Research within REACH equips Asian American women, femmes, and gender-expansive leaders with the tools, confidence, and community to investigate their own questions, collect and interpret data, and transform insights into stories that shape policy, funding, and public narratives.

What is Research Within REACH?

One thing I’ve been thinking a lot about is how often research feels… out of reach.

Like it’s something reserved for institutions, or something you need a certain title, degree, or background to be a part of.

But in reality, so much of what we call “research” is already happening every day. It’s in the conversations we’re having.

The patterns we’re noticing.

The questions we keep coming back to.

Research within REACH is about naming that as data—and building the tools to actually use it.

Through this program, we focus on how to collect and organize data in real time, and more importantly, how to turn that data into something meaningful: stories, insights, and advocacy that can push for change.

Because when research is human-centered and accessible, it stops feeling intimidating and starts becoming something you can actually use.

And my hope is that this doesn’t stop with one training or one group—

but that people take these skills, share them, and continue building a more human, community-driven approach to research.

Because the people closest to the work—and the questions—have always been closest to the answers.

About Project & Founder

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Mission

&

Vision

To empower Asian American women, femmes, and gender-expansive leaders to investigate questions that matter to their communities, transform their insights into stories and creative expression, and use this knowledge to amplify their voices, influence policy, and strengthen civic power.

A world where communities own, interpret, and lead their own research, ensuring that all voices, especially those historically invisible, are seen, heard, and valued in shaping public narratives, policies, and resources.

Values

  • Participants retain ownership of their data and stories. Research is stewarded within community, not extracted for external benefit.

  • Research should not be gatekept by academic institutions. Knowledge production is a civic right.

  • We build peer networks that extend beyond the cohort and strengthen collective action.

  • Communities should benefit directly from the research conducted within them. Stories are not collected without return.

  • Research shapes policy. By equipping participants with tools to generate and interpret data, we strengthen their ability to influence public decisions.

  • No prior research experience required. We use plain language, interactive learning, and practical tools.

“We realize the importance of our voices only when they are silenced.”

–Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate