CAFA 2025 New Year Banquet Interview
Interview with T.J. Cawley, Mayor of Morrisville, North Carolina
What advice would you like to give to teens who want to make a difference in their community?
“Volunteer with the town or other organizations, try and find something you're passionate about. I’m very passionate about nature so I often do litter sweeps. Just find something you're passionate about and volunteer and help others.”
If you had one piece of advice you wanted to share with Chinese American youth, what would it be?
“Try to study in school, gain experience and use these four words as much as you can: ’How can I help?’”
As mayor of Morrisville, what’s your opinion on cultural diversity and its effects on Morrisville?
“It’s made Morrisville such a better place to be. You can go at any time of year and celebrate many different cultural events. I’ve seen people dancing in the streets, I've seen lots of lights on houses and I try to partake and lean into and learn as much as I can and Morrisville is one of the best towns in the United States because of that.”
Interview with Deborah Ross, U.S. representative
How can CAFA collaborate w/policymakers to promote justice and equality in the Chinese American community?
“Well, the most important thing is to do what you’re doing right now. So we have a right, our first amendment to petition the government and so having a relationship with your elected officials is the first step to do it.”
If you had one piece of advice you wanted to share with Chinese American youth, what would it be?
“Well, can I give two pieces? Of course, work had for your dreams but also stay close to your family because your family is your support and you’re always going to need your family and you must love your family”
How do you balance your work in Congress with the needs of your community?
“That is very difficult when we have to be in Washington so much, but the good thing is we have zoom and telephone town halls and I have a great staff here in Raleigh so when I can’t be somewhere, they can be there for me.”
Interview with CAFA Gala Dinner Youth Volunteers and perform teams
Interview with CAFA Gala Dinner Youth Volunteers Volunteer (Sophie)
What was your experience volunteering at the 2025 CAFA gala?
“I think it was a good experience for me to meet new people and have fun with my peers.”
Did you learn anything from the speeches the officials gave?
“I discovered how important China contributed to NC’s history.”
If you had one piece of advice for other aspiring youth who also want to make a difference in their community what would it be?
“I would recommend not giving up and collaborating with people.”
Interview with CAFA President, Yulin Jiang
How did it feel performing at the 2025 CAFA gala?
“I think it was very exhilarating to see so many new faces. We performed a new dance and it was also very exciting.”
What would you say to other dancers who want to also represent their Chinese roots?
“Contribute to the community, follow your dreams,and do what you're passionate about.”
What message did you want to convey while performing at the Gala to the audience?
“I wanted to show how Chinese dance has impacted many people throughout these past few years.”
Interview with CAFA Gala Dinner Youth Perform Teams - Performer (Phoebe)
What role does CAFA play in the youth Chinese-American dynamic?
CAFA is always dedicated to building a platform where young people can “do practical things” and grow.
We organize community service projects such as the Poetry Storytelling Contest, the Children’s Traditional Chinese Song Competition, the “My Home” Drawing Competition, the Spring Picnic Fun Fair, and youth volunteer efforts to clean up the shoreline at Jordan Lake.
Through these initiatives, we help the new generation of Chinese-Americans find an anchor for their identity in cross-cultural practice, enhance cultural understanding, improve communication skills, and foster a strong sense of community. For example, the upcoming 5th Sunshine Cup Poetry Storytelling Contest in May 2025 will bring Chinese-American youth together to deeply learn and passionately share Chinese cultural stories, poetry, and literary works. This event not only passes on our cultural heritage but also creates healthy and positive social values.
In this way, CAFA plays an important role in promoting a harmonious and dynamic development among Chinese-American youth.
What are you most looking forward to expanding in the youth sector of CAFA?
In our youth sector, we are most eager to expand community-based volunteer projects. We firmly believe that active participation in community affairs is extremely meaningful for young people’s growth. By organizing a wider variety of volunteer projects—such as environmental activities, spring fun fairs, and the promotion of traditional culture—we aim to offer more opportunities for Chinese-American youth to contribute to their communities.
We are committed to making these events both fun and rewarding, encouraging more children to participate voluntarily and enjoy the experience. Not only do these activities provide a supportive network of positive peers and mentors during periods of adolescent uncertainty, but they also channel youthful energy into pursuits that are both meaningful and enriching, helping to develop social responsibility and leadership. We are confident that this expansion will further enhance CAFA’s positive influence within the youth community.
If you had one piece of advice to teen Chinese-Americans, what would it be?
My advice is: “Be a cultural ferryman, not a cultural drifter.”
Adolescence is naturally a time of uncertainty, and in today’s world filled with temptations and many choices, instead of feeling anxious and adrift between two cultures, Chinese-American youth should turn their bilingual advantage into concrete action. Actively participate in bilingual activities organized by CAFA or other community groups.
Use your time wisely to discover your true interests—whether that is helping others, promoting cultural exchange, or protecting the environment—and commit yourself wholeheartedly to it. In doing so, you will not only fill your days with vitality and purpose but also embark on a journey of self-improvement and positively impact your community. Every small yet practical cultural bridge you build will help you find your own unique position.
Notes From Our CAFA Youth Communication Team - Interviewers for 2025 Spring Gala Dinner
Mia Li:
I felt great that day, I had such a wonderful time learning from the officials speeches. Although because of time, we weren’t able to interview all the people there that day, I know we still have many chances to learn from them. I listened to their speeches as well, and found them very inspirational. To the two people we did interview, I learned a lot from. From Mr. Cawley, I learned the importance of doing public service. From Mrs. Ross I learned how even when work stresses us out, it is still important to stay in touch with family. I am so grateful to meet these people who care for our country and our state. Without them, we couldn't have ever gotten to have such a wonderful place to call home. Being here and working with CAFA, I feel that I’m almost not worthy to work with such wonderful people. I was amazed with the professionality the people put into making sure the night went perfectly. There were so many fun activities and delicious food, I hope that CAFA can continue to host events like this one. On behalf of CAFA, as a non-profit organization, I’m so grateful for all of our sponsors. These people are the reason CAFA can continue to be great. Thank you so much for all the guests who came to the Gala-Dinner, and thank you to all of our speakers, and most of all, thank you for all the people who work at CAFA, to everyone who went to the event, I’m forever grateful to you for making the night as perfect as it could ever be.
Isabella Bai:
First off I would just like to say, it was such an honor to attend the 2025 CAFA Gala; it will forever remain in my heart as a dazzling and sparkling event. There, I was able to interview some of the most influential and amazing people. Talking to our elected officials made me feel an even stronger connection to them and their connection to the Chinese-American community. The Chinese-American community has felt its challenges in the recent year, yet every year it amazes me how we are able to come out even stronger. After interviewing a few officials, two points really stuck out to me: always keep working towards your dreams and your community is your support system. The 2025 CAFA Gala represents a start to a new and bright year as we make new connections and continue both our individual and unified paths to success. (Isabella Bai)
Interviewing our esteemed guest speakers, talented performers, dedicated volunteers, and the CAFA President has been an enriching experience for our youth team. Their insights and reflections have provided a deeper understanding of the Gala Dinner’s success and the collective effort behind it. We are grateful for the opportunity to share these stories, highlighting the remarkable individuals who make such events possible.