About Us

Welcome to Asianati, where we celebrate the richness of Asian American culture in Cincinnati. We began as a close-knit group of friends, sharing diverse experiences as Asian Americans and passionate about showcasing our heritage.

Our journey started in 2010 when we created the Asian Food Fest, making it an annual Cincinnati tradition. But we soon realized our city has more to offer beyond food - from arts to traditions, we have a wealth of experiences to share.

Under our new name, Asianati, we're committed to pushing culture beyond just food. We've grown to include members who represent other organizations, and together, we're on a mission to discover and celebrate our diverse traditions, arts, and cultural experiences.

Thank you for joining us on this adventure to explore the vibrant tapestry of Asian American culture in our Queen City.

Organizational Structure

At Asianati, our organizational structure is designed to ensure a seamless and effective approach to celebrating Asian American culture in Cincinnati. Our team consists of dedicated individuals who work together to make our mission a reality.

Board Members: These individuals are the guiding force behind Asianati. They oversee the direction of our organization, setting the vision and strategic goals that drive our mission. Our Board Members provide invaluable leadership and direction to ensure we stay true to our purpose.

Officers: Our Officers are the heart of Asianati. They execute the mission and vision set by our Board Members. They work tirelessly to bring our events and programs to life, ensuring that our community experiences the best of Asian American culture in Cincinnati.

Brand Team: In addition to our Board Members and Officers, Asianati has a dedicated Brand Team. These creative minds are responsible for our events and maintaining our website. They bring our vision to life through visuals, content, and storytelling, creating immersive experiences that showcase the rich tapestry of Asian American culture.

Together, our team at Asianati is committed to building a more inclusive Cincinnati where Asian American voices are heard and celebrated. We're proud to have a structure that ensures effective leadership, execution, and creative expression. Thank you for being a part of our journey as we continue to explore, create, and share the vibrant tapestry of Asian American culture in our Queen City.

Board of Directors

Bao Nguyen

President

Koji Sado

Vice President

Qorinah Wardhani

Treasurer

Lam Dang

Secretary

Felicity Tao

Board Member

Simon Tam

Board Member

Billy Guinigundo

Board Member

Tom Fernandez

Board Member

JP Leong

Board Member

Ronnie Felipe

Board Member

Jay Kalagayan

Board Member

About The Brand Team

We're a dedicated group focused on creating exciting events and maintaining our website to celebrate Cincinnati's vibrant Asian American culture.

Event Hosting: We plan and execute memorable events that showcase the diversity and traditions of Asian American culture.

Website Maintenance: Our digital hub, the Asianati website, is where our community connects. We keep it updated with event info and resources.

Creative Expression: Through visuals and storytelling, we capture the spirit of Asianati and share it with the world.

Meet-Ups: Join us at engaging meet-ups where we connect, share experiences, and build a strong Asianati community.

We're proud to be your hosts and storytellers. Thank you for being part of our journey to celebrate Asian American culture in Cincinnati. Together, we'll keep exploring, creating, and sharing the vibrant tapestry of our community.

Meet the Brand Team

Koji Sado

Co-Founder / Catch'em all

koji@asianati.com

Where are you from?

Born in Detroit MI, but lived all over — US, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore

What are some of your favorite Asian dishes in Cincinnati?

Godavari’s Gobi Manchurian — it’s the perfect fusion of cultural flavors from India and China

Bao Nguyen

Co-Founder/Developer

bao@asianati.com

Where are you from?

My family came over from Vietnam in 1975, but I was born in Cincinnati.

What are some of your favorite Asian dishes in Cincinnati?

There are too many, but the chicken pad thai at Thai Express stands out to me. When I first ate it 20 years ago, I thought it was one of the best things I've ever eaten, and 20 years later, that still holds true to me. I have yet to like a pad thai in any other city more.

JP Leong

Editor/Photographer

jp@asianati.com

Where are you from?

Cincinnati is home.

What are some of your favorite Asian dishes in Cincinnati?

Hand-pulled noodles with veggies from Fortune Noodle House in University Heights. My mom made this dish a lot when I was growing-up. Fortune Noodle basically nails it.

Sam Burke

Social Media Manager/Photographer

sam@asianati.com

Where are you from?

I'm biracial Chinese American born in Hong Kong, and raised in South Bend, IN. In college, I studied abroad in Beijing & Shanghai. I've recently lived in Milwaukee and now Cincinnati.

What are some of your favorite Asian dishes in Cincinnati?

Sichuan Chili, I love Sichuan Chinese cuisine and it's mala spice! Love the Cumin Lamb & Red Dry Chili Fish or Chicken!

Sarah Kramer

Operations Coordinator

sarah@asianati.com

Where are you from?

I was adopted from China and was raised in a small town in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. I moved to Cincinnati for college (Go XU!) and built such strong connections that I decided to stay. I currently work in the event industry doing design, planning, and coordinating.

What are some of your favorite Asian dishes in Cincinnati?

Cafe Mochiko--karaage, the chicken is so tender and melts in your mouth. Rokaru Ramen--tonkotsu ramen, it's a classic. Haru--Dolsot Bibimbap! I love the crispy rice at the bottom of the stone pot or Kalbi. I always get the Sujung Gwa to drink; it warms the soul. Cloud 9--baked salmon roll.

Carenna Bhola

Asianati Design & Digital Marketing

carenna@asianati.com

Where are you from?

I am biracial Indian American but was born and raised in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. I am going into my third year at UC's Carl Lindner College of Business. I am studying Marketing with minors in Fine Arts and Fashion Design Studies

What are some of your favorite Asian dishes in Cincinnati?

Nittha Siam Kitchen - they have never disappointed me, love their Massaman curry with tofu!

Chloe Tran

Outreach Coordinator

chloe@asianati.com

Where are you from?

Born and raised in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. I am a proud Chinese-Vietnamese, I am fluent in Vietnamese, and didn't take up so much on Cantonese which is what my mom and grandparents spoke. My family and I moved to the US in 2012 when I was 18.

What are some of your favorite Asian dishes in Cincinnati?

Ichiban Sushi, Rokaru Ramen, Milk Jar 3 (they have poke), Asiana Korean

Natalie Moo Young

Community Engagement Coordinator

natalie@asianati.com

Where are you from?

I identify as a Afro-Chinese-Caribbean/Black American (what a mouthful, right?) or just "mixed". My mom is an American of European descent, and my dad is Jamaican-American of Afro-Chinese descent. I am a born and raised Cincinnatian, a UC Anthropology graduate, and a "foodie". My interests are centered around linguistics/cross-cultural communications, food culture, and modern anthropological studies! I'm a proud pitbull mom and an amateur home cook.

What are some of your favorite Asian dishes in Cincinnati?

Maki Express and Pho Lang Thang. I love Maki's spicy take on tonkotsu ramen, and Pho Lang Thang is my favorite place to get vietnamese food. I can never have enough pho, especially in the winter.

Mei-Lin Williams

Public Relations Coordinator

mei-lin@asianati.com

Where are you from?

I am a Chinese American woman adopted from Guangxi, China, and raised in a small town outside of Cincinnati. I learned to love my identity and story once I got to college, but the journey to get where I am now was not easy. I've spent my time at the University of Dayton learning Chinese, being the vice president of the Asian American Association on campus, creating an adoptee group, and minoring in Asian Studies.

What are some of your favorite Asian dishes in Cincinnati?

Pho 96 in West Chester is my favorite restaurant! It's neighbors to some of my other favorite spots like Milk Jar, Dancing Roll and Paris Banh Mi.

Mint Kangsathien

Community Outreach Intern

mint@asianati.com

Where are you from?

I am Thai! I've lived in Cincinnati my whole life while growing into, and learning about my Thai background and my American lifestyle. I am currently a second year at The University of Cincinnati studying Computer Engineering. I am also an executive for CEAS Tribunal, the student government of UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science under Equity and Inclusion & College Wide Events. Everyday through Asianati and CEAS Tribunal, I work on advocating and promoting rights and inclusion for everyone regardless of background and identity :)

What are some of your favorite Asian dishes in Cincinnati?

I absolutely love Mei Japanese in Montgomery. For as long as I remember, I've loved it and have even gone for my birthday a few times! My go-to is the dinner bento box that comes with miso soup, salad, steamed egg custard, steamed and tempura veggies, and grilled salmon - the whole works!

Sydney Herkner

Community Outreach Intern

sydney@asianati.com

Where are you from?

I lived in Connecticut for the first half of my life, but I moved to Northern Kentucky and have lived in the Cincinnati area for the second half of my life! I am a current first year at The University of Cincinnati! I'm doing a double major studying Film and Media Studies and Asian Studies. I'm learning Japanese at UC right now and hope to study abroad in Japan! I also hope to learn more Asian languages in the future.

What are some of your favorite Asian dishes in Cincinnati?

Izen's Drunken Bento and Riverside Korean Restraunt! These are places I've been to with my family and friends so they have a lot of good memories here. I've been to Riverside Korean twice for my birthday and Izen's Drunken Bento is somewhere I like to go with my family and friends after special events.

Our Sponsors

Special thanks to our sponsors

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Address

Asianati
3 East Fourth Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

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