Submitted by: Colorado Health Institute | Presented in English with Spanish interpretation

Colorado's diverse Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community comprises people from 75 countries, 50 distinct ethnic groups and more than 100 languages. Yet, this diverse diaspora is often treated as one. Colorado Lotus Project, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by AANHPI community leaders, seeks to dismantle the myth that this community is a monolith. This unique project blends community engagement, data disaggregation, storytelling and art to capture the nuances of being AANPHI in Colorado. Join the Colorado Health Institute (CHI) and the AAPI Circle in an interactive discussion about why understanding community nuances (among any identity group) is crucial to creating equitable policies and actions. Whether you identify with AANHPI communities, work with them or recognize the importance of unpacking these stories in your own community, this session will deepen your commitment to rewriting outdated narratives and amplifying marginalized voices.

Presenters: 

•  Karam Ahmad, Director, Colorado Health Institute
•  Jin Tsuchiya, Co-Chair, Colorado AAPI Circle
•  Kimberly Phu, Research and Analysis Manager, Colorado Health Institute

Objectives:

• Learn how qualitative and quantitative data can support equitable resource allocation and improved understanding of communities served by examining key findings from one community-driven project highlighting Colorado’s AANPHI communities.
• Learn methods for authentically engaging with AANHPI community members and leaders across Colorado to understand their nuanced lived experiences.
• Discuss why it matters to uncover the nuances within our communities and how unpacking communities' nuanced identities helps us meet them where they are.