Chicago · Volunteer Nonprofit · Est. 2021

Empowering Asian American Women Through Leadership, Culture, and Community

AAWA is a Chicago-based nonprofit platform supporting Asian American women and families through education, wellness, cultural engagement, leadership development, and community connection.

Our Mission

A platform for women to connect, grow, and lead.

The Asian American Women's Association creates supportive spaces where women connect, grow, lead, and contribute — through education, wellness, culture, mentorship, family programs, and community partnerships.

Upcoming

What's Coming Up

All Events

Fri, May 29, 2026 · 4:30–6:30 PM

218 W 26th St, 2nd Floor Hall, Chicago, IL

Cultural Education / History / Community Learning

The Six: Workshop and Conversation

Join author Steven Schwankert for a workshop and conversation on The Six, the untold story of the Titanic's Chinese survivors. The program will include audience Q&A and book signing, and is open to students, families, and community members.

RSVP / Register

More AAWA events and community programs will be added as details are confirmed.

Our Work

Four pillars guiding everything we do

Every AAWA program is rooted in connection, growth, wellness, and meaningful community engagement.

01

Community Connection

Welcoming spaces where women, families, and partners build lasting relationships and exchange resources.

02

Education & Growth

Workshops and conversations on family, career, communication, finance, and personal development.

03

Wellness & Family

Mental wellness, healthy relationships, parenting support, and emotional resilience across life stages.

04

Leadership & Civic Life

Encouraging women to step into leadership, service, and broader civic engagement.

Areas of Focus

Areas of Focus

AAWA's work is growing around several areas of community need, shaped by women's conversations, family engagement, cultural learning, and shared service.

01

Women's Growth

Women's Growth & Leadership

Creating spaces for women to build confidence, connection, and leadership presence.

02

Family & Youth

Family & Youth Engagement

Supporting families, parents, and young people through community-centered activities and shared learning.

03

Culture

Culture & Storytelling

Encouraging cultural understanding, heritage, literature, history, and cross-cultural dialogue.

04

Wellness

Wellness & Mutual Support

Creating thoughtful spaces for reflection, wellbeing, emotional support, and healthy relationships.

05

Partnership

Community Partnership

Working with community members, schools, cultural institutions, nonprofits, and partners to expand meaningful programs.

AAWA community workshop in Chicago
ProgramsAAWA workshop focused on learning and reflection

Our Story

Built Through Real Connection

AAWA's work has grown through real gatherings, shared conversations, cultural learning, family engagement, and women supporting one another across different stages of life. Our community is built through trust, care, and the simple but powerful experience of being welcomed.

Community Impact

A growing impact, rooted in community.

500+

Women & Families Served

40+

Community Events

2,000+

Volunteer Hours

25+

Partner Organizations

Impact figures will be updated as AAWA's programs continue to grow.

About AAWA

Founded 2021

A volunteer-led platform for Asian American women, families, and community partners.

AAWA was founded to support the personal, professional, and community development of Asian American women. We believe that when women are supported, families become stronger and communities become more connected.

Past Programs

Real Gatherings, Shared Growth

From intimate coffee talks to women's career conversations and family support gatherings, AAWA has grown through real relationships, thoughtful dialogue, and consistent community presence.

AAWA women gathered around a coffee shop table for conversation

September 23, 2023 · Women's Growth

Releasing Her Strength

AAWA women gathered for a coffee chat on self-care and wellbeing

November 26, 2023 · Wellness & Reflection

Women's Self-Care and Wellbeing Coffee Chat

AAWA women at an in-person career growth sharing session in Chicago

June 23, 2024 · Career Growth

In-Person Women's Career Growth Sharing Session

Partnerships

Partnerships that strengthen community.

AAWA collaborates with schools, cultural institutions, nonprofit organizations, professional groups, women leaders, and community partners. Together, we build programs that serve women, families, and the broader Asian American community.

Support Our Work

Support women. Strengthen families. Build community.

Your contribution helps AAWA create programs that empower women, connect families, and strengthen the Asian American community.