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Jennifer Tani

What would you like to accomplish within the next 5 years?

  I would like to continue to support and strengthen the Asian Pacific American communities by continuing to provide leadership development trainings and technical assistance, by educating people about the diverse Asian Pacific American experiences, by increasing philanthropic giving within the community and advocating for funding outside of the community, by working towards Asian American political representation and by increasing access to higher education for immigrant youth

  I would also like to engage people and organizations to increase leadership opportunities for young people such as meaningful internships and seats on Boards of Directors for non-profit organizations. I would like to work collaboratively to find new strategies to support students in public schools.

  Lastly, I would like to contribute to raising the standards of cultural competency in social service organizations and supporting organizations in that work.

  What do you think are the biggest issues facing your generation?

  Some of the biggest issues facing my generation are immigration, the war in Iraq, reproductive rights, violence in communities and global warming.

  What do you hope to learn from more established leaders?

 

 I hope to learn how to continue to do community work for the long-term while taking care of myself and maintaining a healthy, balanced life.

 

 What do you think more established leaders can learn from your work?

 

 To listen to young people and take their ideas seriously.

 

 What is the most gratifying aspect of your work?

 

 The relationships. At the core of all the work that I do, there are phenomenal people who are all working hard to create change

 together.

 

 What are the biggest obstacles in your work?

 

 Lack of resources and time!

 

 How do you work around those obstacles?

 

 It's important for me to set my priorities because there are a lot of opportunities for engagement and community investment and it's easy to become overcommitted. By being focused and developing creative strategies and partnerships, I believe we can leverage more resources for communities and accomplish greater change.

 

 What tools or resources do you need to help you continue your work?

 

 One of the best personal and professional development experiences I ever had was participating in a Learning Circle through Girls Best Friend Foundation and Millennia Consulting. This opportunity for peer mentorship and focused problem-solving with a facilitator was energizing. Also, strong relationships with my family, friends and colleagues provide me great support.

 

 What advice would you give to younger folks wanting to impact social justice issues?

 

 Understand the difference between activism and organizing. If you want to make social change, you need to understand power. As my friend and colleague, community organizer Jamiko Rose explained it, if you are marching in the street protesting, is the person who has the power to make change even going to know about it? Be organized and be strategic.

 

 Define leadership.

 

 A leader is someone who is willing to do the work and to make personal sacrifices for something greater. A leader gives 110% because of a commitment to the issues, people and organizations, rather than because of financial compensation or recognition. A leader is reliable and works with compassion and respect for others.