Navigating Strength: Quotes from Asian Women on Resilience

“Resilience” is defined, by Merriam-Webster, as the ability to recover from or adjust easily to difficulties, misfortune, or change. Many of us would agree that people of color, particularly women and gender minorities, face more barriers to success, prosperity, and even survival in the United States. In the Asian diaspora, particularly in immigrant communities, there’s the stress of adaptation, intergenerational trauma, and systemic racism that box us in or hinder us. Let these quotes from Asian women inspire you to stay strong in the face of adversity!  

“My mother had a saying: while you may be the first to do many things, make sure you’re not the last.”
― Kamala Harris, former vice president of the United States

It’s no secret that Kamala Harris was the first female, the first Asian American, and the first African American VP of the U.S. Raised by an Indian immigrant single mother who herself was an award-winning breast cancer researcher, Harris was no stranger to breaking glass ceilings. She has many times cited her mother as the person who made her who she is today and has taught her to open doors for others.

“But what if … we decide to not go back to normal … we learn from these difficult times and design a better world centered on access, care, and justice?”
― Alice Wong, “Year of the Tiger: An Activist’s Life”

Alice Wong is a disability rights activist living with progressive muscular dystrophy. Having survived life-threatening complications during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wong is the founder of the Disability Visibility movement and author of two books. Her writing focuses on the trials, tribulations, and accomplishments of herself and others advocating for disability justice. 

“Every setback is an opportunity for growth and resilience.”
― Chloé Zhao, filmmaker

Chloé Zhao is the first woman of color to win an Oscar for best director and is also known for being the first Chinese woman to direct a Marvel movie. She takes pride in bringing not just marginalized voices to the big screen, but also addressing sensitive topics, from LGBTQIA+ representation and controversial sex scenes, to male characters sobbing openly.  

“Only by working together can we end structural racism in all its forms.”
― Cynthia Choi, Stop AAPI Hate 

One of the co-founders of the Stop AAPI Hate Movement, Cynthia Choi felt compelled to stand against Asian racism and hate that deepened once the COVID-19 pandemic began. Her decades of work in nonprofit and social justice, which has been recognized by The New York Times and Bloomberg, illustrates how powerful it can be to stand in solidarity.

 “Most people say developing is linear, but for survivors, it is cyclic. People grow up, victims grow around; we strengthen around the place that hurt, become older and fuller, but the vulnerable core is never gone.”
― Chanel Miller, “Know My Name” 

Chanel Miller went by “Emily Doe” following her sexual assault on the Stanford campus. Her powerful victim impact statement read in the courtroom went viral during the trial, touching the hearts of survivors around the nation and the world. Following the verdict that enraged the country, Miller finally let the world “know her name” when her memoir was published in 2019. 

“Chase your dreams, not the approval of others. Stay true to yourself and follow your own path.”
― Sunita Williams, astronaut

Indian American astronaut Sunita Williams has spent more than 300 days in space, and set the record for the longest spacewalk by a woman. In a cultural community where duty versus desire can clash, Williams’ words reflect the resilience needed to navigate not just outer space but societal pressures.  

“You don’t have to be fearless. Doing it afraid is just as brave.”
― Padma Lakshmi, television host and model

Many did not know that the smiling face on “Top Chef” endured sexual assault as a teenager until she spoke out in light of the Brett Kavanaugh assault allegations. In addition, not only did Padma Lakshmi face the challenges of being an immigrant, she later conquered endometriosis and endured the traumatic birth of her daughter.

“The memories I had stored, I could not let fester … If I could not be with my mother, I would be her.”
― Michelle Zauner, “Crying in H Mart”

After losing her mother to cancer, the Korean American musician and writer began unpacking grief, identity, and inheritance. Michelle Zauner’s memoir captures how food, memory, and music can maintain a connection to culture. Her story is a tribute to resilience through remembrance and love.

Cover illustration by Candice April Cirilo.