The Cre8sian Project was born from an idea I had to create characters who represented strong qualities in women. Determination, Concentration, Motivation, and Education are all important virtues that lead to success, so these characters were created to embody our strengths, open and unashamed. The number one goal of The Cre8sian Project is to give AAPI women a place to be seen and heard. By offering resources, partnerships with local organizations and businesses that support the AAPI community, and mentorship, we want to continue to inspire AAPI students to become whatever they want to be, and support them through their journeys, wherever it may take them.
A Determin8sian is unstoppable. Able to navigate everything life has to throw at her with the greatest of ease, she destroys any obstacles in her way and crosses the finish line without breaking a sweat!
A Motiv8sian owns the who, what, where, when, why and ni hao! She always knows exactly what she's doing and why she's doing it, and her fierce desire to get the job done will leave you eating her dust!
A Concentr8sian has a laser-like focus. With the flick of a finger, she can create her own forcefield that deflects all distractions. A fiery meteoroid hurtling towards Earth couldn't break her attention!
An Educ8sian has PhDs for days. She surpasses all search engines and seeks knowledge like a tiger stalking its prey. If you have a question, look for her in the hallowed halls of education. She is the Queen of All Answers!
Empowerment begins on the local level. A portion of the proceeds from each item sold benefits the P.E.A.C. program at East West Players in LA and a scholarship program at Positively Arts in Las Vegas, as well as various other non profits that support the AAPI community!
P.E.A.C. is a residency program that brings the EWP programming to local schools, especially those without other arts-education funding. EWP performers lead a weekly after-school program for 7th graders designed to give students a basic foundation in theatre techniques as well as foster awareness and appreciation of class members’ cultural heritage.
Positively Arts believes every child deserves the right to create their own song, however, not every child can afford to write it. Using the arts to EMPOWER, INSPIRE, EDUCATE and HEAL, Positively Arts offers a variety of programs like Broadway Dreamers, Arts in Action, and Get Launched to give students instruction, performance, and mentorship opportunities throughout the year. Their Anti-Bullying and Empowerment Programs provide the tools, coping mechanisms and positive creative outlets for self-expression through artistic discovery and performance.
Sasha Ono is a musician based in NYC. Ono credits her family for her introduction to music, sharing that it’s been a deeply integrated part of her life since her youth. After deciding to transition from teaching to cello performance, she’s now heard on Cynthia Erivo’s album, "I Forgive You" Ariana Grande’s "Eternal Sunshine" live recording, and her string quartet/jazz quintet project with her father. When she’s not in the studio or onstage, Ono leads a project called “Comfy Classical,” where audiences and musicians enjoy community and music in comfortable clothing. She’s also an advocate for Creatives Care, an organization that connects creative workers with mental health services in New York, and of the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra, which provides all the tools needed for kids to learn music. Ono’s advice to young artists? “Continuously take time to reflect and search for your own voice and purpose… And keep practicing!” Read on to learn more about Sasha Ono and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Brianna Kim is an actress based in NYC. As a young actor, she got into commercials, even doing voiceover work for Nickelodeon. After taking on a role in the film "Away We Go" with Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski, Kim became a theatre actor in high school. Now, her credits include “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying” (produced by Baayork Lee’s NAAP), dancing on a“Saturday Night Live”episode opener, the national tour of “Cats” – and most recently, hitting the road again with the first national tour of “Some Like It Hot!” When Kim’s not onstage, she’s practicing her 7-step skincare routine, taking dance classes, working out, or making Tteokbokki! Her advice to young artists? “Have so much fun and always be yourself!” Read on to learn more about Brianna Kim and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Saira Umar is a writer and creator based in Los Angeles. After applying for many writing fellowships, she landed a spot in the PBS Writing Program, leading to her first produced script for PBS Kids' "Skillsville." Meanwhile, Umar also worked on projects like Netflix’s “Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld,” “Digman!,” “KEVIN,” and is currently working in production on a show at Marvel! When she’s not working, Umar volunteers with Asians in Animation, previously leading their social media creation team, but most recently running their TV production program to create the pilot animatic “Tea Leaves Last.” Read on to learn more about Saira Umar and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!