Our Asia in Minnesota digital project, including both the ongoing website and the upcoming documentary film, attempts to capture the diverse experiences of Asian Americans in Minnesota, particularly in the context of higher education. Despite the challenges of the global health crisis in the summer of 2020, we were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to speak with 13 Minnesotan college students and educational experts from a variety of backgrounds and ethnic Asian heritages. Along with other important groundwork laid by previous student researchers — Jenny Dao (‘18), Prince Kendema (‘18), Tsuechy Lor (‘18), Hannah Sorenson (‘19), Dorie Stryker (‘19), and Tracy Xiong (‘18) — we have successfully conducted a total number of 55 in-depth interviews with Asian American students as well as community members who have worked closely with Asian immigrants, families, and scholars.

Interviewees from the summer of 2020 include Noah Gustilo, Rafa Helal, Taylor Lander, Yilin Lyu, Faith Mejias, Phine Mejias, Marie New, Yanai Sun, Lori Tran, Nina Vang, Allen Villaluz, Lee Pao Xiong, and Jason Xu.

Storytellers in previous years include Hana Anderson, Austin Brown, Corinna Brown-Ton, Tenzin Choera, Rebecca Ferrer, Wendy Gonzavez, Janis Johnson, Kaziah Josiah, Nghai Le, Hai Le, Chue Lee, Dohyun Lee, Genda Lee, Touazeng Lor, Warhua Lor, Danica Ly, Melissa Melgare, Jonathan Maus, Chi Na Moua, Dalena Ngo, Christina Nguyen, Calvin Ochi, Ling O’Donoghue, Evelyn O’Harrow, Sam Ouk, Josh Pelayo, Kairah Shishido, Samantha Sierakowski, Mai Lor Thao, Pachia Thao, Pao Thao, Danielle Lor Vang, Dua Vang, PaZong Vang, Sunny Vuong, Kamai Xiong, Pa Xiong, Udele Xiong, Va Ger Xiong, Xia Ge Xiong, Christina Zhen, and Zhaoliang Zhou.

We sincerely appreciate the time, tales, treasured collectibles that these dear friends and colleagues have kindly shared with us; without them, this project would not be possible.