SAMANTHA HO
Samantha Ho is a student at Brown University pursuing English Literature and Art History, with a particular interest in the intersection between arts and politics. She first joined the team at the AAPI History Museum in the summer of 2024, when she assisted in curating the museum’s zine library, conducting outreach for the organization, and other development projects. Samantha is of mixed Korean and Vietnamese descent, and is passionate about increasing public access to diverse perspectives within AAPI history and culture, particularly surrounding issues of migration and refugeeism. She is excited about the AAPI History Museum’s potential as a community-engaged educational institution. When not on campus or volunteering at the museum, Samantha is a summer camp counselor for Korean-American youth and an ELL volunteer.
RAY ZHANG
Ray Zhang is a Public Humanities master student at Brown University. Born in China, Ray moved to Houston, Texas, at age 15. He holds a B.A. in History from Colgate University, with minors in Museum Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies. Ray’s research interests center on public history’s role in shaping collective memory, particularly through museums. His work traces the evolution of Chinatowns in the United States, examining how these spaces reflect resilience, adaptation, and cultural preservation. Having worked in archives and museums across New York and London, Ray is passionate about documenting the lived experiences of the Chinese diaspora in New England. Ray joined the AAPI History Museum in 2024 to help explore, preserve, and share the diverse cultures and histories of Asian American communities. Through museum curation, he hopes to amplify underrepresented voices and foster greater understanding.
ELLEN DUONG
Ellen Duong is a dedicated volunteer at the AAPI History Museum, where she combines her passions for community engagement, self-reflection, the arts, and learning through play. She envisions the museum as a vibrant space where stories are shared, communities come together, and lifelong learning thrives.
Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Ellen’s perspective has been shaped by both her own experiences and those of her parents, whose generation endured significant hardships and trauma. Their journey deeply influenced her upbringing and the way she views the world. Growing up in South Philly and attending public school further informed her sense of identity and purpose.
In college, Ellen continued to forge her own path, facilitating and participating in discussions with high school students about contemporary AAPI issues. These conversations deepened her understanding of her heritage and broadened her commitment to community empowerment. Her journey of self-discovery and identity development is ongoing, and she brings this personal insight to her work at the museum.
CHRISTINA LIU
Christina Liu holds a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing and an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College. She is currently Senior Academic Advisor and Liberal Studies Faculty at Boston Architectural College. A poet and workshop leader, her work appears in Pangyrus, Dream International Quarterly, and The Path Belongs to Us. She is a contributor to Metaphors Are Not Enough and a member of the Streetfeet Women collective since 2014. Co-organizer of The Boston Poetry Marathon since 2020, Christina has raised funds for Black Lives Matter, Stop Asian Hate, and Reproductive Justice.
Raised in New York City’s Chinatown, Christina brings a personal understanding of the challenges faced by immigrant communities. Her concern for the safety and dignity of all immigrants, especially during the height of Covid-19, led her to volunteer with the AAPI History Museum. She sees this work as a way to honor her family’s story, deepen her self-discovery, and contribute to preserving the histories of those who have long been marginalized. She dreams of green places, rushing waters, and dumplings.
TINA HUANG
Tina Huang, a seasoned professional with 17 years of experience in the financial services industry, has recently made Rhode Island her new home. This marks her second journey as an immigrant, having previously established herself in Hong Kong, where she thrived for 18 years. Originally from a southeastern city in Mainland China, Tina has found her true sense of belonging in Hong Kong, a vibrant metropolis that beautifully blends Eastern and Western cultures.
In her client-facing role, Tina has gained invaluable insights into the nuances of Chinese society and its diverse cultural landscape. Beyond her professional achievements, she thrives on her passion for film and museums. Tina is passionate about forging meaningful connections between community service initiatives and commercial enterprises. She believes in the power of collaboration to enhance both charitable causes and business objectives, and she is dedicated to bridge the gap between altruism and commerce.
Tina is excited to embark on a new chapter in her life, eager to immerse herself in the rich culture and history of this ocean state and to forge a strong connection with her Chinese American community.
ELENA WANG SPENCER
Elena Wang Spencer brings over 15 years of experience teaching Chinese language and culture to students of all ages. Originally from China, Elena earned her undergraduate degree in English Literature from Shandong Teachers University and began her career as an English instructor at Qingdao University. Her passion for language and cross-cultural education led her to continue teaching Chinese while living in Japan, and later in the United States, where she has taught at Sharon Chinese School, Star Chinese School, and currently serves as a substitute teacher in a local church-based Chinese program.
In addition to her teaching background, Elena holds an MBA and has worked in the finance industry for more than two decades. She has lived and studied in China, Japan, Switzerland, and the U.S., bringing a global perspective to her work and volunteer efforts.
Elena joined the AAPI History Museum in 2024, driven by her commitment to cultural exchange and her desire to share Chinese heritage with broader communities. She sees the museum as a vital platform for promoting understanding and appreciation of Asian American and Pacific Islander histories.