Tram has a lot of favorites from her time working with SASE, but a top five has to have been during the 2022 National Conference, when SASE put out Asian snacks for the Pro attendees during one of the breaks. “There was a mad dash to grab chips and candy,” she remembered, “and everyone was just so happy enjoying these simple Asian snacks. It was such a unifying moment, and our differences did not matter at that moment. The entire community bonded over shrimp chips and Hi-Chews.” 

That bonded feeling is a familiar thread, as Tram has consistently found that so many individuals in the SASE community are willing to offer help and support for each other. “As Asians, we are shy about reaching out because we do not want to bother others, but do not ever feel bad about reaching out because people truly want to help,” she said. “A big part of SASE is learning to ask for help and accepting it.” 

What other advice would she share with an incoming member? In short, be vulnerable and challenge your current beliefs and practices. “We are greatly influenced by our background and upbringing both on a conscious level and even more on a subconscious level,” she said. “Throughout my SASE journey, I wrestle with the question, ‘Am I doing this because I truly believe in it or did my upbringing tell me I should believe in it?’ Thinking about this has helped me better understand my true motivation so I can act with more intention.”