Today, we continue our celebration of AANHPI month with Young (he/him), current Co-leader in NP DC. Co-leader is just one of the many hats Young wears but he knows how to #JustShowUp for all the communities he’s a part of.
What words do you use to describe your full identity/all your identities
Public Servant / Father / Husband / Brother / Son / Friend / Community Member
Who are some of the Asian and Pacific Islander athletes in the world of running/sport that you look up to?
Jeremy Lin
When did you first #JustShowUp to NP? How did you come across NP? What is it that you were looking for in a fitness group? How did NP provide that? What was an “extra” that NP has that you found value in?
First #JustShowup: 2016 – Randomly ran into the group during my morning run at the Lincoln memorial.
What was I seeking: NICE and FUN GROUP of PEOPLE !!!
I identify the “extra” sauce to be a combination of kindness, limitless energy and smiles!
During one of the weekend long runs, I had rolled my ankle half-way. Todd and Mary (NP-DCA Couple) who were in my pace group broke away from the group to ensure I got to the correct post-run link-up point. We became friends and fast forward to 2021, our firstborns were born literally a day apart!
What apprehensions did you have as you considered coming for the first time? What was your first impression? Why did you keep showing up?
As the new kid on the block, I kept thinking about “Could I keep up” and “Will I fit in?”
First impression: Initial concerns were debunked by warm welcome and good times; I want more of it!
I kept showing up because of the good people of our community.
What does it mean to you to be an Asian and/or Pacific Islander Co-leader? What does it mean to your community? What does it mean to our global community?
Being able to serve as AANHPI Co-Leader for the November Project DC is an honor and a privilege. It is an opportunity to be able to give back to the community that I grew up in and do life together. At the same time, I fully embrace that everything that I do and do not do has both tangible and intangible impact to our community. Upon retirement, I hope I can look back on my Co-leadership tenure and be able to say that both myself and fellow Co-leaders that I served with left the organization better than how we inherited it. As for the global community, it’ll be an added assurance that no matter when and where I am placed, I will always give you and my ecosystem 100% and then some.
How does being Asian and/or Pacific Islander influence your leadership? What was it like to be Asian and/or Pacific Islander in your community before you stepped into leadership?
As a 1.5 generation Korean-American immigrant, it is an added layer of heritage that continues to shape my various identities. Prior to stepping into the leadership, I personally did not feel out of place, but I rather felt warmly welcomed. As a DC-area native, I personally was not too fond of how some folks had described their first conversations in DC as “What do you do?” Since 2018, I made it my personal mission to first ask anyone that I meet their name and their hometown as I want to get to know their roots and identities. By doing so, I hope I was able to start shattering the status quo of calculated introductions and generate a sense of belongingness to the community built on mutual love for #freefitness.
Do you remember the first time you saw someone who identified the same as you in leadership (at November Project or anywhere else)? What was that feeling like?
When I heard about the legendary qualifications (Navy SEAL, Harvard MD, and an Astronaut) that Jonny Kim brought to the table, I was blown away (HOT DAMN; this dude is smart, badass, and is a REALLY GOOD LOOKING!).
In all seriousness – it was a gentle reminder that we are all unique in our own ways and God has a plan for everyone. As for me, Jonny Kim served as a motivation for me to row harder, faster, and stronger to embrace every moment that life has to offer (and CRUSH every task at hand).
Did you have any apprehensions to lead this group? Did you experience imposter syndrome when you were asked to lead? What advice would you give to another Asian and/or Pacific Islander person who is nervous about leading a group (at November Project or anywhere else) or coming to November Project?
When I was asked about my interest in Co-leading, I initially had reservations that were based on time commitment – could I continue to give 100% in everything that I do while I carry on the duties of Co-leadership?
No imposter syndrome for me as I was transparent about my concerns with my family, friends, and my new Co-Leaders Foley and Jolly.
I drew strength from those that I trust by being vulnerable and transparent about my competing requirements.
Word of Advice for leading: Trust in yourself, the system that you and your teammates architect and execute wholeheartedly – YOU’RE GOING TO CRUSH IT!!!!
Word of Advice for those who are on the fence of coming to November Project:
Just show up as you are – We are all dealing with life, let’s CRUSH it together!!!
How do you celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month? How can others celebrate you or celebrate with you this day? How can we celebrate you all year long?
I celebrate this month via embracing my heritage, roots, and my ecosystem – nothing but gratitude. I’m all about crushing Ice cream for breakfast (or any meal really), shall we celebrate together with an ice cream? Most importantly, let’s celebrate by loving all those around us (both close and frenemies alike).
What else do you want people reading this to know?
YOU MATTER and YOU ARE LOVED – thank you for investing your time into your beloved community!
Keep crushing the glass ceilings and keep climbing so that you are in/continue to be in a position to positively impact and support others. After all, life is more fun when you are doing it together with others!
Live Life-Love Life,
Young
