FASCA Michigan officially kicked off its 2026–2027 organizational year on August 23, 2026, bringing members together for an exciting new chapter centered on community service, lasting friendships, and cultural exploration. A highlight of the kickoff event was the election of the 2026–2027 executive officer board. Experienced FASCA leaders Evelyn Chen, Mia Lin, Olivia Liao, Brandon Lai, and Michelle Gin returned to offer their mentorship, guidance, and ongoing support to the chapter's incoming members.
Chapter Advisors Dr. Chunhui Lee and Chingching Chen expressed sincere appreciation to the outgoing 2025–2026 board for their hard work and dedication. Welcoming the incoming leadership, Dr. Lee encouraged the new board to work closely as a team, treat FASCA as a welcoming home, and enjoy their shared journey in the year ahead. As the new officers step into their roles, both incoming and outgoing leaders reflected on their experiences and shared their vision for the chapter's future.
For incoming President Gwyneth Lin, her FASCA journey began in the aftermath of COVID-19. Returning to Chinese school, she noticed that community traditions had quieted down and volunteer involvement had dropped. Driven to help revitalize her community, she found her calling through FASCA. One of the greatest benefits of her involvement has been the encouragement to step outside her comfort zone. "The best part about FASCA is having friends your age with similar backgrounds who are right there to support you and try new things with you," she shares, giving the organization a 5-star rating for boosting her confidence and personal growth. As President, Gwyneth aims to help members feel more comfortable engaging with the public by creating hands-on opportunities to deepen their knowledge of Taiwan while building essential communication skills.
The meeting also marked the conclusion of Olivia Liao's term as the 2025–2026 FASCA Michigan President. Olivia joined FASCA six years ago after seeing strong participation across her community. While she initially sought leadership experience and skill-building for college, she discovered something far more meaningful: a reliable, supportive community. Looking back, Olivia shared that no single moment defines her time in FASCA; rather, it was the steady accumulation of shared experiences. "It's nice having something so consistent in your life," she reflected. Moving forward, she hopes the chapter will foster even stronger bonds by creating more opportunities for members and families to connect.
Newly elected Vice Presidents of Communication, Angela Kuo and Maggie Wu, emphasized the importance of promptly sharing FASCA activities on social media. A major goal for the new board is to make FASCA's social channels more welcoming and representative of every member. By taking more photos at events, the team plans to capture the candid, fun moments that make the organization special—not just the big milestones. Timely updates help young people discover FASCA, learn about its mission, and see how members promote awareness of Taiwan. Through active engagement with local American communities, FASCA aims to deepen appreciation for Taiwanese culture and foster meaningful cross-cultural connections.
With a new board and new goals, FASCA Michigan begins another year of service, friendship, and cultural connection! We are excited to continue empowering youth, sharing Taiwanese heritage, and making a positive impact in our local community. Stay tuned for an incredible year ahead!
