WHAT WE DO
The Serica Initiative is a New York-based nonprofit organization that raises awareness of the Asian diaspora in America through dialogue, storytelling, and the power of convening. Serica is classified by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
Since our inception, Serica has been at the forefront of using narrative change and multimedia storytelling as conduits towards educating and cultivating empathy around the issues of Sinophobia, anti-Asian hate, and cross-racial solidarity. Serica’s film series' have been translated into K-12 lesson plans and curriculum and been distributed through WNET Education, which enjoys more than 700 million online streams annually. Since 2019, Serica has partnered with China Institute to host the CINGS program, which convenes next-generation U.S.-China leaders with a passion for tangible social and environmental impact to influence society through education, programs, and strategic philanthropy. As a BIPOC and woman-led organization, Serica plans to partner in the long-term with changemakers to influence policymakers, business, and civil society to fight systemic anti-Asian racism and empower all communities of color.
WHO WE ARE
Founder/ CEO
Anla Cheng
Anla founded and was CEO/Chair of SupChina/The China Project, an award-winning, omni-business, research, events and media platform. Anla’s career includes work as Asia Head, SVP at Robert Fleming, Goldman Sachs, Citi, and an Asian Portfolio Manager for both Institutional and Private Wealth Group. Anla received her MBA from the Wharton Graduate School of Business. She is Vice-Chair of China/US at The Nature Conservancy; Vice-Chair at China Institute; and past Trustee and current member of Committee 100.
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Executive Director
Andrea Louie
Andrea Louie was Executive Director of the Asian American Arts Alliance, leading arts
advocacy and cultural equity for NYC’s diverse, pan-Asian, multidisciplinary cultural community. She also was in public service, as Assistant Commissioner, Program Services, at the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, and as Secretary in the Commissioner’s office at the Nassau County Department of Health. She is the author of a novel, Moon Cakes (Ballantine Books) and coeditor of an anthology.
Deputy Director
Daniel Tam-Claiborne
Daniel is a multiracial writer, multimedia producer, and nonprofit director. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Daniel has spent over five years living and working in Greater China and is an outspoken advocate for Asian American issues and increased global understanding through education, cultural exchange, storytelling, and effective philanthropy. He holds degrees from Oberlin College, Yale University, and the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College.
Events Director
Michelle Maiuri
Michelle previously worked in several finance and tech in roles driving growth, events, and people connection. She recently managed the NEXTChina Conference at The China Project. Michelle lived in China for nearly 5 years, passionately developing her Mandarin Chinese language skills and community building skills throughout the country. She graduated from Kalamazoo College with a degree in International Business with concentrations in Chinese & Psychology after studying abroad in Beijing with CET for nearly a year.
BOARD MEMBERS AND ADVISORS
Charlotte Ackert
Trustee, PBS/WNET; Philanthropist
Frank Wu
President, Queens College; Former Chair, Committee of 100
Eden Cai
Co-Founder & Managing Partner, GardenStar Group
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Gregory Ho
President, Spring Mountain Capital
Joan Kaufman
Senior Director for Academic Programs, Schwarzman Scholars
Josephine Lau
Former Executive Director, The Serica Initiative
Wayne Silby
Former Founder, Calvert Investments and Founding Chair of Syntao, Ltd.
INTERNS 2024-2025
Marketing Data Intern
Summer Ma
Summer Ma has over a decade of experience in data science, having worked in the US, Australia and Japan, where she contributed to a wide range of projects in finance and tech sectors. She has lived in multiple countries, giving her a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. Currently pursuing a part-time master degree at Oxford University, she is committed to leveraging her technical expertise and global experiences to foster cross-cultural dialogue and community empowerment.
Content Marketing Intern
Angela Wu
Angela Wu recently graduated from Columbia University with a master’s degree in Enterprise Risk Management. Before starting her own financial services firm, she has cultivated a strong foundation in accounting and finance while working for a Chinese medical technology company. Motivated by her desire to make meaningful social impact, she also participated in global volunteer programs across more than 10 countries, collaborating with nonprofit organizations on initiatives that promote education, cultural exchange, and community development.
Events Intern
Christina Zhang
Christina Zhang was born in Shenzhen, China, and immigrated to Vancouver, Canada, where she attended elementary and high school. She graduated from NYU in May 2024 with a degree in Economics. Currently, Christina works at EY in tech risk consulting. With a background in art, Christina is passionate about discussions surrounding arts, entertainment, and lifestyle, particularly within the Pan-Asian American communities. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding, rock climbing, and cooking.
Sponsors & Donors
Partners
