In its sixth year as a non-profit organization, Act To Change has empowered over 100 Youth Ambassadors, reached dozens of schools with the Homeroom Anti-Bullying Workshop, convened young changemakers in virtual and in-person events, and reached hundreds of thousands of AAPI youth with its virtual programming and online presence.
With two new staff members leading, redesigning and improving our programs and operations, Act To Change is poised to expand its impact and uplift AAPI youth in their journeys of self-acceptance and self-empowerment.
Prior to his new position, Josef was a Program Manager at the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence (MCEDSV), and Jonathan served as head of Talent Acquisition at OneGoal. Below, they share what they’re more excited about as they step into the new positions at Act To Change.
Learn more about Josef and Jonathan here.
What brings you to Act To Change?
Jonathan: Professionally, I’ve built my career and realized my life’s passion in mission-driven and social justice oriented spaces. Working with an organization that aims to make a difference and have a lasting impact is an absolute requirement for me and Act To Change absolutely meets that bar. On a more personal level, I was born and raised in the southern United States and attended schools from K-12 where I was always the minority. Up until 8th grade, I was the only AAPI student in my class and one of three AAPI students in the entire school. Bullying, the pressure to assimilate, and the shame that first came before a genuine appreciation for my identity markers gives me the drive and fuel to make a difference and contribute in any way I can to ensure Act To Change’s mission is a lived reality for this generation’s youth.
Josef: Honestly, growing up as a gay, fat, femme, Filipino immigrant in a predominantly white, Colorado community was like the ultimate “let’s see how many boxes we can check off to get bullied” challenge. Spoiler alert: I won! But seriously, those experiences shaped me into someone who refuses to let anyone feel like they don’t belong. When I found Act To Change, I was like, “Wait, an organization like this exists? Sign me up!” Their mission felt personal, and I knew I had to jump in. Now, I get to help make the world a little kinder, a lot more inclusive, and full of spaces where everyone can feel like the fabulous humans they are—no matter how many boxes they check off!
What excites you most about your new role with Act To Change?
Jonathan: My strengths lie in people-centered operations and talent. I really want to emphasize the “people-centered” part coupled with operations. In my prior experience, especially in talent acquisition, I tend to find that the talent pool is filled with candidates who have a strong affinity towards relationship-building or a strong affinity towards operations. The first thing I noticed about this role was the opportunity to really live into both affinities through the role’s multifaceted work streams. My experience in the operations, talent, finance, and HR spaces have set me up well to succeed in this role. The majority of my career required me to wear all of these hats at once, and roles like this motivate and excite me.
Josef: After four years on the Board, I’m super excited to roll up my sleeves and dive into leading our two core programs, Homeroom & the Youth Ambassador Program! I’m pumped to bring fresh ideas, build on our amazing foundation, and continue empowering AANHPI youth to tackle bullying head-on and create more inclusive spaces that foster belongingness and connection. It’s all about taking the energy and passion I’ve had as a Board member and turning it into action that creates real change. Plus, now I get to help truly shape the programs that I’ve always believed in, which is both exciting and just a little bit nerve-wracking—but in the best way possible!
What projects are you looking forward to working on in the next few years?
Jonathan: I am really looking forward to lending my expertise in finance and operations to ensure we build out some lasting systems for the organization. One specific way I’m looking forward to this in my role is working closely on our program efforts to ensure we have strong budget tracking systems in place and pursue opportunities to fund them headstrong.
Josef: I’m really looking forward to expanding our Youth Ambassador Program! It’s been such an incredible initiative, and I’m excited to take it to the next level. This program gives young people the tools to become leaders in their communities and drive real positive social change around bullying and inclusivity. I can’t wait to work more closely with these brilliant young minds and help them bring their ideas to life. Seeing them grow, connect with one another, and make a difference is truly inspiring and has grounded me in this work since I’ve been involved with Act To Change. Over the next few years, I’m excited to dig deeper, broaden our reach, and watch this program flourish!
What media/content are you consuming right now that makes you proud to be AAPI?
Jonathan: I’ve been reading the Heartstopper graphic novels by Alice Oseman and watching the series adaptation on Netflix since it came out a few years ago. It’s been such a healing journey for my younger self. Specifically, the character Tao Xu and what his representation means for our youth today makes me so proud to be AAPI. Tao is a cisgender teenage boy of Chinese descent who is passionate about films, actively stands up to homophobic and transphobic bullies, and loves so unapologetically through his interracial relationship with Elle Argent, a transgender teenage girl. I could never have imagined seeing that representation in pop culture growing up, and truly get emotional seeing his story alongside others play out in this series.
Josef: I recently finally finished watching the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix! Seeing a beloved story that’s so deeply rooted in Asian cultures being brought to life with an actual AAPI cast feels like a huge win. It’s a refreshing shift from the whitewashing we’ve seen in the past, and it’s been so great to see those characters represented more authentically on screen. I’ve also finished Netflix’s The Boyfriend, where a group of Japanese men live under one roof and run a coffee truck together, all while trying to find their one true boyfriend! It’s a fresh, fun take on romance and dating, and I love that it’s centered around queer Asian men navigating love in a supportive, community-driven environment. Representation like this—especially in a lighthearted, feel-good way—makes me proud to be AAPI and part of a community that embraces diverse stories, identities, and experiences!
