me! I'm quoted. From November 2014

#WeNeedDiverseBooks Talks Need In Publishing | Neon Tommy

How BuzzFeed Is Winning With Asian-Americans | DigitalNext - Advertising Age

Great article re Four Strategies for Brands to Engage with the Asian-American Audience
At first glance, a hard-hitting piece on affirmative action seems far removed from the humorous viral sensation "Ask An Asian." Yet both pieces were published on BuzzFeed -- an unlikely hub for issues affecting Asian-Americans. BuzzFeed hasn't been shy about pursuing this wildly underserved market and has achieved impressive cultural relevancy that many brands have failed to earn.
How BuzzFeed Is Winning With Asian-Americans | DigitalNext - Advertising Age

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Akufuncture's Samuel Wang on Fashion, Film, and Remembering Your Roots - NBC News

My Q&A with Akufuncture and Picture Taipei's Samuel Wang for NBC News Asian America
"You only know where you're going if you know where you're from, and where we're from is what Legends are made of." 
Akufuncture's Samuel Wang on Fashion, Film, and Remembering Your Roots - NBC News

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

APACC Google Partner Event in A2

Hey A2 business types-- Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce event at Google coming up Tues Sept 1 4:30-6:30 w networking, food, and educational seminar with the Accelerate with Google Academy (tips on how to put your business on the map and how to measure with analytics). Register now, only $10, or become an APACC member for free admission.

Events List

Monday, August 17, 2015

Smithsonian's 'Beyond Bollywood' Hits the Road - NBC News

my article for nbc news asian america
"'Beyond Bollywood' was the Smithsonian's first broad look at the experiences and contributions of Indian immigrants and Indian Americans," Dr. Masum Momaya, curator at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, told NBC News. Momaya said visitors from a variety of backgrounds would report that elements of the exhibit reminded them of their own immigrant stories, "such as shoes at the entrance of the exhibition, ambient music from the India of the 1960s and 1970s, black-and-white photographs of ancestors, and Corelle Ware plates and thalis."
Smithsonian's 'Beyond Bollywood' Hits the Road - NBC News

Recovery Begins in Saipan After Typhoon Soudelor - NBC News

my article for nbc news asian america
"Many affected residents do not have access to the internet, the radio, or even the phone, so local resident groups such as United For Saipan (U4S) and the United Filipino Organization have gone into the communities and distributed drinking water, meals ready to eat (MREs), and other relief supplies and basic life necessities to many villages that were heavily affected by the typhoon."
Recovery Begins in Saipan After Typhoon Soudelor - NBC News

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Jumpstart Your College Essay - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

This coming weekend, August 22 and 29,  at Washtenaw Community College WCC:
Have you been meaning to start your college application essays all summer? What do these questions mean? Where do you even start? How do you fit it all into the word count? This course is a college application essay boot camp to sit down and just get it done. Using timed writings and discussion, we will inventory our high school experiences, analyze application essay questions, write a good first draft, and discuss editing techniques. Bring a laptop, notebook, and pen.
Jumpstart Your College Essay - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Publicize Your Event - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Develop a comprehensive marketing plan for your event or nonprofit this coming weekend at WCC. Only a few seats left! Register now!
Traditional and social media offer nimble and low-cost ways to get the word out about your organization, special event, or cause. However, a little strategy goes a long way. Learn how to write a press release and calendar listing. In addition, participants will review guidelines on length, frequency, tone and branding. Participants will also discover how to effectively use photographs, video, audio, graphics. The power of links, social media networks, and knowing your audience will be discussed. Bring a notebook and pen.
Publicize Your Event - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Can This New App Help More Asian Americans Vote in 2016? - NBC News

my article for NBC News Asian America re 18 Million Rising VoterVOX
"Nearly half of all adult AAPIs are not comfortable in English (the technical term is limited English proficient)," C.M. Samala, Director of 18 Million Rising, told NBC News, "and I want the other 50 percent of us to take initiative in helping them participate fully in civic life."
Can This New App Help More Asian Americans Vote in 2016? - NBC News

Sunday, August 9, 2015

My summer and fall courses - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Check out my summer and fall classes at WCC. Please register early to ensure a seat!
(Click on the link at the bottom of the page to access WCC website and Registration info)

Publicize Your Event  BMG 4136  Start 08/22/15  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Room :  LA 150
2 sessions.  Days of the Week : Weekly - Sat .  Tuition: $69.00  Location : Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg Location :
  Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg.
  Instructor : Frances Wang    Please read: No lunch provided.

Jumpstart Your College Essay  ENG 4012  Start 08/22/15  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Room :  LA 160
2 sessions.  Days of the Week : Weekly - Sat .  Tuition: $69.00  Location : Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg Location :
  Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg.
  Instructor : Frances Wang    Please read: Lunch is not provided. Ages 15 to 18.

Chinese 1  CHN 4000  Start 09/30/15  Mandatory Fees: $10.00  Room :Rm.
8 sessions.  Days of the Week : Weekly - Wed .  Tuition: $189.00  Location : Main Campus Location :
  Main Campus.
 Instructor : Frances Wang

Finding Your Voice: Intensive Writers Workshop  ENG 4290  Start 10/03/15  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Room :Rm.
1 session  Days of the Week : Weekly - Sat .  Tuition: $69.00  Location : Main Campus Location :
  Main Campus.
 Instructor : Frances Wang    Please read: No lunch provided

Jumpstart Your Memoir  ENG 4006  Start 11/07/15  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Room :Rm.
1 session  Days of the Week : Weekly - Sat .  Tuition: $69.00  Location : Main Campus Location :
  Main Campus.
 Instructor : Frances Wang    Please read: No lunch provided.

English Special Workshop: Dare to Dream  ENG 4055  Start 12/05/15  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Room :Rm.
1 session  Days of the Week : Weekly - Sat .  Tuition: $69.00  Location : Main Campus Location :
  Main Campus.
 Instructor : Frances Wang    Please read: No lunch provided.

Chinese Food: Customs and Culture  HUM 4014  Start 12/02/15  Mandatory Fees: $10.00  Room :Rm.
3 sessions.  Days of the Week : Weekly - Wed .  Tuition: $189.00  Location : Main Campus Location :
  Main Campus.
 Instructor : Frances Wang 
Courses - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Friday, August 7, 2015

Read This! The Asian-American Summer Book List You Can't Miss - NBC News

my article for NBC News Asian America
"All kids need books that serve as mirrors, in which they can see themselves as superheroes, wizards, romantic leads, mystery-solvers, and other protagonist roles," Mike Jung, author of "Geeks, Girls, and Secret Identities," told NBC News. "And they have equal need for books that serve as windows, in which kids with different appearances and identities from their own fill those roles, because kids without mirror books are told over and over that they're alien, separate, and inferior, while kids without window books are told over and over that their experiences and identities are the only ones that matter."
Read This! The Asian-American Summer Book List You Can't Miss - NBC News

This Museum Wants to Change How You Think About Food - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america re new MOFAD - Museum of Food and Drink
"'What was Korean food like before the arrival of the chili pepper?' As a devoted bright-red-kimchi-eater, I have a difficult time imagining that!"
This Museum Wants to Change How You Think About Food - NBC News

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Anti-Vaxxers Fight to Unseat State Senator, Pediatrician Richard Pan - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america re ‪#‎keepdrpan
"Anti-vaxx parents are very vocal, but are their views truly those of the majority? I doubt it," Cynthia Liu, CEO/Founder of K-12 News Network, said to NBC News. "Other vaccination efforts around the country would probably encounter the same naysayers for many of the same reasons."
Anti-Vaxxers Fight to Unseat State Senator, Pediatrician Richard Pan - NBC News

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Sunglasses Sliding Down? Leaving Marks? These Two Have the Answer. - NBC News

my article for NBC News Asian America about Covry Sunwear
"We have always struggled to find sunglasses that fit us well," Shin told NBC News, "They would slide down the nose or rest on our cheeks, which made them very uncomfortable to wear. We decided to start this company when we realized that we weren't the only ones that had this problem."
Sunglasses Sliding Down? Leaving Marks? These Two Have the Answer. - NBC News

Monday, August 3, 2015

Use These Two Words On Your College Essay To Get Into Harvard | Fast Company | Business + Innovation

Re College Applications Essay, check out the data...
Getting into an elite college has never been more cutthroat. Last year, Harvard's admissions rate dipped to a record low, with only 5.3% of applicants getting an acceptance letter. Stanford's rate was even lower, at 5.05%.
These days, it takes more than impressive grades, a full roster of extracurriculars, and a deep commitment to community service to get into a well-ranked school. Experts say that a stellar essay is the linchpin that will win the admissions department over. But what is less well known is that different colleges favor particular topics and even specific words used in essays.
Use These Two Words On Your College Essay To Get Into Harvard | Fast Company | Business + Innovation

Chinatown's Swagger Celebrated in New '9-Man' Documentary - NBC News

My interview with Ursula Liang re 9-Man
"It was a space with this great raw energy and so much swagger. The players and coaches and fans defied stereotypes of Asian American men. They were compelling, dynamic personalities and I was surprised to learn how long the game had been around and never unearthed by the mainstream media."
Chinatown's Swagger Celebrated in New '9-Man' Documentary - NBC News

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Jumpstart your College Application Essay and Publicize Your Event - 2 August classes at WCC

For your high school seniors who haven't started their college applications yet. August 22 and 29  at Washtenaw Community College WCC. Register now!
Have you been meaning to start your college application essays all summer? What do these questions mean? Where do you even start? How do you fit it all into the word count? This course is a college application essay boot camp to sit down and just get it done. Using timed writings and discussion, we will inventory our high school experiences, analyze application essay questions, write a good first draft, and discuss editing techniques. Bring a laptop, notebook, and pen.
Jumpstart Your College Essay - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development

Intro to marketing strategy and planning for your event or nonprofit this August at WCC. Register now!
Traditional and social media offer nimble and low-cost ways to get the word out about your organization, special event, or cause. However, a little strategy goes a long way. Learn how to write a press release and calendar listing. In addition, participants will review guidelines on length, frequency, tone and branding. Participants will also discover how to effectively use photographs, video, audio, graphics. The power of links, social media networks, and knowing your audience will be discussed. Bring a notebook and pen.
Publicize Your Event - Washtenaw Community College Division of Economic & Community Development