An Interview with ASPIRE's Founder, Nellie Ling
May 8, 2025
This AAPI Heritage Month, we had the honor of interviewing Nellie Ling, the founder of ASPIRE! Learn more about her motivations to create ASPIRE, reflections on work-life balance, and advice for young AAPI leaders.
1. What motivated you to create ASPIRE?
For most of my middle school and high school years, I grew up as the sole AAPI at my schools in the deep south. I had limited access to mentors and role models that looked like me or had shared backgrounds or experiences. When I moved to Boston as a young professional, I was overjoyed by my surrounding community of accomplished and supportive AAPI women from various professional and academic fields and backgrounds. I wanted to explore ways to leverage the collective experiences of this community of AAPI women to provide mentorship and leadership for young AAPI girls. With a few friends, I started visiting high schools to gauge interest in a mentorship and leadership program designed specifically for AAPI girls, and the overwhelmingly positive response fueled the creation of ASPIRE.
2. What do you think has changed the most for AAPI women since you have started ASPIRE?
I love that there are more resources for the AAPI community to come together and connect now. There are multitudes of AAPI organizations and programs, and through social media, these resources are even more accessible today. I also appreciate that there is more diverse representation of AAPI women in media today - various ethnic backgrounds, differing professions and life experiences, and an array of personality and body types. Though challenges for AAPI women still exist, I hope that young AAPI women today feel less pressure to conform to static archetypal characterizations and expectations that society has put on AAPI women in the past.
3. How did you balance starting a non-profit and advancing your professional career while maintaining your personal life?
I worked in a demanding advertising job, loved spending time with friends in this newfound AAPI community that I had never had before, and started dating my (now) husband while I was starting ASPIRE. It was a lot! But when you spend long hours planning and organizing with people you genuinely enjoy being with, hard work doesn't feel as hard. The community of ASPIRE women I worked with was so incredibly talented and generous - we had an attorney on our board that helped us file for non-profit status; we had marketing and PR professionals that formed meaningful connections with the Boston community; we had graduate students that served as bridges to academic resources. There have been many women building ASPIRE over the years, and this community is one that continues to give and pay it forward.
4. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Founding ASPIRE and seeing it still supporting young AAPI women today is certainly up there! I also find joy in partnering with local schools to build Community Service Learning programs, which integrate opportunities for hands-on service with curriculum in classrooms. While my professional, community and academic endeavors have helped shape how I view and interact with the world today, I feel most privileged to be raising my three daughters (16, 15 and 9 years old) and supporting their dreams and interests.
5. What advice would you give to AAPI women who want to be in leadership positions?
I would stress the importance of finding meaningful mentorship - which may come in the form of somebody that looks like you or somebody that is ostensibly different. I have a beloved mentor, an African American man with southern roots, that I met in high school. He supported me in starting a community service club at that time. We were an unlikely pair, and yet he became like a father to me - an unconditionally supportive adult in my high school years, a reassuring voice that was a phone call away while I was navigating college, and a grandfather figure to my kids today.
6. How do you stay motivated during challenging times?
Perhaps due to my prior work in user experience, I try to remember "who" and "what" I'm ultimately trying to impact when I face challenges or obstacles. When I keep in mind how my efforts may affect others, whether in the short or long term, that helps fuel me. I also find working with (or even just brainstorming with) people you enjoy being with to be a great motivator.
7. Who inspires you and what inspires you about them?
I find so many people inspiring! One of my all-time heroes is Jane Goodall. Her courage and passion for the planet and its inhabitants are unmatched. I most appreciate how she is able to persuade people - from both sides of the table - to listen to her and take action. She is rarely the loudest or biggest person in the room, and yet she commands small conference rooms and large stadiums with her sense of purpose. I am also inspired by people who perform simple acts of kindness when nobody is watching.
8. What is bringing you joy?
In the current climate of uncertainty, I find the most joy in the "normal." Whether it's working on a large puzzle with my husband and kids while listening to our Spotify playlists or impromptu dog walks (with our dog that doesn't like to walk), these small moments are sometimes the most rejuvenating. I also try to prioritize making time for friends that fill my bucket - the ones that make you laugh until you cry, the ones you can sit or walk with in silence, and the ones that cheer for you and celebrate you as you are.
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Written by Anita Nham, ASPIRE's Marketing Director We’re continuing our series to promote Asian- & Asian American-owned restaurants! Our next spotlight is on Small and Sweet Bake. Its mission is to bring you a unique cupcake experience that is sure to leave you with a sweet taste and a big smile. The refreshingly modern take on the beloved cupcake is infused with sweet and savory Asian flavors or ingredients. Read our interview with owner and baker Cindy below. 1. What is the story behind Small and Sweet Bake? When and how did this come about? Small and Sweet Bake came about in my life at a time when I was looking for a change of pace and a new challenge…what better way than to start my own business? I’ve always had a soft spot for sweets and a particular fondness for cupcakes. Why not meld my favorite dessert with flavors familiar to my background? 2. Why did you decide to create Small and Sweet Bake? Is it a one-person team? I thought it'd be neat to introduce cupcakes infused with Asian flavors! I am a one-person operation, although my husband helps out with some deliveries and when I’m at SoWa. 3. What is it like managing a pop-up and delivery business? What are the advantages and disadvantages? I had to pivot my business to making deliveries during the pandemic. This allowed me to keep going through the months of quarantine. Without a storefront, pop-ups are a great way to test out different markets. They’re also a hub where people can pickup. After several months of contact-free deliveries, I finally got to meet some of my customers face-to-face! On the flip side, it can be very hectic managing a pop-up and delivery business. Lots of running around! Organization and a streamlined process is key to making it work. 4. As an Asian American-owned business, do you feel like you have faced specific challenges during the pandemic? We’ve all faced varying challenges during the pandemic. I launched my business at the end of February 2020 and within a month, everything was shut down. Like everyone else, I had to figure out how I should move forward. 5. There are new flavors at Small and Sweet Bake every month. What's the process for creating a new recipe, and how do you know when it's ready to be shared? It starts with an idea. I figure out each component of the cupcake and how they can best represent the new flavor. This is where I decide on the flavor of the cake, the frosting, and whether it should have a filling or toppings. Testing usually comes next; how vigorous it is depends on whether I am trying out a new ingredient or technique. I usually have several new flavors/recipes stored up until it can be worked into a specific lineup.
Need something refreshing for the hottest season? Do you need something refreshing for the hottest season of the year? ASPIRE has you covered! We've compiled eight Asian summer favorites. Some you may know and others could be the discovery of the season!
Written by Kyra Ching, ASPIRE's Social Media Manager What is Lunar New Year? Lunar New Year starts with the first new moon of the year. Other names commonly associated with the holiday are Chinese New Year and Chinese Spring Festival. The dates vary annually due to the moon cycles, generally between January X and February Y. This year, it starts on February 12th! Lunar New Year is celebrated by many Asian families around the world and is a popular celebration in emigrant Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese communities. How is Lunar New Year celebrated? It depends. Lunar New Year includes many rituals and traditions! Here are some major ones: Seeing family and friends People will share their wealth with others by handing out red money envelopes. The practice varies among cultures. For example, Cantonese folks receive money until marriage (upon which then the couple starts giving envelopes), and Taiwanese folks start giving money once they work. No matter the culture though, there is one common intent: wishing everyone prosperity. In Korean families, they may use satchels and the money may come with messages and blessings for the new year. Putting up new decor Lots of red is incorporated into people's decor for Lunar New Year! Red is meant to keep the beast Nian away. Chinese families may also use floral arrangements to decorate, too. In Vietnam, apricot and peach blossoms are significant. In North Vietnam, local legend has associated the peach blossom with powerful deities that protected the people of the region. The apricot blossom is considered a symbol of spring in Southern Vietnam. In Korea, birds are used in decoration; cranes represent longevity and magpies mean good fortune. It’s common to clean in the days leading up to Lunar New Year and to buy new clothes. The reason is to clean out bad luck and start the year anew. There are also Lunar New Year markets that sell various products needed. Aside from red envelopes, people like to buy new decorations, firecrackers, incense, flowers, and fruit. For example, in Hong Kong, it's common to visit the city’s flower markets. Popular flower choices will include orchids and cherry blossoms. These 花市 (flower markets) will have lots of goods that feature the year's zodiac animals. Praying at the temple Worshippers will light incense and pray for blessings and luck during their temple visits. Depending on the temple, there may be dragon and lion dances nearby! Other traditions specific to Korean culture include wearing the hanbok , which is traditional dress. There is also seh bae , a ceremonial ritual with a focus on the family and ancestors. What does the year of the Ox mean? There is a Chinese word, shuxiang, which means the animal assigned to one’s birth year. One of the most prominent myths behind the Chinese Zodiac is the Great Race. The first 12 animals to complete the race earned spots on the 12-year zodiac calendar, which is why the cycle repeats every 12 years. The story also incorporates the animals’ personalities into how they complete the race. 2021 is the year of the Ox. During the Great Race, the Ox assisted the small Rat across the river. The Rat leapt ahead at the end, securing 1st place. Still, the Ox claimed 2nd thanks to great strength. After the Tiger took 3rd, the Rabbit finished 4th by using stones and logs to cross the river. The Dragon came in 5th, having stopped to help others along the way. The Horse was a strong competitor, but the Snake snuck past the Horse at the very end and secured 6th place. The Horse finished 7th. The Sheep, Rooster, and Monkey worked together to cross the river on a raft. The Sheep was given 8th place, followed by the Monkey and Rooster in 9th and 10th places. The Dog preferred to play in the water instead of racing and finished in 11th place. The Pig finished 12th, after eating and napping along the way. As the Chinese zodiac story spread through Asia, different cultures made modifications to appeal to their communities. How will COVID-19 affect Lunar New Year celebrations? Lunar New Year, especially in China, is the busiest traveling period of the year. However, COVID-19 has led to severe travel restrictions, impacting traditions for millions of families worldwide. Many Asian communities are resorting to virtual Lunar New Year celebrations, including workshops, performances, and more. Specific resources will be linked at the bottom. How to support Asian American businesses during Lunar New Year? Throughout the pandemic, Asian Americans have faced varying forms of discrimination, and Chinatown businesses have faced economic and social setbacks. This past week, Asian American activists and public figures have condemned the latest wave of violence against Asian Americans. In New York City and Oakland, grassroots organizations, such as Welcome to Chinatown and Save Our Chinatowns , are using Lunar New Year celebrations to support struggling Chinatowns in the US. These groups are raising money to keep Chinatown businesses open, as well as protect locals from xenophobic aggression. Check out the resources below for ways to celebrate Lunar New Year in 2021, as well as support Asian American communities during and after the pandemic! Celebrating Lunar New Year: Boston: Fo Guang Buddhist Temple Boston Tet in Boston Quincy Asian Resources New York: nycgovparks.org/events/lunar-new-year 6sqft.com/nyc-lunar-new-year-2021 The Metropolitan Museum of Art Phoenix Houston Seattle Learning about and supporting Asian American communities: nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/lunar-new-year-celebrations-year-aim-help-struggling-chinatowns-n1256525 advancingjustice-aajc.org Boston: aarw.org pbs.org/ancestorsintheamericas/aahistorysites.html UMass Amherst: umass.edu/asianasianamstudies/resources-links.html New York: aafederation.org browngirlmagazine.com/2020/06/7-asian-american-advocacy-organizations-you-have-to-follow-in-2020 Johns Hopkins COVID-19 and the Dynamics of Race and Othering Sources: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/lunar-new-year-celebrations-year-aim-help-struggling-chinatowns-n1256525 https://abcnews.go.com/International/chinas-lunar-year-worlds-largest-annual-migration/story?id=60775990 https://www.timeout.com/things-to-do/most-beautiful-lunar-new-year-celebrations https://www.traveldudes.com/vietnamese-tree-tradition-for-tet-lunar-new-year/ https://www.thespruceeats.com/korean-new-year-celebrations-2118611 https://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-myth-behind-the-chinese-zodiac-megan-campisi-and-pen-pen-chen https://www.tripsavvy.com/the-top-traditions-of-chinese-new-year-4157975 https://www.tripsavvy.com/gifts-chinese-new-year-spring-festival-1494984 https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/cancelled-chinese-new-year-events-and-traditions-for-2021 https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/articles/10-chinese-new-year-traditions/ https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/chinese-new-year-in-hong-kong
Written by Kyra Ching, ASPIRE's Social Media Manager We’re excited to start a series to promote Asian- & Asian American-owned restaurants to help bring awareness to them during and after the pandemic! At the end of 2020, ASPIRE reached out to TSISMIS NYC, a Filipino restaurant in the Lower East Side, to reflect on an unprecedented year for restaurants worldwide. Read our interview with executive chef Jappy Afzelius. Q: This past year has been unprecedented for everyone, especially restaurants. What has changed for your restaurant from the beginning to the end of the year? A: This year has been extremely difficult for restaurants as it offered an unprecedented set of challenges and the most difficult thing was learning to pivot to the new normal. With indoor dining almost non-existent the whole year, we had to completely learn to transition and capitalize on our online platform and streamline the menu. Focusing on contactless service like delivery and pick up, selling gift cards, creating an outdoor scene, and altering our menu to feed the front-line workers and work-from-home employees. It’s been tough but with the support of the community, we were able to adapt and pivot TSISMIS NYC to navigate these trying times. Q: For an Asian American restaurant in particular, do you feel you have faced specific challenges during the pandemic? A: Yes, specifically being a Filipino restaurant serving a cuisine that has not broken through the mainstream market yet as opposed to our South-East Asian neighbors like Thai cuisine. It’s been twice as difficult to get customers but with that being said we had to remain true to our vision in promoting Philippine food and culture in New York City. Q: According to your website, “tsismis” means gossip or idle talk. It is also the namesake of your restaurant; how has social distancing affected the experience of TSISMIS? A: Social distancing has tremendously affected the experience at TSISMIS NYC because we had built a casual environment inside the restaurant that focused on conversation and upscale Philippine cuisine with wine pairing. Luckily when outdoor dining opened and limited capacity indoor dining followed, our patrons slowly came back. Not as much as before, of course, but thankfully the “Tsismis” has already been spread pre-COVID times and we were able to build a relationship with our clients from both the Lower East Side and Filipino-American community. Q: Not only is TSISMIS a local restaurant, but you also promote the use of local and sustainable ingredients. How can people support local farms during this time? A: This has been vital to our operation as we source both locally and organically for our menu. Local farms and producers, like restaurants, would need all the help they can get so the best way is for people to shop from local farms and producers when they are in the supermarkets and to visit farmers markets when possible. Being situated here in New York City, we have an abundance of local organic markets like Union Square Market and other establishments like Smorgasborg that support local small businesses like us. Q: Are there any particular farmer’s markets or vendors you recommend? A: There are quite a few but my favorite would always be to go to Union Square Greenmarket for organic seasonal produce and of course going around the various small vendors around Chinatown as well. Q: As the Executive Chef, do you have any favorites from your menu? Why? A: This is a tough question as I am fond of our entire menu but if I had to choose it would be our “Kale Laing.” I am very proud of this dish as it was one of my favorites to eat growing up and i believe it represents the Philippines very well as it contains all the flavors that define our cuisine like “bagoong” fermented shrimp paste, “tinapa” smoked fish, ginger, coconut milk and “sili labuyo” - birds eye chili. [According to TSISMIS NYC’s menu, Kale Laing is “local kale sautéed with shrimp paste and coconut milk.”] Q: Do you have any advice for Filipino-Americans who’d like to enter the restaurant industry? A: The best advice I can give is to be passionate - give it 110% your best daily. It’s a tough industry but if you sacrifice, persevere and focus on helping raise [awareness and interest in] Philippine cuisine to the world then it becomes a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Q: What would you like our audience to know about your restaurant and Filipino culture, in general? A: TSISMIS is a very simple place where we showcase traditional dishes from the Philippines that we ate with our families growing up and is all about sharing Philippine food and culture in New York City. The best thing I can say is that Philippine cuisine is wonderful and has so many exotic flavors to showcase; it’s new and exciting. Please come and give it a try and I am certain that it will exceed your expectations and you will definitely have an unforgettable experience. Many thanks to Jappy and the TSISMIS team for this interview! TSISMIS NYC is available for delivery via Grubhub or Doordash . For pickup, use their online ordering system or call. Not in New York or not ordering out but still want to support? You can order gift cards and amazing merchandise ! TSISMIS NYC socials: Instagram , Facebook , YouTube Enjoyed the food? Leave a review! - Yelp - Open Table - Trip Advisor - You can also leave a review on Google by searching TSISMIS. Farmer’s markets and other related resources in NYC: grownyc.org/greenmarket For more information on the Union Square Greenmarket: unionsquarenyc.org/events/2019/3/27/union-square-greenmarket
Written by Kyra Ching, ASPIRE's Social Media Manager Christmas in the Philippines is celebrated not only on December 25 - it can last for months! Filipino Christmas traditions can start as early as September and last until January. It’s the longest Christmas season in the world. While many Filipinos live and work abroad, this time is anticipated for people to return to their families. The lengthy Christmas period would give people time to plan their Christmas, including where they will spend the holiday and gifts they need to get. Some Filipino Christmas traditions are: Simbang Gabi - Holy Mass is celebrated from December 16th to 24th. Goodies such as rice cakes and tsokolate, Filipino hot chocolate, are sold outside churches. Churches are lavishly decorated, often with life-size nativity scenes. The capital of the Philippines, Manila, is decorated with Christmas lights. About a million Filipinos will visit Manila in most Decembers. They host Christmas parades from September to December, too! Did you know returning Filipinos are called bagong bayani aka the “new heroes"? Filipino musicians and performing artists come to countless venues, booked throughout the Christmas season. They play classic songs like Noche Buena , which is centered around the family meal during Christmas Eve. During the Christmas season, especially Noche Buena, or Filipino Christmas Eve, families gather to eat dishes such as Christmas ham, Keso de Bola, Pancit Malabon, sweet spaghetti, Lechon, Buko Pandan, Kakanin, and fruit salad. Keso de Bola is the local name for Edam cheese. Pancit Malabon is a yellow-colored, festive noodle dish. Lechon is a pork dish. Buko Pandan is a pandan flavored gelatin mixed with coconut and cream. Kakanin is a rice dessert. Due to the pandemic and typhoons, this year has been extremely challenging for Filipino families and communities. Donate and support Filipino organizations and small businesses as well as for natural disaster relief. Filipino organizations and businesses in: New England: pamanainc.org/organizations-interest-groups Boston: bosfilipinos.com NYC/Jersey City: ny.eater.com/maps/best-filipino-restaurants-nyc New York: thrillist.com/eat/new-york/best-filipino-food-in-nyc and theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/new-york/new-york-city/articles/the-top-10-filipino-food-locations-in-new-york-city Natural Disaster Relief links: redcross.org.ph unicef.org/philippines/take-action disasterphilanthropy.org/disaster/super-typhoon-goni fashionista.com/2020/11/filipino-philippines-typhoon-relief-fashion-industry Sources: https://www.thekitchn.com/christmas-in-the-philippines-christmas-around-the-world-198478 https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/this-country-has-the-longest-christmas-on-earth/ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/philippines-lantern-kits-typhoons-donate-1.5820421 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/18/philippine-tradition-of-long-christmas-survives-covid-and-typhoons https://christmas.365greetings.com/christmas-songs/tagalog-christmas-songs.html https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/proof/2017/12/christmas-philippines-diaspora-overseas-workers/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0QI5u5TCUY https://www.vice.com/en/article/k7a83w/filipino-christmas-ad-disney https://www.thespruceeats.com/philippine-noche-buena-feast-3030319
Written by Kyra Ching, ASPIRE's Social Media Manager Diwali is the "Festival of Lights" celebrated in India and by those of Indian heritage around the world. Also called Dipawali, the festival gets its name from the row of clay lamps Indians light outside their homes to defend against spiritual darkness. Diwali is celebrated over the course of five days. Celebrations vary in different regions of India, but some common traditions for Diwali include: 1) House Cleaning - Diwali cleaning can include decluttering, painting the house, and re-decorating. It depends on the household’s budget. 2) Shopping - For men and women, It's common to wear new clothes on this occasion. For women in particular, it's a time to debut new outfits. 3) Eating Diwali Sweets - Diwali is celebrated with a lot of food, especially sweets. These treats include chakli, peda, barfi, and laddoo. Chakli is a fried dough snack and peda is a Indian sweet usually containing spices and nuts. Barfi is a milk-based candy and laddoo is a sphere-shaped sweet usually containing nuts and/or dried raisins. 4) Creating Rangoli - Rangoli is a colorful artwork made using colored rice powder, sand, quartz powder and/or flower petals. 5) Exchanging Gifts - It's a lovely tradition to give gifts to family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers because it shows love, respect, thankfulness, and togetherness. 6) Playing Cards - According to folklore, it's said that by playing cards, Goddess Lakshmi is attracted as everybody gets an equal chance to win and get rich in happiness, prosperity, and economic status. It's also the perfect way to spend time with family and friends! Support Indian restaurants! Boston https://boston.eater.com/maps/best-indian-restaurants-greater-boston https://www.timeout.com/boston/restaurants/best-indian-restaurants-in-boston https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/the-best-indian-restaurants-in-boston New York https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/best-indian-food-in-nyc https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/the-best-indian-restaurants-in-nyc https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/new-york/new-york-city/articles/nyc-s-10-best-indian-restaurants-and-curry-houses-to-try-now Sources: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/diwali/ https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/diwali-2020-covid-celebrations/index.html https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/5-diwali-customs-and-traditions-you-should-know-about/ https://iagb.org/ https://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/best-south-asian-businesses-to-support-for-diwali-47942109
Written by Noel Zhang Celebrated all around the world, Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain in Ireland. As the birthplace of what we know to be modern Halloween, Samhain was celebrated by lighting bonfires and wearing costumes to scare off ghosts. Over time, Samhain traditions have evolved into the activities that we all are familiar with: trick-or-treating, dressing up in costume, carving pumpkins, etc. However, many countries across the world have their own celebratory origins. Learn about five foreign Halloween-like traditions:
