top of page
SEAcosystem.png
We are creative and literary storytellers redefining what community development and cultural representation looks like for the Southeast Asian diaspora. 

SEAD'S THEORY OF CHANGE

SEAD is the river carrying our communities towards a new ecosystem. This is the ecosystem we're nurturing.

Theory of Change_V2.png
Knowledge & Skills
  • Increasing education of SEA history, culture, issues
  • Equipping use of storytelling tools for change
  • Accessing community resources
Actions & Behaviors
  • Self-awareness of agency and voice for advocacy
  • Understanding and navigating systems
  • Meaningful engagement and connection to community
  • Creating and participating in emerging social ecosystems
Conditions & Impact
  • Disruption of traditional systems
  • Investment in new social ecosystems
  • Collective support in self-determination and solidarity

MISSION

The SEAD Project (Southeast Asian Diaspora) is a community organization on a mission to be an accessible creative hub that provides streamlined workshops and tools to engage and share knowledge in Khmer, Hmong, Lao and Viet diaspora communities. Through safe and welcoming spaces, we hope to grow empowerment to plant the seeds of hope and possibility, locally and globally.

VISION

We envision a growing Southeast Asian diaspora ecosystem that actively rethinks, reimagines and reshapes what’s possible in sustainable community development, with a pivoted focus on empowering Southeast Asian leaders, women and young people through art, language, and storytelling.

ORIGINS

The SEAD Project started in 2011 with the vision of a group of Southeast Asians who wanted to not only connect with their roots and heritage but to think bigger and beyond preservation. Since 2015, SEAD is a legally recognized 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

SEAD'S VALUES

Community-minded

SEAD reflects the needs and hopes of our community by increasing visibility and voice.

Integrity-leading

SEAD fosters principles that encourage compassion, mutual accountability, and transparency, while striving for a sustainable future.

Creative

SEAD encourages curiosity, engagement, and representation through varying and explorative forms of artistic expression.

Culturally accessible

SEAD creates culturally-responsive programs, resources, and space that represent our community, prioritizing the SEA diaspora and leaving space for solidarity with other marginalized identities.

Continuously learning

SEAD remains open to experimentation and integrates new knowledge and perspectives.

OUR STAFF

Jessica Eckerstorfer Headshot_800px.png
Jessica Eckerstorfer

Co Executive Director,

Programs

jessica@theseadproject.org

Dae Yang Headshot_800px.png
Dexieng "Dae" Yang

Office & Project Coordinator

dexieng@theseadproject.org

Kaysone Syonesa Schneider Headshot_800px.png
Kaysone Syonesa Schneider

Co Executive Director,

Operations
kaysone@theseadproject.org

Johnny Nguyen Headshot_9.2024.jpg
Johnny Nguyen

Marketing & Comms Coordinator

johnny@theseadproject.org

Charmaine Balisalisa Headshot_800px.png
Charmaine Balisalisa

Lead Visual Designer

charmaine@theseadproject.org

OUR EXECUTIVE BOARD

Anita Keo Headshot.png
Anita Keo

Board Co-Chair

Jay Rattanavong Headshot.jpg
Jay Rattanavong

Board Member

Aloun Phoulavan square.png
Aloun Phoulavan

Board Co-Chair

Maypahou Ly Headshot.png
Maypahou Ly

Board Member

Lynn Nguyen Headshot - 1080.png
Lynn Nguyen

Finance Chair

GET INVOLVED

Co Executive Director, Programs

Please email your application to hr@theseadproject.org to be considered.

General Board Member

Open for 2024 General Board in Minnesota.

Volunteers

Email hi@theseadproject.org to learn about volunteering opportunities!

bottom of page