Volunteers are an essential part of Asia Society Texas' team! Assisting with everything from registration to arts and crafts to receptions, volunteers provide vital support for more than 125 public programs each year and contribute to our mission of advancing cultural exchange.

We'd like to shine a spotlight on one of our volunteers, Grace Chen. Learn a little more about Grace and her volunteer experience below!

Quick Facts

Name: Grace Chen
Asia Society Texas volunteer since: January 2023
Interests: Beyond my role as an IT Project Manager and my time volunteering for Asia Society Texas, you’ll often find me playing tennis or pickleball. Traveling is another big passion of mine. I also enjoy experimenting with vegetarian recipes and reading.
Favorite volunteer role: One of my favorite roles was volunteering at the Japanese green tea and Argentinian mate tea workshop. It was a more intimate setting, and I had the opportunity to directly engage with every guest.
Favorite program you've volunteered for: I find all the volunteer programs rewarding! If I must pick one, the annual Night Market would stand out. Asia Society Texas puts great amount of effort into this event, and it's always a blast. I love the lively vibe, the variety of food and craft vendors, and interacting with visitors of various ages and backgrounds.

Reflection

When I joined Asia Society Texas at the height of the pandemic, I was fairly new to Houston and was in search of a community with which I could engage and contribute. I felt welcome and right at home from day one when I had my orientation.

In all events I participated in, regardless of one's level of experience or role, both fellow volunteers and AST staff have consistently been supportive and patient to answer questions or step up to help. They would often remind me, “Don’t work too hard. Go enjoy and have fun too!” The culture here extends beyond just delegating tasks to volunteers; the staff sincerely listens to and values our feedback and suggestions. It makes me feel like an integral part of the AST team.

Beyond the incredible people I've connected with, the amazing programs and events are what draw me back to Asia Society Texas time and again. I always get to learn something new each time I have volunteered, and I have been so lucky to have the opportunities meeting some of my favorite authors and celebrity chefs too. I'm also grateful for the diversity and quality of the subjects and activities offered by AST. I’ve invited my friends and family to several of these events as well. At Asia Society Texas, you can always find something for everyone!

For anyone interested to becoming a part of this tight-knit group of volunteers, or if you're new to volunteering, my advice is to keep an open mind and give everything at least one try. I'd also highly recommend to bring a friend or family member to volunteer together with you. 

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.