The goal of the “Model Minority Reality Project: Dispelling Asian American Misconceptions” is to initiate a conversation about the realities of living with “model minority” stereotypes. In an effort to open up dialogue, a panel discussion will be held on Wednesday, October 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Taylor Hall, 1775 N Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont.

The speaker panel and live Q&A session will include different members of the Asian American community to share their experiences with Asian stereotypes, insights on current events facing the next generation of Asian Americans, and, most importantly, tips on how to define one’s own path to success and cultivate one’s individuality.

“It is our ultimate goal to have participants and panelists alike obtain a better understanding of the Asian-American experience and what we can do, as both individuals and a broad community, to move beyond such limiting stereotypes,” project coordinators said.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. with introduction of speakers from 6:10 to 6:40 p.m. The panel discussion and Q&A runs from 6:40 to 7:05 p.m., followed by closing remarks and refreshments.

Panelists include:

Allisen To is a senior at Scripps College majoring in neuroscience and minoring in psychology. Ms. To was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada but her parents are both immigrants from Vietnam.

Jed Leano is an immigration attorney, city commissioner and candidate for Claremont City Council. He currently serves as vice chair of the Community and Human Services Commission, is lead attorney for the Claremont UMC naturalization clinic, and chair of the Homelessness and Housing Collaborative of Claremont.  

Jen Hyde is the author of Hua Shi Hua [Drawings & Poems from China]. She is currently at work on Murmur, a 2016 finalist for the Creative Capital Grant in Literature.  

This project is led by a group of seven students at Claremont High School including Faith Nishimura, Thomas Huang, Joy Kim, Eric Ni, Elsie Chen, Farmaeliane Lai and Jack Xiao.

For more information, visit https://modelminorityreality.wixsite.com/mmrproject.