South Bay Youth Changemakers: Going Beyond the Stereotype of “Asian American” to Realize a Broad Sense of Community and Activism in Silicon Valley

Today I have the pleasure of talking with Supriya Khandelwal and Koa Tran, two members of the South Bay Youth Changemakers, and one of its co-directors, Amulya Mandava. This Asian American organization, located at the heart of Silicon Valley, seeks to both challenge and expand the label, Asian American. The SBYC directs its energy into projects that go far beyond the stereotypes of wealth, acquisition, and status associated with its location, and focuses on empowerment and social justice.  Crucially, the organization recognizes the multi-ethnic, multi-racial, and multi-class components of its community. We hear about the kinds of events and activities that characterize this important and vital organization.

Koa is a former youth member and summer fellow of South Bay Youth Changemakers. They are currently an undergraduate student in their senior year at UCSD. A special interest of theirs is disability justice and intersectional health.

 Supriya is a former youth member of South Bay Youth Changemakers. She is a freshman in college majoring in Psychology. They’re a fan of internet art culture, and are interested in fair accommodations at school and work, and in labor justice—she believes people shouldn’t have to work their lives away.

Amulya is co-Director of South Bay Youth Changemakers. Her background is in labor organizing with the UAW, and in organizing against gender-based violence in higher ed.