Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month is celebrated in May and is a time to recognize the rich heritage and contributions of AAPIs to the United States. As a part of our DIBE (Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity) series “More Than a Month”, Daisy, a Manager here at The Sound, shares a compelling interview with Thomas Ma, co-founder of Sapphire Studios and founder of the Asian Founders Network, on the challenges he’s faced as an Asian American entrepreneur.
From the subtle nuances of cultural differences to the absence of representation, Thomas has experienced firsthand the profound impact that a supportive community can have. Inspired by the support he received during the early stages of his entrepreneurial journey, Thomas passionately believes in the power of reciprocity, wanting to inspire future generations of founders by “paying it forward.”
Here is Thomas’ story…
The Power of Community
credit: @afoundersnetwork
“I always remember the start. The beginning. Other people who are trying to just start their own path, and how much help I had when I started… I want to give back.”
The Asian Founders Network is a community that was created in response to the mentorship received during the early days of Thomas’ entrepreneurial journey. Because of the fruitful opportunities and achievements it brought to his life, he wanted to find a way to “pay it forward” by inspiring future generations of founders.
“[When starting Sapphire Studios], I looked a lot different than your typical business owner. I don’t even like the word CEO, because I always feel that’s just too much to have. So in these rooms, people just looked down on me… But what I did was I just kept showing up. I kept meeting people and eventually a lot of the Asian people who I connected with really helped me out. So, I actually think for my journey, being Asian built that stronger connection because the people I connected with also faced similar challenges and wanted to help somebody who they can relate to. I guess that’s something that’s positive that I experienced from a negative from not seeing a lot of people like myself.”
The Asian Founders Network (AFN) is an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting Asian American entrepreneurs through purposeful connections, meaningful gatherings, and sparking inspiration.
Through mentorship, networking, and resource-sharing, AFN provides a platform for Asian American entrepreneurs to connect with each other while developing their businesses. The organization is led by a team of experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders who are passionate about supporting the Asian American community.
As a component of the Asian Founders Network’s efforts, AFN empowers its members to lead discussions and organize small group activities in order to facilitate valuable networking opportunities. The format not only invites insightful discussion but also distills trust in members to flex their leadership and networking skills. Moreover, AFN organizes potluck gatherings to promote a ‘giving’ mindset and emphasizes the significance of contributing to your local community.
“[Bringing cultural traditions and values from my heritage is] what started the community (AFM) because for me, it was something I never really embraced in my journey… I went to events and I always thought, “I don’t really feel motivated to go”, for whatever reason, I wasn’t interested. I was going to your typical CEO events, the Forbes Summit, basically, events you have to apply to go to, but I really noticed that gap in probably the past year or two, just being in the room and not many people that I can relate to, which is why with the Asian Founders Network, I try to make it as diverse as possible.”
The Future of AFN
Moving forward, Thomas hopes AFN will remain small and warm, choosing members based on their demonstrated commitment to their community, both presently and in the future.
“I really like to see how selfless people are by their actions. For example, [at the end of an event], I’ll just grab a garbage bag and start cleaning up because the thing is, I like a clean house and I like to give back the house in good condition. Maybe it’s Asian roots, but you see people for who they are, if they’re willing to just get their hands dirty and clean and be part of that community, not having an ego. That’s who I bond with the most, actually, the cleaning crew.”
“I just know if everybody gives, then collectively as a whole, we can all be better.”
Thomas is currently working on a podcast, ‘Asian Founders Stories’ in which he will produce brief clips inspired by the struggles faced by Asian individuals, with the goal of showcasing stories of overcoming adversity and providing a platform for people to share their own experiences.
“You don’t hear about them often. You don’t hear the struggle of being bullied, being called names or being in rooms where they were kind of looked down on. So I’m excited to just showcase my social media abilities and make that positive and be that voice because it’s needed.“
If you’re looking to join the AFN community, Thomas shares some tips for landing an invitation: put in the effort. “We don’t need people just to show up. We really value the genuine circle.”
You can find more information on the Asian Founders Network through LinkedIn, Instagram, and the AFN website.
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AAPIs have made a significant impact in various fields, including technology, business, science, arts, and culture. This month is an opportunity to recognize the struggles and triumphs of the AAPI community and reflect on the importance of creating inclusive environments and generating a sense of belonging in our society.
It’s important to remember that AAPIs are not a monolithic group, and there is a great deal of diversity within the AAPI community. AAPIs come from a variety of countries and cultures, and they have a variety of experiences and perspectives. It is important to celebrate this diversity and to recognize the unique contributions of each AAPI individual.
Celebrating AAPI Month and the community-focused work Thomas Ma is doing with Asian Founders Network serves as a gentle reminder that genuine relationships build a strong community. Brands have an opportunity to support Asian communities through mentorship or other initiatives that amplify the voices of historically marginalized communities. When fostering meaningful relationships, Thomas Ma has shown, people will respond favorably and find ways to support one another.
Looking to explore what your brand can do to better support historically marginalized groups? We’re here to help.
