Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) has been named a recipient of a 2019 Cultural Jambalaya Diversity Award, which honors those who have made a positive difference by advancing multiculturalism and ethnic diversity in their Minnesota communities.

CAAL is being recognized for its unique storytelling initiative, Hello Neighbor MinneAsianStories, which has brought multi-ethnic groups together and made them realize that through their stories, they can build new relationships to help ensure that Asian Pacific Americans are included in collective efforts that make Minnesota a better place for everyone.

Led by Executive and Network Director Bo Thao-Urabe, CAAL has succeeded in portraying the rich diversity and multiculturalism of people of Asian Pacific descent living in Minnesota by illustrating in words what data charts cannot truly convey. As a result, MinneAsianStories creates opportunities within the Asian Pacific community and the larger Minnesota community to deepen collective understanding and to engage with one another.

In selecting the Diversity Award recipients, a panel of independent judges evaluated the nominees’ impact, the creativity of their approach and the passion of their voice. The winners will be honored at Cultural Jambalaya’s annual gala at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

“These amazing champions demonstrate a collective understanding of the cultures, ethnicities and races that make Minnesota a dynamic, prosperous and tolerant place,” said Ann Merrill, board chair of Cultural Jambalaya, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit that promotes respect and understanding for all cultures.