Boston, MA – February 5, 2025: As people celebrated the Year of the Snake, a group of Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) students from the Boston Chapter also got off to a great start by meeting with the Rhode Island Governor’s Young Leaders Advisory Group (YLAG) during a virtual leadership roundtable meeting.
Director General Charles Liao from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Boston gave the opening remark, “This is a great opportunity for young people from both groups to explore new ways to engage and support each other. I encourage each of you to think about how you can work together to harness the energy and ideas that FASCA and YLAG bring to the table. As you continue your journey as young leaders, always remember that your voice matters. You have the power to create positive change, lead with vision and purpose, and shape the future in ways that will benefit your community.”
Director Jeff Kao from the Culture Center of TECO in Boston also mentioned that FASCA, as a nonprofit organization, aims to strengthen the connection between Taiwanese American youth and their cultural heritage. As FASCA's mission is to raise awareness of Taiwanese culture, promote community services, and develop future leaders, he is delighted to see this joined-hand collaboration.
Cheyenne T. L. Cazeault, Director of Municipal Affairs of the RI Governor’s Office and the mentor of YLAG, welcomed all participants on behalf of the Rhode Island Governor, Daniel McKee. Following this introduction was a greeting from Dr. Tzong-Shi Lu, a Harvard Medical School professor and mentor of Boston FASCA. To foster interaction between the groups, Jordan Brazeau (YLAG), Anthony Lu, and Che Hsu (Co-Presidents of Boston FASCA) provided an overview of their respective groups and their members, followed by co-hosting a roundtable discussion on leadership development.
YLAG, created to support Governor McKee’s vision for the RI 2030 Plan, gives young people a direct voice in government by engaging in discussions, providing policy feedback, conducting research, and participating in community involvement. This youth grassroots movement mirrors the spirit of FASCA, where youth play a critical role in connecting with the local community to introduce Taiwanese culture, offer diverse cultural perspectives, foster global friendships, and raise Taiwan’s international visibility.
Boston FASCA is no stranger to the Ocean State, having actively participated in the annual Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival for the past two summers. This event attracts thousands yearly for great entertainment, exciting competitions, fun family festivities, and an engaging experience in diverse cultures.
Following this successful and productive first meeting, Boston FASCA looks forward to future gatherings and continued collaboration with YLAG.
