Dialogues in Asian American Theology and Ministry Podcast

David Chao and co-host Pete Chung welcome Timothy Yi, a youth pastor with over 14 years of experience. Tim shares how growing up in a Taekwondo family shaped his trust-based approach to ministry and how losing his mother deepened his empathy for young people.The conversation explores mental health among Gen Z, the state of youth ministry in the Korean American church, and Tim's journey into digital ministry through YouTube. 01:07 Taekwondo Roots07:22 Trust First Approach17:06 Loss and Empathy22:30 Sharing Brokenness33:42 YouTube Mission Field47:31 Closing ThanksFoto by Quyn Phạm: https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/gente-multitud-muchedumbre-demostracion-13051746/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

David Chao shares his story as a second-generation Chinese American shaped by post-1965 immigration, including his father’s journey from Taiwan to Georgia Tech and a family life rooted in science. He recounts coming to faith through Chinese churches in Buffalo and Louisville, and later shifting from biochemistry and a medical track toward seminary after wrestling with questions about the Holy Spirit, discovering liturgy and the Apostles’ Creed, and realizing theology was a better fit. He now serves as director of Princeton Theological Seminary’s Center for Asian American Christianity. He describes Asian American theology as the intersection of intergenerational family stories and the broader history of migration and racialization within God’s salvation story. 01:43 Immigration Roots 196503:24 Chemistry Family Stories14:30 Call to Theology and Vocation26:32 Asian American Christianity Explained37:00 Global Christianity and Migration44:15 CAAC Vision and Focus Areas This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

David Chao and co-host David Moe welcome Rev. Dr. Stephen Hre Kio, senior pastor of Indiana Chin Baptist Church. He shares his journey from Chin State, Myanmar, to ministry in the United States, reflecting on his education, his work translating the Bible into the Falam Chin dialect, his PhD studies at Emory University, and his years with United Bible Societies overseeing translation projects across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.The conversation also explores the arrival and resettlement of Chin refugees in the U.S., the growth of a large Indianapolis congregation, and the challenges and hopes of pastoring immigrant communities. Dr. Hre Kio reflects on the impact of the 2021 Myanmar coup, the need for unity within the Chin diaspora, and the call for Burmese Christians to remain centered on Christ while contributing to the life of the American church.00:00 Welcome and Introductions01:20 Stephen Hre Kio Journey11:43 Pastoring Immigrant Church15:25 Bible Translation Impact21:16 Myanmar Coup and Justice33:37 Scripture for Unity35:54 Trauma Suffering and Hope45:29 Future Hopes and ClosingPhoto by Rohit Varma on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode, David Chao and Eun Joo Kim speak with Pete Chung, a Korean Presbyterian pastor in Houston, about leading with authenticity and focusing on character rather than appearance. Pete reflects on his family’s immigration journey and the profound influence of his grandmother’s prayerful faith.He also shares why he returned to serve the Korean American church, committing to long-term ministry and building an intergenerational community that strengthens belonging across generations.00:00 Pastor With a Cap04:31 Immigration and Family10:03 Grandmother the Anchor20:32 Unity and Youth Retention21:42 Intergenerational Vision31:41 Unified Leadership Model45:20 Family and Food FinalePhoto by Sebastiano Piazzi on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

Join David Chao as he sits down with author Ann Suk Wang to discuss her heartwarming children's book, The House Before Falling into the Sea. Set against the backdrop of the Korean War, this story is based on Ann's mother's real-life experiences of opening her home to refugees in Busan. Together, they explore the themes of kindness, hope, and resilience that make this book a touching read for children and adults alike.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro02:02 Who the Book Is For14:03 Illustrator and Visual Story21:05 Kindness and Modern Parallels26:12 How Families Use Picture Books33:36 Asian Community Reception37:53 Faith Fingerprints and ClosingPhoto by Kyle Hinkson on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode of the Dialogues Podcast, co-hosted by David Chao and Pete Chung, Eun Joo Kim reflects on her journey as a Korean immigrant, pastor’s kid (PK), and 1.5-generation Korean American growing up in New York City. She shares how her early immigration experience, her father’s pastoral ministry, and life in the Korean American church shaped her calling and identity.The conversation also explores her unexpected use of K-pop as a ministry bridge. Eun Joo explains how culture can serve as a road toward deeper intergenerational understanding, helping churches create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.00:00 – Immigration & Growing Up PK05:00 – Loss, Calling & Seminary13:00 – K-Pop as a Ministry Bridge17:00 – Being Seen & Heard23:00 – Curiosity, Humility & MinistryPhoto by Yeon Lee on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

Join David Chao, director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, as he hosts a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Chloe Sun, Professor of Old Testament and Program Director of the Chinese Studies Center. Together, they delve into the life of King David, examining his political, familial, and moral complexities. Dr. Sun provides deep insights into David's relationship with Bathsheba, his subsequent actions, and the broader implications for his family and nation. This episode offers valuable lessons for understanding the intricate blend of personal and public life within biblical narratives and draws parallels to contemporary issues in Asian American Christian communities.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:30 Exploring King David's Life and Legacy03:25 The Story of David and Bathsheba09:44 Consequences of David's Actions18:30 Psalm 51 and David's Repentance24:55 Interconnectedness of Personal and Public Life33:13 Lessons for Asian American Christian Communities41:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode, David Chao, director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, has an in-depth conversation with DJ Chuang about his journey into mental health advocacy within Asian American Christian communities. DJ shares his personal story of dealing with bipolar disorder, the cultural stigmas surrounding mental health, and how his faith has supported his healing process. They also explore practical steps churches can take to address mental health and provide support within their congregations. Join us as we uncover the profound intersections of mental health, faith, and the transformative power of sharing stories.Resources:Christian Asian Mental Health.- https://camh.networkErasing Shame Podcast.- https://erasingshame.com00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:51 DJ Chuang's Mental Health Journey04:38 The Role of Stories in Ministry07:15 Seeking Professional Help23:09 Erasing Shame Podcast29:42 Challenges in Asian American Churches47:28 Intergenerational Differences in Mental Health52:38 Encouragement and ResourcesPhoto by Hassan Sherif on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. David Chao welcomes Dr. Rachel Robertson, Assistant Professor at Hong Kong Baptist University, for a thoughtful conversation on the intersection of digital technology, family life, and Asian American Christianity. Dr. Robertson examines how emerging technologies shape virtues, habits, and educational environments. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and social media, with particular attention to their influence on intergenerational relationships, mental health, and spiritual formation. The discussion also offers rich reflections on communal discernment and the vital role churches can play in helping communities navigate today’s digital landscape.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:50 Rachel Robertson's Background and Interests02:53 Historical Analogy and Digital Technology07:44 Anxiety and Digital Technology13:09 Generational Differences in Technology Use21:29 Digital Rituals and Emotional Impact26:46 Techno Optimism vs. Techno Pessimism30:00 Communal Discernment in Technology Use37:21 Final Thoughts and EncouragementPhoto by Maria Oswalt on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode, David Chao, director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, welcomes back Dr. Jessica ChenFeng, Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary and director of the Asian American Center's Wellbeing Collaboratory. Together, they explore the parallels between medical training and mental health awareness within an Asian American context, with particular attention to spirituality and communal life.Dr. ChenFeng shares insights from her own medical training experience, reflecting on the impact of unresolved trauma, the necessity of self-work, and the role of relational dynamics in Asian American Christian communities. The conversation also offers thoughtful strategies for addressing relational ruptures in ways that integrate mental well-being, cultural awareness, and spiritual practice. Join us for a deep dive into the integration of mental well-being and spiritual practice.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:56 Medical Training and Mental Health04:20 Relational Health in Medical Training08:19 Ruptured Relationships and Repair2:47 Story Collecting as a Spiritual Exercise17:41 Self-Work and Narrative in Therapy33:36 Parenting, Power, and Communication43:30 Final Thoughts on Relational Freedom This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

Content Warning Mention of su****e at 6:04 and 24:15-27. In this episode, David C. Chao, Director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, hosts Professor Ann Gillian Chu from Hong Kong Baptist University. They delve into Professor Chu’s research on lived theology, exploring how social environments shape theological reflection, and discuss the 2021 political unrest in Hong Kong and its theological implications. The conversation also covers the UK’s BN(O) visa route, its effects on Hong Kong families, and the resulting mental health and community dynamics. Join us for a deep dive into migration trends, the role of digital technology in maintaining transnational connections, and the evolving landscape of Christian communities in Hong Kong and the UK.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:45 Exploring BN[O] Migration Policy04:15 Impact of Migration on Families07:27 Research Project and Findings09:56 Historical Context and Migration Trends17:33 Challenges and Support for Older Adults33:18 Role of Technology in Migration46:54 Evolving Church and Community Support53:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

This panel discussion was recorded on October 7, 2025 and presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and co-hosted with Fuller Theological Seminary’s Chinese Studies Center. You can learn more about this conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/btiaa2025/.The panelists are Alex Chang (pastor of Princeton Alliance Church in Princeton, NJ), Marie Chan (author of Mamie Takes a Stand: The True Story of Mamie Tape, a Chinese American Girl’s Fight for School Rights), Chrislyn Choo (Emmy-winning creative storyteller), and Peter Li (pastor of Chinese Christian Church and Center in Philadelphia, PA). Moderators are Dr. Lisa Cleath (Old Testament) and Dr. David Chao (Center for Asian American Christianity) of Princeton Theological Seminary.01:22 Introducing the Panelists02:31 How Are You Adapting the Ideas from BTIAA 2025 to Your Ministry Context?07:58 Exploring Intergenerational Connections10:32 The Role of Storytelling in Faith13:48 How Do You Negotiate the Challenges of Intergenerational Connection in Your Asian American Ministries?13:59 Challenges and Reflections on Identity29:14 How Do You Think About the Multi-Valence Within Asian American Stories in Your Context?30:24 Peter’s Journey: From Hong Kong to America33:04 Chrislyn’s Malaysian Chinese American Experience36:40 Navigating Intergenerational and Intercultural Tensions38:00 Alex on Church Leadership and Family Dynamics41:14 Marie on Storytelling and Faith44:28 How Can We Pass Along Our Families’ Stories as Asian American Christians?50:27 The Importance of Oral Histories56:39 Chrislyn’s Reflections on Story Living59:27 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsContent Warning: Mention of su****e attempt at 58:27 to 58:43 Photo image by David Chao This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

Akshay John is an aspiring South Asian hip-hop artist who creates music that powerfully addresses real-life questions about the struggles that Indian Americans—especially other Gen Z Christians like himself—may experience. In sharing his journey from Kerala, India to the Middle East, and eventually to the United States, Akshay delves into how his South Asian background, Christian faith, and personal experiences shape his music— and how that same music became a creative outlet. Akshay discusses his struggle with traditional career expectations and his passion for authentically addressing the genuine experiences surrounding mental health and the immigrant experience through his art. Embedded with excerpts of his songs, this is a deep and candid conversation about music, faith, and cultural identity that you won’t want to miss!00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:04 Akshay John’s Musical Journey04:14 Early Life and Hip-Hop Influences06:45 Faith and Music Intertwined10:10 Music as Therapy and Creative Outlet15:22 Biographical Journey: From Middle East to the US23:12 Exploring Themes of Success and Faith26:38 Challenges and Reflections on South Asian Identity34:59 Vulnerability, Honesty, and Faith43:39 Final Thoughts and Future AspirationsPhoto used with permission by Akshay John. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

Welcome to the CAAC podcast! In this episode, David Chao, Director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, and co-host Josh Livingston, Program Manager at CAAC, sit down with Dr. Chloe Sun, Professor of Old Testament and Program Director of the Chinese Study Center at Fuller Seminary. They discuss Chloe’s book, Attempt Great Things for God: Theological Education in Diaspora, exploring the significance of diaspora in theological education, Chloe’s personal migration story, and the necessity of diverse voices in enriching theological discourse. Delve into this thought-provoking conversation about the significance of using one’s heart language to study theology and how migration shapes faith and education!Photo by Bundo Kim on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

This presentation by Dr. Daniel Lee, titled “Family and the Bible,” was recorded on October 7, 2025. The lecture is part of the 2025 conference “Biblical Theology in Asian America: Family, Migration, and Divine Presence,” presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and co-hosted with Fuller Theological Seminary’s Chinese Studies Center. You can learn more about this conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/btiaa2025/.This lecture is a response to Dr. Roger Nam’s lecture “Family, Migration, and Economic Survival in the Hebrew Bible: What If ‘Honor Your Father’ Isn’t the Whole Story?,” Dr. Chloe Sun’s lecture “Between Wrestling and Blessing: Jacob and his Messy Family,” and Jessica ChenFeng’s lecture “Relating to the Internal and Relational Wrestlings of Bible Characters: Jacob’s Family in Context.” You can find the recordings here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxGLEaf5FKyHCuImKVmKQRkjPTC67D5gK&si=KJWHpK74BbUmyAKkTime Stamps00:49 Introducing Dr. Daniel D. Lee02:35 Reading Scripture with an Asian American Lens04:11 The Role of Family in Theology06:13 The Doctrine of Scripture and Illumination08:09 Wrestling with God: A Covenantal Relationship12:00 Empathy and Understanding in Asian American Context22:02 Family and Migration: The Asian American Experience25:42 Racialization and Family Values38:13 Critical Awareness in Reading ScripturePhoto by Annie Spratt on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

This presentation by Dr. Jessica ChenFeng, LMFT, titled “Relating to the Internal and Relational Wrestlings of Bible Characters: Jacob’s Family in Context,” was recorded on October 7, 2025. The lecture is part of the 2025 conference “Biblical Theology in Asian America: Family, Migration, and Divine Presence,” presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and co-hosted with Fuller Theological Seminary’s Chinese Studies Center. You can learn more about this conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/btiaa2025/.Description: “We each grew up with a relationship to characters of the Bible: which character was someone to emulate? Who was not the ideal model for a leader, a parent, or spouse? These assessments can sometimes parallel the way our families talked about relatives or community members: the good daughter who takes care of her parents, the terrible church elder who squandered money or the faithful pastor who sacrifices so much. In this presentation, we consider Jacob’s family system: intergenerational and gendered hopes, betrayal, alignment and rejection that allow us opportunities to connect with their contextual realities and curiosities for our own Asian American Christian lives today. We will consider the complex nuances of Bible characters beyond the one-dimensional individual perspectives of their personhood and behaviors.“This presentation will invite attendees to reconsider our assessments (judgements) of Bible characters and increase our empathy (of others and self) through understanding Jacob’s family with a sociocontextual and relational lens. It will highlight relationships in context, reflecting on dynamics of rupture and opportunities for repair.”Jessica ChenFeng, PhD, LMFT is an associate professor of marriage and family therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary. She has been a practicing MFT for almost 20 years and consults with academic, healthcare and church organizations to improve the well-being of people within their relationships and communities. She is the director of Fuller’s Asian American Well-being Collaboratory. Her research, clinical and community work center around Asian American identities/relationships, generation, trauma, and Christian spirituality. She resides in the greater Los Angeles area with her spouse and two children. Whenever she gets the chance, she loves reconnecting with her love for analogue: paper planners and stationery, baking, and sewing.Time Stamps:00:51 Introducing Dr. Jessica ChenFeng02:11 Dr. ChenFeng’s Personal Journey and Calling04:24 Exploring Wellbeing and Belonging06:11 Engaging with Bible Characters in Context12:25 Intergenerational Impacts and Personal Stories19:44 Understanding Relationships and Systems23:57 Empathy and Complexity in Relationships35:17 Conclusion: Pursuing Fullness of LifePhoto by Dilip Poddar on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

This presentation by Dr. Chloe Sun, titled “Between Wrestling and Blessing: Jacob and his Messy Family,” was recorded on October 7, 2025. The lecture is part of the 2025 conference “Biblical Theology in Asian America: Family, Migration, and Divine Presence,” presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and co-hosted with Fuller Theological Seminary’s Chinese Studies Center. You can learn more about this conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/btiaa2025/.Description: This presentation examines Jacob’s family dynamics, including his experience as a migrant and its impact on his social location as an ethnic minority within a dominant culture, his ongoing struggles with his brother, his relationships with his elder sons, and his daughter Dinah. It also explores generational patterns such as parental favoritism, sibling rivalry, barrenness, and fatherly passivity. Additionally, it highlights how God’s election of Jacob and Jacob’s mediation of God’s blessings show that even amidst family chaos, grace and purpose can be found. The presentation aims to illustrate that despite the complexity of many Asian American families, there is hope for reconciliation and for God’s purposes to be fulfilled.Chloe T. Sun is Professor of Old Testament and the Program Director of the Chinese Studies Center at Fuller Seminary. She previously taught at Logos Evangelical Seminary in Los Angeles. She publishes in both Chinese and English and conducts Bible seminars locally and internationally in Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Europe. Her recent English publications include Attempt Great Things for God: Theological Education in Diaspora (Eerdmans, 2020), Conspicuous in His Absence: Studies in the Song of Songs and Esther (IVP Academic, 2021), and Exodus, A Pastoral and Contextual Commentary (Langham, 2024).Time Stamps00:37 Introducing Dr. Chloe Sun01:44 Jacob’s Family in Genesis03:10 Sibling Rivalry and Divine Favoritism04:47 Migration and Identity05:02 Jacob’s Identity10:16 Jacob’s Migration Experiences18:25 Jacob as a Father28:04 Divine Blessing and Reconciliation35:49 Conclusion: Family Dynamics and Divine PresencePhoto by Salah Regouane on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

This presentation by Dr. Roger Nam, titled “Family, Migration, and Economic Survival in the Hebrew Bible: What If ‘Honor Your Father’ Isn’t the Whole Story?” was recorded on October 7, 2025. The lecture is part of the 2025 conference “Biblical Theology in Asian America: Family, Migration, and Divine Presence,” presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and co-hosted with Fuller Theological Seminary’s Chinese Studies Center. You can learn more about this conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/btiaa2025/.Description: “This opening talk situates the Hebrew Bible’s complex family stories—sibling rivalries, migration journeys, and household economies—within their ancient Near Eastern context. These narratives emerged not from abstract theology but from lived realities of cultural displacement. For Asian American communities navigating filial expectations, generational rifts, and economic pressure, these biblical dynamics feel strikingly familiar—and at times, deeply subversive. This session frames the day’s conversations by offering historical grounding and interpretive tools for reading family and faith with greater depth.”Roger S. Nam, PhD is Professor of Hebrew Bible and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Emory University/Candler School of Theology. His scholarship bridges Hebrew Bible and ancient Near Eastern history, with a focus on how economic and social realities shaped biblical texts and communities. He is the author of multiple books, most recently, The Theology of the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (Cambridge University Press, 2024). Before entering academia, he served as a pastor in Seoul, Korea and worked as a financial analyst in the Silicon Valley. This year marks his 18th year as a professor in theological education.Time Stamps:00:37 Introducing Dr. Roger Nam01:39 Dr. Nam’s Unconventional Journey02:38 Family and Migration in Ancient Israel04:44 Parallels Between Ancient Israel and Asian America08:00 The Migration Experience of Abraham24:12 Economic Survival in Ancient Israel30:15 Family Life and Honor in Ancient Israel31:55 The Bible Through an Asian American Lens35:57 Conclusion: Let the Bible Read YouPhoto by David McLenachan on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode of the Center for Asian American Christianity Podcast, host David Chao sits down with Dr. David C. Wang (ThM, PhD), the Cliff and Joyce Penner Chair for the Formation of Emotionally Healthy Leaders at Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr. Wang discusses the Global Formation Project, a multi-phase research initiative on spiritual maturity and formation that started in 2015. The conversation delves into the relationship between theological education and spiritual maturity, the impact of knowing oneself in spiritual growth, and the integration of psychological insights into spiritual practices. They also explore innovative practices in theological pedagogy, particularly the use of intergenerational panels and mapping of family trees in church settings to address intergenerational trauma and promote holistic formation. The episode highlights the importance of acknowledging both beauty and brokenness in the journey towards spiritual maturity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

This lecture by Sherry Thomas, JD, was recorded on June 7, 2025, at Seven Mile Road Church in Philadelphia, PA, at the conference “Our Story, Our Faith: South Asian American Christian Histories and Futures” (June 6–7, 2025). You can learn more about this conference here: https://ourstoriesourfaith.org/philly25/. View the plenary video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FpO9YtAICc.Plenary description: This lecture will explore how South Asians, including South Asian Christians, came to “belong” in the United States, through the lens of landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases and legislation that both closed and opened doors to South Asian Christians. It will provide insight into why the South Asian Christian immigrant experience looked the way it did and how it continues to evolve as the country grapples with its relationship to race and religion.View PBS’s video referenced at 24:02 of the video version (cut out of audio podcast due to copyright): https://youtu.be/0qggeLf4x-s?si=GGUf0z9rwBr3wvnv.Check out Sherry Thomas’s oral history project with SAADA: https://www.saada.org/exhibit/philadelphia/malayali-story.Sherry Thomas is Kerala born and Philadelphia raised. She completed her B.A. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and her J.D. from Temple University. She is passionate about issues of social and economic justice and currently combines both in her career as a public interest lawyer. She focuses her work on tenants’ rights, defense and eviction prevention with the Legal Clinic for the Disabled (LCD), as its Director of Housing and Habitability and has also worked as a Legal Fellow and legal consultant for International Justice Mission (IJM), a global organization partnering with local justice systems to end violence against people living in poverty.Sherry grew up in the Marthoma Church in a tight knit Malayali community in Philadelphia. She was always interested in the ways the church could be instrumental in bridging gaps between cultures and generations. Her experiences informed her work with the South Asian American Digital Archive (SAADA). Through SAADA, she preserved some stories of Malayali Christians living and working in Philadelphia, over several generations, which culminated in the publication of her project, “The Philadelphia Malayali Story: Decades in the Making.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com