Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Michelle Ami Reyes.
Dr. Michelle Ami, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a woman who wears many hats. I’m a 2nd generation bicultural Indian American woman. I was born in South Carolina, grew up in Minnesota, and now live in Austin, Texas. I completed my B.A. at Wheaton College and my M.A. and Ph.D. in Germanic Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I began my professional career teaching German folklore and feminist folklore, first in Chicago and later in Austin. My husband, Aaron, and I are co-church planters in East Austin. We lead a minority-led multicultural church called Hope Community Church, where I also serve as Scholar in Residence. In the past two years, I have co-founded two different Christian non-profits: Pax and Asian American Christian Collaborative. In addition to vocational ministry, I am an author, speaker, and activist. My first book, Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead to Lasting Connections Across Cultures, released in April 2021. I have a forthcoming book, co-authored with my friend Helen Lee, called The Race Wise Family: 10 Postures to Becoming Households of Healing and Hope (May 17, 2021).
On the one hand, my career development shares many similarities with other women of color because the professional journeys of most women, especially women of color, is never a straight path. On the other hand, my career path is unique. There aren’t many Indians in the humanities, let alone Indian women serving in top leadership of companies or in high-level leadership within US American churches. For example, in 2020 of the companies on the Fortune 500 list only three were run by South Asian women (there have been only 32 Asian women total as CEOs from 2000-2020). I’m a bit of a unicorn, but I hope that the spaces I inhabit will inspire the next generation of Asian, and specifically Indian American, women to pursue top leadership in ministry and the business sector as well.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
When I began my career, folks would compliment me for my work ethic and discipline, but then add “You should just be content with where you’re at right now” or “Don’t try to lead. That’s not very womanlike.” Comments aren’t merely sexist; when directed toward Asian Americans, they are undergirded by the model minority myth as well. People think that Asians are good workers but don’t have leadership skills. People will say that we’re all hard-working, obedient, and abide by the rules, but they can’t imagine us as their bosses or CEOs.
Every people group has what we often call the “glass ceiling.” For Asians, we have a slight twist called the bamboo ceiling which points to why Asian Americans are the least likely to advance into executive roles. In my own professional career, I’ve had to learn ways to break the bamboo ceiling, not just for myself but for the women following my path. From my first positions as a German professor to even some of the work I do now, I told folks they needed my voice and they should hire me. Asian women are not always on people’s radars for a variety of factors, limited networks for one. So we have to put ourselves on people’s radars. If we want to be in these high-level positions, we have to learn that our path forward may not be an invitation but by putting our own foot through the door. I want women of color to know: don’t be afraid to invite yourself to the table and say, “Hey, I’m qualified. Here are my skills. I am capable of this position. Hire me.”
As you know, we’re big fans of Asian American Christian Collaborative. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
In March 2020, Raymond Chang and I along with a team of Asian American professors and pastors drafted “The Statement on Anti-Asian Racism in the Time of Covid-19.” The statement was released at the end of March and in one month, it garnered over 10,000 signatures, including from leaders of church denominations and presidents of seminaries and Ivy league schools. The Asian American Christian Collaborative was founded in conjunction with this statement by Raymond Chang, myself, and a strategic team of Asian American Christian leaders. Raymond is the President of the AACC and I serve as Vice President.
AACC exists to promote Asian American lives and dignity. We specialize in advocacy, community, and education for Asian American Christians and friends of the community. What sets AACC apart is its ability to mobilize people on the ground, to show up and make a difference, especially in times of national tragedy. We empower folks to beyond being armchair justice warriors and bring justice to the streets. For example, in Summer 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, we organized a historic march called “Asian Americans for Black Lives and Dignity” in which over 1,000 Asian Americans and African Americans showed up. This past spring after the March 16th Atlanta Massacre, in which 6 Asian women were killed, the AACC partnered with churches to organize 14 prayer rallies in 14 different cities across the country.
People are not used to sitting under the teaching of Asian voices. Asians are often erased or forgotten in conversations on race broadly. But through our AACC Reclaim publication and podcast along with our video series, Interconnected and Kairos, we create chairs for Asian voices at the table. AACC staff, including Ray and myself, have been invited to speak at faith town halls organized by the Biden faith administration. We have provided trainings at Ivy league schools as well as consultations for churches. If you are looking to grow in your knowledge and praxis of fighting anti-Asian racism and/or pursuing justice for all, we would be happy to speak with your team or organization.
How do you think about happiness?
My family, big birthday celebrations, and eating Indian food with friends are where I find joy these days.
I’m collectivistic by nature. Hospitality and community are fundamental parts of my life. I’m most happy when I’m with my people. Food is also my love language. It’s how I show love to my family and friends.
If you came to my home, we’d be hanging out while eating some delicious chicken shawarma, chole poori, and mango lassis.
Contact Info:
- Email: connect@michelleamireyes.com
- Website: michelleamireyes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleamireyes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.ami.reyes/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmichellereyes
- Books:
Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead to Lasting Connections Across Cultures on Amazon and Goodreads
The Race-Wise Family: Ten Postures to Becoming Households of Healing and Hope
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Orgs:
- Socials:
Dr. Michelle Reyes Twitter: @drmichellereyes
