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Margaret Yu on Empowering Asian-American Women Leaders

by Beav on August 24, 2009

This is a video interview that DJ Chuang from the L2 Foundation (link below) did with my boss and friend Margaret Yu on developing Asian American Women Leaders in Ministry.  It’s about 11 minutes long.  She shares some of the reality as well as some thoughts on what is needed to empower Asian American women leaders.Margaret Yu on raising up leaders from L2 Foundation on Vimeo.http://L2foundation.org/2009/how-to-develop-asian-american-women-leaders

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  • http://www.theresaipfroehlich.com Theresa Ip Froehlich

    I am a rather atypical Asian woman who is not shy about stepping forward to lead. The obstacles I come against are not cultural, theological or emotional (such as lack of confidence). The biggest barrier I face is systemic discrimination. Being married to a Caucasian, I have been involved mostly in Anglo churches. For the last 10 years, my eyes became open to the discrimination in the selection of pastors to lead churches. The search committees would put my name on the list of candidates to consider only because their regional government requires these committes to consider at least one candidate who is not white and male. Despite all the affirmations, accolades and encouragement I received from Anglo Christians over the years about how I am gifted in so many ways, I have not been able to break open the bamboo door. Indeed, 11 am on Sunday mornings is the most segregated hour. I am now intentionally connecting with the Asian American professionals in my area to find my voice as an Asian. I would love to mentor or coach Asian Americans to empower them for leadership.Theresa Ip Froehlich, Certified Life Coach, Writer, Pastorwww.theresaipfroehlich.comhttp://theresaipfroehlich.wordpress.com

  • Margaret Yu

    Theresa,I am sad about your experience. Unfortunately your experience is common even and sometimes because of the church. I am sadden by how you have been treated by the church. I am ashamed of that for the church at large. So, I agree with you. And I affirm you in how you are choosing to mentor and coach AA’s to empower them for leadership.What you have shown us is that leadership development and empowerment is twofold; it is internal and external.We must empower the person within us, and we must empower ourselves as we deal with external challenges and often times discrimination.I am sure you have read this book by called: Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: By Jane Hyun? And also a book called: Invitation to Lead by Paul Tokunaga.They were very helpful and encouraging for me and have given me hope for the future. I have not given up on the church for I am in it and I believe God is using his people to stay in it and make a difference. I am grateful that we are not alone in this endeavor for empowerment. That indeed, it is from God and his community at large that we will learn of this. It will take a village for us to empower Asian Americans for God’s glory personally and corporately. We each have a unique part to participate in. I am glad for the variety of ways that we can all be involved in change for God and for good.May God bless you in your endeavors for His Glory.

  • http://brianvirtue.org Beav

    Theresa – thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I too am sad for some of your experience. I’m glad you continue to pursue what God has put on your heart. These issues are part of why I’m choosing to serve cross-culturally to empower Asian-Americans. You can visit the ministry Margaret and I are a part of by going to http://epicmovement.comGod Bless!

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