After an initial reach out for an interview/feature on Instagram, UAYPA founder Vannary Kong-Bui and her husband John Bui, the North America Co-Chair, were interested to commission me for an upcoming event. They envision to increase the number of Indo-Pacific leaders through diplomacy, capacity-building, and conflict transformation. Their goals include career development for young professionals, investments within local Southeast Asian communities, and strengthening the long-term impact and cultural competency of our communities.

Their goals lined up with the Rockville Science Center in Maryland. Their mission is to inspire a passion for lifelong exploration of science for our diverse community. Through their programs, and interactive science center, they work to cultivate a sense of inquiry, discovery, wonder and understanding of the scientific foundations

of everyday life.

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Their collaborated event was called "Mission STEM Possible", where government professionals in STEM came to discuss their jobs in a panel, to educate and inspire kids of the next generation. They all had great questions and curiosity, as they feel comfortable to potentially step into a big role. Afterwards, an interactive activity took place for them to try out the process of biosecurity and filtration, which they all enjoyed.

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Finally meeting Vannary and John in person, and the rest of the staff, was such a pleasure. All had shared a vision to educate and inspire the next generation, similar to my own through my work.