Meet Maxine Sudarma

We were lucky to catch up with Maxine Sudarma recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maxine, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

A Story of Lasting Impact

Finding my purpose wasn’t a sudden ‘aha!’ moment; it’s been this continuous unfolding of my innate desire to bring people together. It’s a story woven from my earliest experiences as an Asian American little girl navigating diverse spaces, how my upbringing in California’s vibrant mix played a huge part, my personal mission to ensure my kids—and indeed, all Asian American youth—see themselves authentically represented, and my constant drive to unite people across all kinds of differences. This unwavering passion for unity, deepened by my identity and experiences as an Asian American, is inextricably linked to my profound belief that God has truly called me to bridge gaps and foster understanding. This divine calling has been the consistent, guiding force behind everything I’ve built and every connection I’ve fostered. So, my purpose isn’t just one thing I found; it’s this dynamic, evolving commitment to bringing communities together, always growing and deepening with every experience, challenge, and my vision for the future.

This whole effort to bridge gaps and foster unity, both here in Orlando and beyond, feels like an ongoing journey, not a finished project. It’s about a sustained dedication to creating spaces where understanding, empathy, and collective growth can truly flourish. The work keeps going, fueled by my vision for a more connected and harmonious community.

The lasting impact of this work is something I feel deeply, especially for our community and for future generations. For example, my dedicated advocacy for Asian American representation stems from my own journey and directly helps our youth feel better about themselves and more connected, easing those feelings of being an outsider that I, and many in our community, have experienced. By creating environments where diverse identities, particularly Asian American narratives, are truly seen and celebrated, I believe I’m building a lasting legacy of empowered individuals and a more cohesive society, fulfilling a part of that greater purpose.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

A Journey of Belonging: From Microaggressions to a Movement

So begins a story familiar to many, especially those of us who grew up as Asian Americans. It’s a narrative of navigating a confusing space, feeling caught between two worlds—Asian and American—and never quite fully belonging to either. My childhood was dotted with countless microaggressions, those subtle, everyday slights that, though seemingly insignificant, chipped away at my sense of self. The problem wasn’t just the slights themselves, but the lack of tools or space to process them. Like many, I simply pushed them down and kept going.

Eight years ago, a move to Florida from California felt like a fresh start. But when my children started school, I saw my childhood relived in their experiences — the same pains, the same confusion about where they belonged. It was heartbreaking, and honestly, a profound wake-up call.

This time, however, I wasn’t going to push it down. At their school, we decided to act. We started small, forming a cultural competency team. From that initial seed, an idea blossomed: a cultural festival in our city/community. I remember thinking, “This will be a nice little community event to celebrate our culture.”

Within just five years, this festival has taken on a life of its own, achieving nationwide recognition with some big brands. Witnessing its momentum has been truly exhilarating. I recall 2022, in the middle of the pandemic, a chilly 45-degree, windy day in Florida—hardly festival weather. I doubted anyone would show. But to our absolute amazement, the response was overwhelming and we were overflowing above max capacity. People came, they celebrated, they connected.

The following years saw exponential growth, transforming the festival into a landmark event, continually expanding its reach and impact with a city’s proclamation to honor it. This year’s iteration was even grander, drawing thousands from across the state and beyond. Attendees were treated to a vibrant tapestry of diverse cultural performances, delicious food, and educational exhibits that truly showcased the richness and beauty of our community.

Yet, the most profound impact hasn’t merely been in the festival’s scale. It’s reflected in the faces of my children. They now feel seen and known. They understand that their heritage is something to be celebrated, not hidden. And it extends beyond my family. We’ve received heartfelt emails from adoptive families and adoptees themselves, sharing how attending the festival helped them navigate their cultural identities, and feeling seen, known, and heard for the very first time. That brings me so much joy and motivation to continue the good work.

This powerful realization ignited a new passion within us. We’re now extending this vital work into high schools, dedicated to helping the next generation understand that they, too, are seen and heard. We’re actively supporting the formation of Asian American clubs in high schools to helping them create Multi-cultural festivals at the school, providing essential spaces for connection, cultural affirmation, and empowerment.

And now, I’m thrilled to announce the exciting next step: the launch of our upcoming non-profit organization, Heritage and Hope Inc. Our mission is crystal clear: to equip the next generation with leadership skills and the tools they need to thrive. Through our non-profit, we aim to:

* Foster a strong cultural identity among youth in their God-given gifts and talents.
* Bridge generational divides by creating meaningful relationships and understanding.
* Provide invaluable mentorship and leadership development opportunities.
* Bring local AAPI leaders from Orlando and across Florida as guest speakers, offering real-world inspiration.
* Offer unique and enriching cultural experiences, leadership workshops, community service, and scholarships
* Effectively lead and guide our youth towards a brighter future.

I am excited for what’s to come and hope and pray for a better tomorrow through one event at a time.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Maxine’s Journey: Impactful Qualities & Advice

Looking back, three core areas truly propelled my journey: adaptability, effective communication, and critical thinking/problem-solving. Guiding all of these, and deeply embedded in my core values, is the principle found in Philippians 2:3-4: “Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This verse has profoundly shaped how I approach every interaction and decision, ensuring my skills are always used to uplift and benefit those around me.

1. Adaptability

My journey was rarely linear, and the ability to embrace change, pivot quickly, and learn new approaches was crucial. This allowed me to thrive in dynamic environments, turning unexpected shifts into opportunities. My adaptability is often fueled by humility; recognizing that my way isn’t the only way, and being open to new perspectives for the greater good of a project or team.

Advice for Early-Career Folks: Actively seek new experiences that push you and grow you. Embrace a growth mindset, seeing challenges as learning opportunities. Practice problem-solving in diverse contexts, and observe how others navigate change. Remember that adaptability often requires putting ego aside and learning from diverse viewpoints.

2. Effective Communication

Beyond just speaking or writing, this meant active listening and tailoring my message to different audiences. Understanding perspectives and structuring information clearly transformed my collaborations and project successes. This deeply connects with valuing others: truly listening, seeking to understand their needs, and communicating in a way that serves their interests first, rather than just my own agenda.

Advice for Early-Career Folks: Practice active listening – truly hear what others are saying. Hone your writing for clarity and conciseness. Develop presentation skills, starting small. Crucially, ask for feedback on your communication, always aiming to serve the understanding of your audience.

3. Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving

This was about more than just identifying issues; it was the systematic process of breaking down complex problems, analyzing information, and logically devising the best solutions. Structured decision-making was invaluable. My approach to problem-solving is always influenced by considering the impact on others. I strive to find solutions that are not just efficient or innovative, but also equitable and beneficial for all involved, looking to the interests of the collective.

Advice for Early-Career Folks: Always ask “why” to understand root causes. Develop a structured approach to problems: define, gather, brainstorm, evaluate, and choose. Analyze information critically, and learn from the role models before you to sharpen your analytical skills, always considering the broader implications for your team.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, both with the established success of Celebrate Lunar and the exciting new venture of our non-profit Heritage & Hope, Inc. We are always looking for passionate individuals and organizations to join us in our mission and vision.

For Celebrate Lunar: Expanding Our Cultural Tapestry

For Celebrate Lunar, our annual premiere Lunar New Year festival, we are keen to partner with:

Cultural Performance Groups: Traditional and contemporary Asian dance troupes, musical ensembles, martial arts demonstrations, and cultural storytellers who want to share their heritage with a wide audience.

Diverse Food Vendors: Restaurants and caterers specializing in authentic Asian cuisines from across various cultures (Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, Japanese, etc.) to enrich our culinary offerings.

Community Organizations & Local Businesses: Groups that align with our mission of fostering cultural understanding and community unity, whether through sponsorship, interactive booths, or promotional support.

High School Asian American Clubs: We actively seek to partner with and support these clubs, providing a platform for their students to showcase talent, develop leadership, and connect with the broader community.

Media Partners: Outlets interested in helping us amplify the reach of the festival and highlight the richness of Asian American culture in Central Florida and beyond.

Our goal with Celebrate Lunar is to continue growing this vibrant platform, making it an even more inclusive and impactful celebration for all.

For Heritage & Hope, Inc.: Building the Next Generation of Leaders

As we launch Heritage & Hope, Inc., our non-profit dedicated to empowering the next generation, we are specifically looking to collaborate with:

Educational Institutions (High Schools & Universities): To establish and support Asian American clubs, develop leadership programs, and provide mentorship opportunities for youth.

Youth Development Organizations: Partners who can help us design and implement programs focused on leadership skills, cultural identity, and bridging generational divides.

AAPI Community Leaders & Professionals: Individuals who are willing to serve as guest speakers, mentors, and role models, sharing their experiences and insights with our youth.

Corporate & Philanthropic Sponsors: Organizations that believe in investing in youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and community building, and can provide financial support for our programs and initiatives.

Mental Health & Wellness Advocates: Partners who can help us provide resources and support for youth navigating identity challenges and microaggressions, ensuring they have the tools to process and overcome these experiences.

How to Connect With Us
If you are reading this and feel a connection to our mission for either Celebrate Lunar or Heritage & Hope, Inc., we would be thrilled to hear from you!

The best way to connect is by visiting our website, CelebrateLunar.com or HeritageandHope.net , where you can find a dedicated “Contact Us” or “Partnerships” section. You can also reach out directly via email at [email protected]

Thank you again for listening and can’t wait to hear from you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.celebratelunar.com OR https://heritageandhope.net/
• Instagram: @celebratelunar
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CelebrateLunar
• Other: IG @HeritageandHopeInc is in the works

Image Credits

Credit: Pham Portraits Photography