The Cre8sian Project was born from an idea I had to create characters who represented strong qualities in women. Determination, Concentration, Motivation, and Education are all important virtues that lead to success, so these characters were created to embody our strengths, open and unashamed. The number one goal of The Cre8sian Project is to give AAPI women a place to be seen and heard. By offering resources, partnerships with local organizations and businesses that support the AAPI community, and mentorship, we want to continue to inspire AAPI students to become whatever they want to be, and support them through their journeys, wherever it may take them.
A Determin8sian is unstoppable. Able to navigate everything life has to throw at her with the greatest of ease, she destroys any obstacles in her way and crosses the finish line without breaking a sweat!
A Motiv8sian owns the who, what, where, when, why and ni hao! She always knows exactly what she's doing and why she's doing it, and her fierce desire to get the job done will leave you eating her dust!
A Concentr8sian has a laser-like focus. With the flick of a finger, she can create her own forcefield that deflects all distractions. A fiery meteoroid hurtling towards Earth couldn't break her attention!
An Educ8sian has PhDs for days. She surpasses all search engines and seeks knowledge like a tiger stalking its prey. If you have a question, look for her in the hallowed halls of education. She is the Queen of All Answers!
Empowerment begins on the local level. A portion of the proceeds from each item sold benefits the P.E.A.C. program at East West Players in LA and a scholarship program at Positively Arts in Las Vegas, as well as various other non profits that support the AAPI community!
P.E.A.C. is a residency program that brings the EWP programming to local schools, especially those without other arts-education funding. EWP performers lead a weekly after-school program for 7th graders designed to give students a basic foundation in theatre techniques as well as foster awareness and appreciation of class members’ cultural heritage.
Positively Arts believes every child deserves the right to create their own song, however, not every child can afford to write it. Using the arts to EMPOWER, INSPIRE, EDUCATE and HEAL, Positively Arts offers a variety of programs like Broadway Dreamers, Arts in Action, and Get Launched to give students instruction, performance, and mentorship opportunities throughout the year. Their Anti-Bullying and Empowerment Programs provide the tools, coping mechanisms and positive creative outlets for self-expression through artistic discovery and performance.
Saira Umar is a writer and creator based in Los Angeles. After applying for many writing fellowships, she landed a spot in the PBS Writing Program, leading to her first produced script for PBS Kids' "Skillsville." Meanwhile, Umar also worked on projects like Netflix’s “Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld,” “Digman!,” “KEVIN,” and is currently working in production on a show at Marvel! When she’s not working, Umar volunteers with Asians in Animation, previously leading their social media creation team, but most recently running their TV production program to create the pilot animatic “Tea Leaves Last.” Read on to learn more about Saira Umar and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
The Cre8sian Project is thrilled to announce our expansion of our Access to the Arts Initiative through the end of 2025 by sending students to see Wicked!
Cre8sian Project founder Angela Chan has joined the national touring production of Wicked and will be sponsoring AAPI female/female identifying high school or college students to come see the show!
If you’d like to be considered, email us at thecre8sianproject@gmail.com from your school email and tell us your grade/year, school you are attending, heritage, which show date & time you’d like to attend, and tell us how you’re involved in the arts! Winners will be notified each Monday!
Erica Ito is an actor based in New York City, but credits her theatre background to a summer magic camp that taught her improv. After attending the University of Michigan and graduating with her BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in English Literature, Ito went on to build her impressive resume. Most recently seen as Nessarose inWicked, she’s also sung on theMy Heart Says Go Studio Cast Recording and in a developmental concert of this new musicalPump Up The Volume, based on the 1990 film. When Ito’s not onstage, she puts her English Literature minor to work through a literary analysis podcast she co-hosts and produces. Her advice to young artists? “ You either define ‘success’ for yourself or abandon the idea entirely and just have fun and mess around and make sure you’re able to pay your rent each month.” Read on to learn more about Erica Ito and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!