The resurgence of anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed calls for greater understanding and awareness of Asian Americans in the U.S., particularly in non-academic spaces. Inquiries from companies, nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations for virtual trainings on ways to stop anti-Asian hate and workshops on understanding the history of discrimination against Asian Americans saw unprecedented growth. While Asian American Studies professors heeded some of these requests, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultants–many of whom who had long been providing workshops and trainings for and about Asian Americans–stepped up to deliver many of these virtual trainings and meet demand for general education on Asian American history, culture, and contemporary issues.

In this workshop we hear from two consultants who have utilized their training and education in Asian Americans Studies about how they’ve created more accessible forms of Asian American Studies to their clients, and in the process, expanded the relevance of Asian American Studies to the general public. The speakers will share examples of projects, workshops, and partnerships in which Asian American Studies-related curriculum was designed and delivered, and the impact of these efforts, especially on Asian Americans who had never enrolled in Asian American Studies courses in college. By exploring the meaning and impact of these efforts, we may begin to understand the crucial ways broader forms of Asian Americans Studies are being created outside of the academy.