Journalist + Non-Profit Co-founder
The Very Asian Foundation
Michelle Li is a veteran journalist who co-launched the Very Asian Foundation in January 2022 alongside friend and fellow journalist Gia Vang.
Her response to a racist voicemail became a global movement of unity and caught the attention of The Ellen Show. Ellen’s monetary gift of $15,000 helped create a nonprofit focused on shining a light on Asian experiences through advocacy and celebration. Not only did the Very Asian Foundation raise tens of thousands of dollars for AANHPI nonprofits in its first 100 days, but it also launched a national awareness youth literature campaign called The May BookProject and started the Creators microgrant program for people pivoting in their careers. The FBI honored the organization's work with a 2023 Community Leadership Award.
A Korean adoptee, Michelle spent years supporting adoptees through heritage camps and volunteer tours to Korea. Her work led to a congressional award in 2010. Michelle’s reporting has been honored with a national Peabody Award, four national Murrows, and multiple regional Emmys– often for covering topics related to race or gender inequities. She was also named a national duPont finalist in 2023.
She released a children’s book with Gloo Books called A Very Asian Guide to Korean Food.
Saturday, June 24, 2023
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM CT