LEAD L E A DE RS HI P
F O R
C H A N G E
ALYSSA
C O M M U N I C A T I O N
L E A D E R
A D V O C A T E
SENG
E T H I C A L
C O M M U N I T Y - B U I L D E R
S T O R Y T E L L E R
P ORT F OL I O
EDITOR'S NOTE Alyssa Seng
What is LEAD? It's a magazine that
This issue highlights my journey of self-
covers aspiring and established leaders
reflection that has been emphasized
and their voyage to where they are right
throughout the past ten weeks, with the
now. Through the lens of storytelling,
common
technology,
interlaced
values,
responsibility,
theme
of
throughout
community each
section.
community, advocacy, and leadership,
LEAD Issue 1 spotlights a number of
LEADÂ explores the social and cultural
noteworthy experiences that lead up to
impact that influenced today's leaders
this moment in time and where I hope
who are using their position of power to
to propel myself into the future.
affect change and build communities.
2
IN THIS ISSUE
05
STORYTELLING
08
TECHNOLOGY
10
VALUES
no story vs. single story
using tech to share stories
embodied empathy
14
RESPONSIBILITY exemplifying responsibility
16
COMMUNITY deciphering connections
18
ADVOCACY why the arts matter
22
LEADERSHIP an interview
3
MANY STORIES MATTER. STORIES HAVE BEEN USED TO DISPOSSESS AND TO MALIGN. BUT STORIES CAN ALSO BE USED TO EMPOWER, AND TO HUMANIZE. STORIES CAN BREAK THE DIGNITY OF A PEOPLE. BUT STORIES CAN ALSO REPAIR THAT BROKEN DIGNITY. CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE 4
STORYTELLING Is no story worse than a single-story? My mom grew up in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh. She was a daughter to a professor and business owner and the sole sister to four brothers. In her eyes, she experienced an idyllic childhood. After school, she spent time with her mom at their jewelry store until closing. When her dad came home, she would hang around him, listen to Ros Sereysothea, and play with her brothers. My dad had a different childhood. He grew up as a rural boy in a small village near Poipet. His mom woke up before sunrise and came home after sunset, working tirelessly in the rice fields to support him and his two brothers. As my dad got older, he was "too much to handle" and was sent to live with his grandfather 48 kilometers away in Sisophon. On April 17, 1975, everything changed. The Communist Party of Kampuchea, also known as The Khmer Rouge, overtook Cambodia and stole my parents' childhood and chance at higher education.
My mom was forced away from her family, forced to work in The Killing Fields, forced to feed the beings who murdered her innocence and parents, forced to survive and fend for herself at the age of thirteen. My dad has yet to share his full story with me. The Cambodian Genocide is an event erased from history books. Overshadowed by the Vietnam War, the history of Cambodia goes unrecognized. How can the deliberate brutality and murders of almost two million people be unknown by the world? This leads me to think — is no story worse than a single-story?
As a first-generation Cambodian-American, I feel as though it is my responsibility to work towards increasing the visibility of the genocide, the impact it has on mental health, and the importance of art and cultural preservation through intentional storytelling. The harsh reality my parents lived through provided me the opportunity to be where I am now. I want to use my privilege of being a student, storyteller, and advocate to raise awareness of our history and support my Khmer community.
5
Mother (middle) with friends and other refugees. Taken at the Chonburi Refugee Camp in Thailand.
Father (right) with his second cousin in Khao I Dang Refugee Camp in in the Aranyaprathet Province in Thailand.
Father as a Teacher Aide at the Galang Refugee Camp in Indonesia, 1983.
Father (upper right) working for a Volunteer Agency conducting refugee interviews at Khao I Dang Refugee Camp, 1981-1982.
6
OVER COFFEE LINDA TOCH My friend’s parents take business trips, I say. Trips ? Pa laughs. Trips, like see Pa run out the jungle to California? Trip into foliage, his feet forgetting to stop, But watch the grass blades shorten, shorten, shorten below, until no more of pa is hidden, his heels no longer a blur, and pa himself is not hiding, standing wary amongst some sidewalks. Who taught you to walk down streets like that, leisurely? Your head ducking down out of habit, man, So meek. Pa take trip too, konpoev, So far that his ankles forgot how to ache.
7
I F
YOU’ RE
B UI L D
A
GOI NG
P RODUCT
E VE RYONE ,
YOU
HAVE
T E AM
A
RE P RE S E NT S
RAMYA OUT RE ACH
CI VI C
F OR
NE E D
T O
T HAT
E VE RYONE .
RAGHAVAN, &
T O
HE AD
OF
E NGAGE ME NT
AT
GOOGL E
TECHNOLOGY using tech to share stories (the whole story) Technology (n.): science or knowledge put
From social networking apps to voice
into practical use to solve problems or
assistants
invent useful tools
artificial
decrease inequity and provide a levelplaying field for all regardless of social or
tech and utilize it as a tool, not an end.
economic status.
As a storyteller and community-builder, I can use technology as a weapon for change
by
intelligence, these tools can be used to
As a leader, one must adapt to emerging
positive
powered
to
support
Movers and Shakers NYC is a nonprofit
human
organization
needs. However, working with tech does
using
technology
to
advance education and raise awareness
not mean I need the ability to code or
of the single-stories that are taught to us
build products, but instead understand
in school and through curated mass
its value and how it affects group(s) of
media.
people in my community. 8
COLUMBUS THE HERO
MOVERS & SHAKERS
PEPPER'S GHOST HOLOGRAM DEMONSTRATION
monuments of successful people of color. Their work has been featured and exhibited all over New York. Their success lands on their use of AR tugging on emotional strings through visual content, provoking a more tangible feeling and reaction that simple text or audio can't convey.
Founded by Glenn Cantave They are opening up discussion of racial inequity in America through augmented reality. They highlight untold narratives to create educational content for schools, cultural institutions, and for us — the people.
Their work is open for everyone to view, interact with, and learn from. They are transforming the lessinformed to the educated. I don't think augmented reality is the overall solution to racial inequity, but it is a pivotal and much-needed start. Movers & Shakers NYC are disrupting society, telling stories, and creating conversations that informs the public through digital technology and visual storytelling.
They prioritize humans first by sharing the real story of our harsh colonial history that makes up the foundation of America today. While not completely diminishing what was taught to us, they are adding more to the story, such as building augmented
9
VALUES embodied empathy
"PIPAET, THE ENGLISH TEACHER" BY CHAN DANY (2012)
I
grew
up
predominantly
"Leadership is about empathy. it is about having the ability to relate to and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives." Oprah Winfrey
"APAINASORIVONG, THE RICE FARMER" BY CHAN DANY (2012)
in
Oxnard,
Latinx
a
city
in
others
and
through
aim
my
to
express
personal
and
Southern California. My parents
professional relationships. As I
owned a bakery where I worked
got
during
compassionate
the
weekends.
customers
were
Their mainly
landscapers, farmers, and field workers whose stories paralleled my
parents.
They
all
worked
long, laborious hours every day to support their families. This similarity
allowed
me
to
understand at a young age that although
we
are
of
different
race, education, and economic background, we are people who
older,
I
acquired
empathy,
a
quality that guided me towards nonprofit
organizations.
I
believe empathy is an important value to hold and display in this sector. It is a quality that leads to a more understanding, openminded
community
in
which
everyone can benefit. It creates a content work environment and establishes
trust.
teammate
or
When leader
a is
empathetic, their group trusts
will encourage each other and
them and in turn, believes more
do what is needed to thrive. The
intensely in their mission. I hope
will
my
to become an empathetic leader
family and community sparked
who can gain the reliance of my
my sense of empathy so much, it
team
became a value I appreciate in
unified goal.
and
compassion
10
of
and
work
towards
a
Core Values Word Search authenticity balance collaboration community compassion creativity curiosity
dedication diversity empathy equity hard work inclusivity
11
integrity passion positivity resilience responsibility transparency
Artwork by Claudia Borfiga & Matthew Head for a pop-up art show titled "My Friend Is Sad" at The Arts Fund Gallery in Santa Barbara, CA
12
THE ONLY WAY WE WILL SURVIVE IS BY BEING KIND. THE ONLY WAY WE CAN GET BY IN THIS WORLD IS THROUGH THE HELP WE RECEIVE FROM OTHERS. NO ONE CAN DO IT ALONE, NO MATTER HOW GREAT THE MACHINES ARE. AMY POEHLER
13
RESPONSIBILITY HOW DO YOU EXEMPLIFY RESPONSIBILITY? A PERSPECTIVE FROM MY COMMUNITY
Photo by Khyati Mehta
"I feel I have to be responsible with how I represent vegans. Non-vegans hold negative judgments about us. It's my responsibility to sort of break that stereotype and connect with people as a person and not just as an agenda." - Jackie Va, Central California Community Outreach Coordinator, Vegan Outreach
"It's my responsibility to be a progressive leader and life-long learner in optometric education to ultimately deliver highquality care for a diverse global society, regardless of their societal or economic status." - Christine Thiem, 4th Year Optometry Student, Western University of Health Sciences
14
How can I be a responsible Communication Leader ? I can be an effective and responsible communication leader by living and acting through my established values. I can be a responsible storyteller, communitybuilder, and ethical advocate. I want to use my status and privilege to understand and serve my community by serving the needs of people in pursuance of a greater good. Photo by Rini Kamal
How can I be a responsible storyteller? I can provide context and share the whole story, rather than one that solely serves my needs. The story should also lift the community or organization I'm serving. How can I be a responsible community-builder ?
"RESPONSIBILITY, I BELIEVE, ACCRUES THROUGH PRIVILEGE." NOAM CHOMSKY
I can encourage diversity within the workplace to build a sustainable and equitable professional community. I can also build and foster intentional connections within all of my communities. How can I be a responsible advocate ? I can take time to listen to the community I want to serve and use my privilege and power to provide a platform for their needs to be heard. 15
C O M M U N I T Y
DECIPHERING CONNECTIONS
THE CONNECTIVITY OF A SMALL WORLD Throughout the past year, I spent a lot of time thinking about how I met the people in my life. One particular sequence of connections stood out to me the most. In April 2018, I attended an art show near my home in Midtown Ventura. One piece in the show caught my eye because it featured the Asian menthol rub, "monkey balm." Along with the depicted ointment was a man with red marks across his back signifying that he had been "coined." Coining is a popular ritual in my culture that includes using a coin, monkey balm or "koah kshal" and applying immense pressure to the back to relieve symptoms of our illnesses. It's a highly painful practice. Upon initial glance, I felt a connection to the piece. As I stood there, admiring the painting, a man walked up behind me and said, "Let me know if you have any questions." I turned and immediately asked, "Are you Cambodian?" "Yeah!", he says. At that moment, an instant connection occurred. His name is Nak Bou, a CambodianAmerican artist from San Jose, California. My interaction with him opened my door even wider to the Cambodian diaspora in California. Fast forward to September 2018, my short encounter, but sustained connection with Nak led me to his friend who eventually became the teaching artist for Project Kour.
16
C O M M U N I T Y T I M E L I N E
16
UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCE, UC SANTA BARBARA
KHMER STUDENT ASSOCIATION My interest in learning more about my cultural identity allowed me to find a community through the Khmer Student Association. Their mentorship helped me navigate university. The projects I worked on through KSA and within my major influenced my decision to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector.
17 19
POST-BACHELORS, SANTA BARBARA, CA
SANTA BARBARA ARTS FUND
18
The County of Santa Barbara Arts Fund laid the foundation for me to gain experience in my field. Their belief in my abilities to tell their story helped me realize I want to continue sharing the stories of arts and culture organizations who are making a positive and necessary impact in their community.
SPECIAL PROJECT, LONG BEACH, CA
PROJECT KOUR
Project Kour is a pilot program for Cambodians of all ages. We hosted art workshops that promote cultural celebration, inter-generational communication and stress relief for the elderly Cambodian population in Long Beach, CA. This project combined my interests in the arts, nonprofits, and cultural preservation.
GRAD SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, SEATTLE
COMMUNICATION LEADERSHIP
My experience during and after college gave me the confidence to pursue higher education. Now in Comm Lead, I hope to cultivate more skills to further my aspirations in storytelling for nonprofits.
17
I am a huge advocate for the arts, in all aspects. Public art, art education, literary arts, auditory arts, visual arts, theatrical arts - it all matters.
ETHICAL
I believe one of the main things the arts need right now are art advocates. Of course, artists are aware of why the arts are imperative to society, but in order for the arts to grow, they need people on the outside who can advocate for them.
ADVOCATE
After working with three different art nonprofit organizations, I understand the importance of the arts and how it can help our community in every aspect. In the town I grew up in, children are forced on the streets due to their guardians being absent or a lack of resources in school. Some see the streets as their only option. Art programs can provide an alternative, yet there is no allocated budget. Instead of implementing art programs, the city is funding the police department to "handle" the youth on the streets. This creates a never-ending cycle of misplaced budgeting and prioritization.Â
WHY THE ARTS MATTER
Artists can protest for art funding, but there is such a small population that in order to make real headway, they need advocates. This is where people like me come in. Artists need people who will take the time to listen to their needs and actually understand and believe in its importance in society beyond the cultural value. If city officials see and hear people in their community advocating and rallying together for the arts, more progress can be made.
18
recipe for advocacy INGREDIENTS Measurements may vary depending on taste passion listening credibility dependability perseverance
Graphic by Ashley Lukashevsky (@ashlukadraws)
persuasion skills communication non-complacency open-mindedness community-building compassionate empathy
DIRECTIONS Prep & Cook Time: Dependent on the advocate 1. Collect all the ingredients you already have 2. Plant and grow the other ingredients you may need 3. Harvest the ingredients 4. Wash and prep the ingredients 5. Mix all of the ingredients to your liking 6. Serve the people
Excerpt from "Death Threat" by Vivek Shraya and Ness Lee
19
IT’S PRECISELY THE PEOPLE WHO ARE CONSIDERED THE LEAST ‘LIKELY’ LEADERS WHO END UP INSPIRING OTHERS THE MOST. EVERYDAY PEOPLE AND EVERYDAY ACTS OF COURAGE EVENTUALLY CHANGE EVERYTHING. AI-JEN POO
20
L E A D E R S H I P
21
Cutbirth is an enthusiastic artist and leader who has the ability to connect with people she meets at any level. Her unwavering and inspiring attitude flows through both her personal and professional life, creating deep connections with everyone she meets.
LEADERSHIP INTERVIEW At the age of 24, Vittoria (Torrie) Cutbirth became the youngest Executive Director at the County of Santa Barbara Arts Fund, a 36-year old nonprofit. Now at 26, she is bringing the antiquated organization into the contemporary world.
This interview has been condensed for clarity.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist? I was 5. We had this huge wooden kitchen table where my grandma would come over to paint on. She painted a lot of red robins and berries in branches. I was struck by it and knew I wanted to create things that can make other people feel the way I felt about my grandmother's art. I think that's why I'm not so much in love with the process of creating because that's not as important as the feelings that surround art. When I told my parents I wanted to study art, they were not enthusiastic about it. I had this huge fight with them, but also an internal struggle with myself to prove to them that I could do it. I graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2016. Cutbirth is now an artist and a leader in the nonprofit world, so it's safe to say she proved her parents wrong.
Knapps Castle by Simon Bill
With your parents initial disapproval, did you ever consider a different path? In high school, I wanted to study environmental science for art. I wanted to solve problems and raise awareness for things I cared about. I didn't take the time to use art that way and I didn't have mentors that were interested in it. And so, I wasn't around things that fostered that interest. The need to have a purpose and contribute to the world was still core to me, which is why I'm here.
Santa Barbara Riviera by Simon Bill
22
What
was
your
first
year
like
as
It
seems
like
you
are
focused
on
Executive Director for a nonprofit that's
teamwork and creating a manageable
older than you?
work
environment
to
create
a
sustainable organization. Would you
Absolute chaos. Before I entered this role, I
say those are your core values as a
was the Assistant Director. The previous
leader?
director never trained me. He assigned projects without giving context and I was
My
predecessor
left having to figure out how to do things -
workplace
sort of like putting a puzzle together. After
employees to feel the way I felt. A safe
he moved and I continued from where he
environment and teamwork are definite
left off, The Arts Fund was on its way to
values I hold.
and
created I
didn't
a
hostile
want
future
dissolving. There was also the Thomas Fire, Montecito Mudslides, endless construction,
I also value collaboration, empathetic
the gallery kept flooding, and an artist's
listening,
work broke, and no waivers were signed. I
and passion. You can't work at a nonprofit
felt like I was drowning.
if you don't have passion. If I didn't
accountability,
transparency,
inherently love what The Arts Fund does, I I decided my goals for the first year were to
would have quit a long time ago.
reconnect with the community and get the word out about who we are and what we do. You
mentioned
The
Arts
Fund
was
dissolving. How did you combat that?
Coming into my second year, I wanted to create a big shift internally. There were a lot of things wrong with us - staff was burnt out,
high
turnover
rate,
people
felt
unsupported. I had to figure out why. I created a 15-month plan where we would pause programming to refocus on our internal structure, reinvest in staff, and create time and space to show and track our impacts. We were so spread out over five different programs; we had to refocus our efforts towards the ones that were actually making a huge impact.
"You can't work at a nonprofit if you don't have passion."
Self Portrait by Torrie Cutbirth
23
FINAL NOTE The concept of being a leader is both simple and complex. The role of a leader is to simply serve the people. Becoming a leader, however, is more intricate. After weeks of reading leader profiles and self-reflecting on my past experiences, I am unsure if I see myself as a leader right now, but I think that's okay. A good leader is constantly acquiring new knowledge and experiences. As am I. The Communication Leadership Program is a vehicle I am learning to drive to reach a goal, a destination. With many pit stops along the way, I am prepped for the ride and hoping to make this road trip worthwhile and memorable. Perhaps a LEAD Issue 2 post-Comm Lead will be in the works?
24
SPECIAL THANKS TO MY COMMUNITY WHO CONTRIBUTED THEIR PHOTOGRAPHY AND WORDS TO THE FIRST ISSUE OF LEAD
25