In this opening conversation, Mei Lum and Diane Wong will revisit the origins of W.O.W—from their early kitchen table conversations to its evolution into a community arts initiative that centers women, queer, non-binary, and trans Asian youth as stewards of Chinatown’s creative culture. Grounded in personal stories and collective memory, this dialogue invites us to pause and to consider how spaces like W.O.W. speak to the possibility of a neighborhood defined by people rather than by profit, where value is measured through cultural continuity and collective belonging rather than speculative capital. The conversation also opens up questions about the tensions and possibilities of doing cultural work in a moment shaped by ongoing struggles over land, safety, and displacement—and how we might imagine the next decade together. 

The conversation will be moderated by current and former youth leaders Sasa Yung and Angela Chan. Whether you’ve been part of W.O.W. since the beginning or are just getting to know the work, we welcome you to join us for an evening of reflection, celebration, and community. RSVP Here.