Identity Unveiled

Identity Unveiled

We unveil stories of powerful Asian female leaders in America. Our stories give voice to the strength in Asian culture and the connections that bond us as a community. These stories also have the power to transform the way Asian women in America can support and influence a new generation of Asian women leaders.

  1. 07/31/2025

    Rupal Bhansali: Chief Investment Officer at Double Duty Money Management

    In a finance world dominated, Rupal is the exception, the voice of reason, and the future. Raised in India and forged by a lifetime of resilience, grit, and razor-sharp clarity, she’s the founder and CIO of Double Duty Money Management—a firm built on conviction, courage, and the audacity to think differently. Rupal didn’t inherit networks or shortcuts. As a first-generation immigrant and a woman of color on Wall Street, she built her path the hard way—through performance, principle, and non-consensus thinking. While others chased hype, she protected portfolios. While others played it safe, she spoke hard truths. From surviving a market crash as a child to predicting Asia’s downfall in the ’90s when no one else would listen, her career has been defined by risk awareness—and results. Rupal led global equities businesses managing billions, mentored rising talent, and stayed true to her ethos: avoid losses before chasing wins. Now, as an entrepreneur, she’s building something entirely her own—with the same unshakable integrity that’s defined her every move. She’s not just an investor. Rupal a builder. A strategist. A truth-teller. And a leader who’s redefining what success looks like—not just for Asian American women in finance, but for anyone bold enough to bet on themselves. Who should we highlight next? Let us know in the comments! #rupalbhansali #doubledutymoneymanagement #chiefinvestmentofficer #cioinsights #womeninfinance #riskmanagement #globalequities #financeleadership #firstgenerationsuccess #womeninwallstreet #breakingbarriers #asianamericanwomen #AAPIWomenLeaders #identityunveiled https://www.instagram.com/identityunveiled/  https://www.identityunveiled.org https://www.linkedin.com/company/identity-unveiled/

    27 min
  2. 05/30/2025

    Esther Yim: Founder of Hudson Beauty Bar

    In a beauty industry full of noise, Esther Yim is the clarity, the standard, and the future. Born in Flushing, Queens and built like a true New Yorker—with grit, fire, and unstoppable drive—Esther is the founder of Hudson Beauty Bar, a permanent makeup studio and training academy in Edgewater, NJ that's raising the bar nationwide. Since 2018, she’s stayed ahead of the competition, pioneering advanced techniques in nano brows, lip blushing, and eyeliner tattooing. Her work reflects a deep multicultural understanding, allowing her to deliver custom artistry for every skin tone and face shape. Esther doesn’t follow trends—she sets them. She runs her studio with an unwavering focus on safety, cleanliness, and precision—operating at standards few in the industry can match. As an ambassador for the American Academy of Micropigmentation, she’s also helping align Korean and American techniques to elevate global PMU practices. Through her certified 100-hour training programs (including Korean-language instruction), she’s developing the next wave of PMU leaders with real skills. Esther isn’t just an artist—she’s a force. A business owner. An educator. A standard-bearer. And she’s doing it all with the hustle and unapologetic confidence of someone who built her name from the ground up—and earned every bit of it. Who should we highlight next? Let us know in the comments! #EstherYim #HudsonBeautyBar #PermanentMakeup #Microblading #AsianAmericanWomen #AAPIWomenLeaders #BeautyEntrepreneur #koreanwomenleaders #liptint #WomenInBusiness #BeautyIndustry #Entrepreneurship #nanoeyebrow #powdereyebrowtattoo #AAPILeaders #KoreanAmerican #powdereyebrow #eyebrowtattoo #lashlift https://www.instagram.com/identityunveiled/  https://www.identityunveiled.org https://www.linkedin.com/company/identity-unveiled/ SECTION HEADINGS 00:00 Intro 01:51 My upbringing in Queens, NY 02:56 Opening up Hudson Beauty Bar.   05:00 What Drove Me to Build 7:26 Leading an Academy on Permanent Makeup 11:11 Turning Grit Into Capital 14:09 My motivation for going on 16:47 The Hustle You Don’t See 19:52 VIP Clients like Jessi  22:40 Serving as a Global Ambassador 25:12 Balancing personal and professional demands  31:47 Inside Our Signature Microblading

    36 min
  3. 04/30/2025

    Carol Kim: Founder & Principal at Shasta Advisory

    We had an insightful conversation with Carol Kim, champion for AAPI women in corporate leadership. Carol illuminates the crucial role of networking and mentorship in securing board positions, addressing the core challenge facing underrepresented women. As co-founder of 5050 Women on Boards, Bay Area, she's dedicated to creating pathways for diverse voices to shape corporate governance. Carol's wisdom on strategic thinking, financial acumen, and the power of community engagement is essential for aspiring board members. Explore our interview with Carol Kim to learn how to build your network and make a lasting impact in the boardroom. #identityunveiled #CarolKim #shastaadvisory #asianamericanwomenleaders #aapiwomen #aapiwomenleader #aapileaders #asianamericanwomen #identityunveiled #aapiwomenexecutives  #koreanleaders #podcast #insights #boardseats #publicboards #careerdevelopment #professionaldevelopment  #5050womenonboards #governance  https://www.instagram.com/identityunveiled/  https://www.identityunveiled.org https://www.linkedin.com/company/identity-unveiled/ SECTION HEADINGS 00: Intro 00:50 What is 5050 Women On Boards? 03:54 Skills critical to get on nonprofit and for-profit boards 06:58 Top Challenges for Women to get onto Boards 11:07 The best way to build relationships and get on boards 14:19 Common misperceptions about serving on boards 16:27 Creating meaningful experiences for women on boards   19:34 The impact of the current political environment on board diversity 20:10 Pivotal moment inspiring AAPI board advocacy 22.29 Mentorship approach for AAPI women leaders 28:20 50/50 Boards: Mission, involvement, resources

    30 min
  4. 03/28/2025

    Cynthia Chu: Chief Financial and Growth Officer at Audible, Inc.

    In corporate leadership, the intersection of identity, resilience, and growth often shapes the path to success. Today’s story highlights Cynthia Chu, CFO and Growth Officer at Audible, whose journey from Hong Kong to the U.S. reflects the power of adaptability and perseverance. Cynthia has navigated cultural duality while breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. From earning a Six Sigma black belt at General Electric to leading financial strategy at NBC Universal and Audible, her career has been defined by curiosity, problem-solving, and a passion for continuous learning. In our conversation, Cynthia shares insights on leadership, defying stereotypes, and the critical role of mentorship. She also discusses Audible’s commitment to fostering emerging talent, from internal career development initiatives to supporting diverse creators and playwrights. Her story is a testament to the impact of using one’s voice and championing inclusion at every level. Who should we highlight next? Let us know in the comments! #CynthiaChu #Audible #CFO #GrowthOfficer #asianamericanwomen #aapiwomenleaders #identityunveiled #aapiwomenexecutives #asianamercianwomenleaders #leadership #growthmindset #womeninbusiness #aapileaders #asianwomenleader #csuite #clevel #executiveinsights #careerjourney #asianexecutives #CEO  https://www.instagram.com/identityunveiled/  https://www.identityunveiled.org https://www.linkedin.com/company/identity-unveiled/

    17 min
  5. 01/31/2025

    Tracey Doi: Former CFO and Group Vice President at Toyota North America

    We sat down to speak with the amazing Tracey Doi, former CFO and Group Vice President at Toyota North America.  You can’t help but be mesmerized by her energy.  Tracey shares her inspiring journey through corporate leadership and her ongoing commitment to advocating for women and people of color.  During her tenure at Toyota, Doi played a pivotal role in driving significant growth in the transportation sector. Since then, she has continued to make an impact by serving on the boards of S&P 500 companies Quest Diagnostics and Pentair, as well as acting as an independent board trustee for SunAmerica and Seasons Series Trust.  Her board service is a significant achievement, given Asian American hold less than 1% of corporate board seats and only 2.4% of executive roles in Fortune 500 companies.  Off the corporate clock, Doi is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion. She supports initiatives like 50/50 Women on Boards, the National ACE Foundation, and the International Women’s Forum in Dallas, working tirelessly to champion diversity and mentorship. She believes that leadership requires education, visibility, and mentorship to break barriers and create lasting change. In this conversation, Doi reflects on her experiences at Toyota, the influence of cultural values on her leadership style, and the importance of aligning personal values with corporate culture. She also shares how nonprofit work has shaped her career and how diverse representation in corporate leadership is essential for a more inclusive future. Check out the full interview on our YouTube channel with Tracey Doi to gain insights on leading in the C-suite and serving on boards. #identityunveiled #traceydoi #toyota #CFO #groupvicepresident #toyotanorthamerica #asianamericanwomenleaders #appiwomenleaders #appileaders #leadershipmatters #womeninleadership #diversityandinclusion #corporateleadership #breakingbarriers #representationmatters #mentorshipmatters #womenempoweringwomen #equityinleadership #inclusiveleadership #advocateforchange #diversitychampions #leadershipjourney #amplifyvoices #50womenonboards #asianamericanvoices #fortune500leadership #trailblazingwomen #womenonboards #culturalvalues #leadership #empowerment #mentorship #nonprofit https://www.instagram.com/identityunveiled/  https://www.identityunveiled.org https://www.linkedin.com/company/identity-unveiled/

    27 min
  6. 12/30/2024

    Kim Dabbs: Global Vice-President for ESG + Social Innovation at Steelcase

    From navigating feelings of exclusion in various cultures to becoming a champion for diversity and inclusion, Kim has turned her personal experiences into a professional mission. Her career spans nonprofit and corporate sectors, where she has been a relentless advocate for creating spaces where everyone belongs. In our interview Kim delves into her recent book, You Belong Here. Her book is a deeply personally journey into themes of identity, belonging, and purpose-driven leadership. She highlights the fluidity of identity and the importance of self-advocacy, offering practical strategies to foster inclusive environments. Her story is a powerful reminder that understanding and embracing one’s identity can drive meaningful professional and social impact, creating workplaces where diversity and authenticity thrive. #asianamerican #identityunveiled #belonging #identityjourney #purposedriven #authenticleadership #diversityandinclusion #leadershipmatters #womeninleadership #esgimpact #socialinnovation #inclusiveworkplace #youbelonghere #innerworkouterchange #advocateforchange #beseenbeheard #breakingbarriers #empowermentstories #inspiringvoices #purposeandpassion #makeanimpact #liveyourtruth #identitymatters #innerwork #transformationjourney #authenticity #personalgrowth #empowerment #communityimpact #kimdabbs #asianamericanwomenleaders #appiwomenleaders #vicepresident #steelcase #bethechange

    22 min
  7. 11/01/2024

    Nicole Fernandez: District Director at California State Senate

    In the United States, Asian American women represent just 2.5% of the 535 members of Congress, highlighting the significant underrepresentation in political leadership. Today's story is about one of these trailblazing women, Nicole Fernandez. Transitioning from district director to city council candidate, Nicole demonstrates the determination needed to make an impact in her community. Her story is a testament to resilience, community commitment, and the pursuit of equal representation. Nicole Fernandez, the first AAPI Chair of the San Mateo County Democratic Party and current district director for California State Senator Josh Becker, shares her journey from a daughter of Pakistani immigrants to running for San Mateo City Council. Raised in the Bay Area, she faced cultural expectations and societal challenges but found her calling during the 2000 presidential election. As district director, she connects her community with state politics, while advocating for underrepresented groups. Her candidacy focuses on infrastructure, safety, and inclusivity in San Mateo, emphasizing the importance of community service and ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table. Nicole's journey underscores the power of representation, collaboration, and perseverance in public service. Comment below and let us know who should be our next highlight! #Asianamerican #IdentityUnveiled #womeninpolitics #aapileadership #diversityinpolitics #southasianleaders #representationmatters #breakingbarriers #inclusiveleadership #communityfirst #womenempowerment #voteforchange #publicservice #aapiheritage #sanmateopolitics #womeninleadership #culturaldiversity #runforoffice #localelections #leadershipjourney #trailblazer #nicoleforcitycouncil

    14 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

We unveil stories of powerful Asian female leaders in America. Our stories give voice to the strength in Asian culture and the connections that bond us as a community. These stories also have the power to transform the way Asian women in America can support and influence a new generation of Asian women leaders.