On February 7th, Dim Sae Traditional Art Institute performed traditional Korean drumming and dance at the 2026 Lunar New Year celebration at the Fairfax County Government Center, organized by Make Us Visible Virginia, the Asian American Community Center, and the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans of Virginia. Last Saturday, Di Dim Sae invited us to visit their studio and we had to take the opportunity to recognize their performers for the time, dedication, and talent they bring to their craft. Most of them are students in elementary through high school!
We were joined by Kathy Smith (Vice Chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors), who shared about the importance of highlighting cultural traditions like these in our public spaces.
We’re grateful to be a long-time collaborator with Di Dim Sae and so many more amazing performers who help ensure Asian arts and culture continue to be seen, shared, and valued across Virginia.
📷 Photo credits: Christina Perez and Daniel Vu
Interested in giving your feedback on the most pressing needs and challenges among immigrants living
Fairfax County?
Earn a $25 electronic Amazon gift card for completing the confidential interview!
Are you looking for something fun and impactful to do this weekend?
@littlecityconcerts is hosting a joint concert and fundraiser for @hamkaecenter ! I’ll be there to help kick off a night of drumming, followed by a reception graciously catered by @capava2002 . Come for community with fellow #virginia and #nova Asians, good music, and a good cause!
🌕✨ Join us for Tết Trung Thu 2025 – The Children’s Mid-Autumn Festival! ✨🌕
📅 Saturday, October 4, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA
🏮 Enjoy a day filled with games, cultural performances, free lanterns for kids, a lion dance, and an Ao Dai contest! Games will run from 11am-2:15pm, come early with the kids.
🥮 The café will be open all day for food purchases, and our official program runs from 2:30 – 4:00 PM.
🎊 Admission is FREE & open to the public! Come early to enjoy the festival games! Bring your family and friends to celebrate together under the harvest moon 🌕🐇.
💌 Interested in volunteering? DM us or email [email protected] to get involved!
#tettrungthu #midautumnfestival #moonfestival
Join us on April 28 at George Mason University for a powerful evening of remembrance and storytelling.
We’re commemorating 50 years since the arrival of the Vietnamese Boat People by centering the voices of first- and second-generation Vietnamese Americans. Together, we’ll reflect on the impact of the Fall of Saigon, explore refugee experiences then and now, and uplift stories of resilience through panel discussion, art, and books.
When: 📅 Monday, April 28, 2025 | 🕖 7:00–8:30 PM
Where: 📍 GMU Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall #1201
RSVP: 🔗 https://iir.gmu.edu/events/16668
Hosted by the Institute for Immigration Research at GMU.
Speakers include:
Hanh Bui | Tori Huynh | Steven Luu | Dr. Connie Park | Len Tran | Matt Brown
Moderator: Dr. Jim Witte
Join us on February 11th for a panel discussion at George Mason University, centering the voices of first- and second-generation Vietnamese Americans. Together, we will share our family stories and reflect on the deep and lasting impact the Fall of Saigon 50 years ago had on our communities.
The event will include a discussion of the Vietnamese Boat People resettlement experience, a viewing of the Closing the Gap documentary, a conversation on the current state of refugees around the world and in the United States, and an art and book display.
The speakers include:
*Hanh Bui, Teacher, Author, and George Mason University Alum
* Tori Huynh, Teacher and PROUD President of the Fairfax County Public Schools Asian Educators Association & Asian Leadership Alliance Scholarship Foundation
* Steven Luu, Veteran, Artist, and Current MFA student at Geroge Mason University School of Art
* Dr. Connie Park, Director of Make Us Visible Virginia and AAPI Education Director for the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans of Virginia
* Len Tran, Chemical Engineer, Author, and Founder of Kinetic Mind, LLC.
* Matt Brown, Former Director of Global Programs at World Learning
* Moderator: Dr. Jim Witte, Director of the Institute for Immigration Research at George Mason University
🌟Introducing our COSPLAYER Sponsor, CAPAVA @capava2002
— Since their founding and inaugural in 2002, CAPAVA has come a long way through the years as they continue to grow and pursue a common and united voice, advocacy, and being a platform to promote social, economic, cultural and business interests for all Asian Pacific Americans in Virginia.
Come check out and learn more about their organization at their booth at the festival!
✨We are looking forward to seeing you at the Festival + BABYLON: Beautiful Memories Tour Concert—
🔸Saturday, October 12th | 4-11PM
📍Crescendo Studios, 8101A Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA @crescendostudiosva
#asianamerican #leadership #nonprofitorganization #community #virgina #nova #northernvirginia #nonprofit #capava
📣NOVA AAPI Policy Summit 2024
📍When: Wednesday September 25, 2024 * 6:00pm to 8:30 pm.
📍Where: Washington University of Science and Technology (WUST), 2900 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 22314
📍Dress code: Business/Professional
📍Cost: FREE attendance but registration is required. FREE parking on street and in parking garage across from the University.
On September 25, the Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with McGuireWoods, the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans of Virginia (CAPAVA) and Make Us Visible Virginia will jointly host the 2024 NOVA Asian American and Pacific Islander Policy Summit. Come take part in powerful dialogues with elected officials on local, state, and federal policy impacting AAPI businesses and communities!
Attendants will participate in: (1) A productive evening of networking meetings with key policy makers and members of the Administration, and (2) Insightful presentations from inspiring speakers and community fellowship. Light refreshments will be served.
Maximum capacity is 100. Register now to secure your spot!
