Meet Bamboo Circle Co-Chairs

Bailey K.

Lawrence c.

Introduce yourself.

Bailey: During the day, I work full-time for a nonprofit called Building Impact where I coordinate meaningful volunteer opportunities for corporate groups. On the side, I am also a singer and marketing director for an events band called The Femmes, a group of women & non-binary musicians. In my free time, I love hot yoga, pilates and spending time with my crazy orange cat.

Lawrence: I’m currently working as a software engineer in the health-tech space, providing pharmaceutical researchers with data and insights to promote drug development and clinical research. When I’m not working, I’m marathon training, taking pictures with my cameras, and traveling. I’ve volunteered at various organizations through my years, working with organizations that provide programming for children with special needs and others that provide free healthcare to undocumented immigrants.

What made you decide to join the Bamboo Circle? 

Bailey: I originally found BCNC while job searching. I was intentionally looking for opportunities where I could interact with and learn from Asian & Asian American professionals in the Boston area.

Lawrence: After graduation, I started volunteering as a mentor for a youth in BCNC’s Youth Center. I continued to volunteer with the BCNC Bamboo Circle, where I’ve been able to help organize and facilitate efforts that contribute to the work that BCNC does.

What is your favorite event or memory with Bamboo Circle so far?

Bailey: One of my favorite events so far has to be the Family Fun Run we coordinated last year in Quincy. I got to know many members (including Lawrence!) and had a ton of fun providing input and supporting the BCNC team. On the day of the event, we bonded over having energy drinks at 6 am, running the 5K route, and celebrating over dim sum!

Lawrence: I was a tour guide for Pao Arts Center’s 2023 Experience Chinatown Arts Festival and was able to connect with donors and leadership with BCNC. It was very memorable learning about the history of BCNC through the lens of its founders, and even more interesting to learn about the hardships the community had to overcome to preserve the area for its residents.

What is your vision for BCNC’s Bamboo Circle, young professionals network?

Bailey: I'm especially excited to build on what's already a great group of Asian American young professionals in Boston. Many of us had a similar experience where we struggled to find a community of people from similar backgrounds and are so thrilled to be able to get together and learn from each other.

Lawrence: I’d like to expand the reach of the Bamboo Circle and harness the power of the young professional community of the greater Boston area to benefit BCNC. Many of my peers had been extensively involved in undergraduate clubs dedicated to the Asian American community, and that’s the enthusiasm that I want to capture and direct towards the work we do. I hope to successfully cultivate a sense of community that converts to sustainable, organic growth of the organization both from a social and financial sense.

What would tell a someone interested in Bamboo Circle? 

Bailey: Be your authentic and proud self! Lawrence and I really aim to ensure this space is welcoming of everyone. And keep an eye out for some SUPER fun events coming up!

Lawrence: We’re an incredibly welcoming group, always ready to include new members. If you’re wondering what we’re like, just stop by at one of our meetings and give it a shot. That’s how I started out - I just showed up! Looking forward to seeing you at our next meet up.