Asian Girls Ignite: Building Spaces of Belonging and Community

In 2022, the Colorado Equity Compass (CEC) awarded 20 organizations and community groups across Colorado $2,000 to share the stories of Colorado residents working to fight inequities related to the social determinants of health (SDOH), which determine an individual’s capacity for health, wellbeing and longevity. Asian Girls Ignite (AGI) is one of those organizations, and it was formed to provide AAPI girls and women in Colorado with the positive representation and safe spaces of belonging they may be missing. A word from AGI on the necessity of spaces of belonging and community: “What is the impact of community and the presence of role models upon the health and wellness of girls nationwide? Race-based discrimination impacts self-confidence and the feeling of belonging. This impacts careers, interpersonal relationships, and health. By building spaces of belonging and community, we are all able to thrive.”