A Dynamite End to AANHPI Heritage Month
Written by Jennie Rivera Visitacion, Lab Services Manager, Neurosurgery, School of Medicine.
What a truly meaningful way to close AANHPI Heritage Month at Stanford with Dion Lim and the launch of her new book Amplify!
AANHPI Heritage Month was truly unforgettable! From the BTS “ARIRANG” concerts on the Farm to an inspiring lunch-hour book talk and signing of Lim’s book Amplify featuring the “Triple D” lineup—Dion Lim, Donnovan Somera Yisrael, and Dominique Del Chiaro—with a little BTS “Dynamite” dancing and hula along the way.
For me, the event was especially memorable because it marked a milestone in a connection that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a friend shared what happened to her friend and neighbor who had told her and her 10-year-old daughter to "go back to China," reflecting the alarming rise in anti-Asian racism and xenophobia across the country. Wanting to help, I reached out to Dion through Facebook. To my surprise, she responded immediately. The very next day, Dion traveled to Fremont to report on the incident 'Go Back to China': Fremont woman goes on racist rant, targeting neighbor and 10-year-old girl." By telling their story, Dion gave a voice to our community at a time when many Asian Americans felt unseen and unheard.
Dion was already working behind the scenes with then-Fremont Mayor Lily Mei to raise awareness about the rise of anti-Asian hate and to inform the community with resources available through the City of Fremont website. Her reporting validated the experiences of countless Asian Americans, elevated voices that often went unheard and sparked important conversations about discrimination, injustice, and the need for community support.
Our connection continued on March 2, 2021, when ASF and FACS hosted "A Conversation on Anti-Asian Sentiment and Violence," bringing Dion Lim and Mayor Lily Mei back together. The virtual discussion connected community members and advocates to address the rise in anti-Asian hate and reinforced the importance of standing together.
Then finally on May 27, 2026, that journey came full circle. After first connecting during the pandemic and later collaborating virtually, we had the opportunity to host Dion at Stanford in person for her book launch and signing. She shared the personal and professional experiences that inspired AMPLIFY, reminding us that our stories matter and that our voices have the power to create change.
The conversation was thoughtfully moderated by FACS Donnovan Somera Yisrael, whose engaging questions brought depth and insight to the discussion. Dominique Del Chiaro from Stanford Recreation energized the audience with movement breaks, including hula and an enthusiastic BTS "Dynamite" dance that perfectly captured the spirit of the celebration.
It was a joyful and memorable way to conclude AANHPI Heritage Month. As a testament to her impact, San Mateo County has proclaimed July 31 as "Dion Lim Day," recognizing her outstanding contributions to journalism, advocacy, and service to the Asian American community.
Our sincere thanks to the Stanford University groups that made this special event possible, including the ASF, FACS, Center for Asian Health Research and Education (CARE), Community Engagement, and Stanford Health Care API & Allies.
As Dion reminds us in AMPLIFY, every story has the power to make a difference. This event was a celebration of resilience, representation, and community and a reminder that when we amplify our voices and support one another, we help build a stronger, more inclusive future.
