Value Add: Issue 11

Connecting Asian Americans (& Friends) in Media & Sports

Author

Michele Steele
July 27, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

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🌟 Note from AAJA Sports President Michele Steele

It is a jam-packed newsletter as we reflect on a incredibly successful and meaningful convention in Minneapolis this summer. From June 24–28, roughly 1,200 members of the AAJA community gathered in Minnesota to build new connections, catch up with old friends and colleagues, and share best practices in an industry evolving faster than I can write this update.

Our Sports Task Force programming covered incredible ground this year. We dove into mixed martial arts with fighter Michelle Waterson-Gomez during an impactful CBS Sports panel, explored the intersection of sports and entrepreneurship, unpacked sports through a cultural lens, and packed the room - standing room only!- for a high-impact session on vertical video strategies.

I also want to get to some news: I’m writing this final note as President of the AAJA Sports Task Force filled with immense gratitude. As I announced at Summer Jam - (be sure to check out our recap and photos below!) - I am so proud of everything our community has built together this past year:

  • Expanded Content & Outreach: Investing in IG reels and TikTok to meet members where they are, growing our follower count by 41 percent and garnering 500k views in across just 37 posts. Launching this Value Add newsletter and bringing members together through our Coast 2 Coast IRL campaign.

  • Streamlined Operations: Transitioning our fundraising interface to Zeffy to better support our initiatives and provide a more frictionless way for members to buy tickets and access programming.

  • Stronger Partnerships: Expanding our sponsor roster, delivering year-round value through targeted virtual programming, and reinforcing to media organizations why affinity groups like ours are vital to their recruiting and retention efforts.

While we’ve accomplished a lot, there is still so much potential ahead. I am thrilled to share that James Koh will be stepping into the role of Task Force President, effective September 1st.

Having served as an exceptionally capable Programming Chair, James has consistently brought resourcefulness, high energy and great humor to the fore - qualities essential for leading this group forward. In fact, James’s very first order of business at Summer Jam involved recognizing Howard Chen, perfectly illustrating the kind of thoughtful, action-oriented leadership he will bring to the role.

HoChen is the soul of Sports Task Force - and what is any body without a soul?

Thank you all for the honor of leading this group across two fantastic conventions. Now, I’d like to ask you for a favor. After launching Value Add, I’m starting my own personal newsletter, called Steele Cut, and if anything I did this year meant something to you, I am humbly asking you to subscribe. It’s a little about sports, personal finance and things I think will bring value to audiences - and the best part: it’s free and it’s short. Thank you in advance.

While my term as President is coming to a close, I will remain active on the board and look forward to supporting James, our incoming leadership, and all of YOU however I can. It’s not goodbye but see you soon.

With gratitude, Michele

🗓️ Upcoming Dates

2027 Convention: San Francisco

It was the talk of the convention in Minneapolis - next year’s convention location has been secured! There was a huge wave of excitement at the Gala when the city was announced: San Francisco! In Bart Scott’s words, “Can’t wait.”

  • Circle Your Calendar July 14-18 at the Union Square Hilton

Lowell Asian American Film Festival

In New England? This year’s Lowell, Ma. Asian American Film Festival will feature a short category - that includes narrative, documentary, animated and student submissions. If you have a project you’d like to submit, there’s still time. Monetary award and laurel for the winners.

  • Submissions due: July 30

🚀 Stay Inspired

2026 AAJA Summer Jam Brought to You By CBS Sports…

AAJA STF held its annual Summer Jam celebration at the historic Brit’s Pub, within a 3 minute walk of the convention venue. Not only did we reserve a private upstairs pub, but we also had outdoor access to the lawn for World Cup games and lawn bowling. Shoutout Christina Huang for being an incredible organizer and board member!

CBS Sports wonderful crew always brings it to AAJA Convention with robust programming and on-the-ground activations - we are thankful for their support!

HoChen receiving the inaugural and annual HoChen Community Member of the Year belt. And this was as close as we got to a group pic at Brit’s Pub, which was the PERFECT venue for Summer Jam this year

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported - a time was had!

Outgoing.Prez…. Incoming Prez…. passing the proverbial bocci ball to the next leader

Amazing venue, amazing night


But Wait That’s Not All… STF Won!

  • We are thrilled to announce that Sports Task Force won Affinity Group of the Year: “In recognition of the leadership and teamwork that has gone above and beyond for members and the larger AAJA community.”

  • The award: Was presented at the Gala on Saturday night, where Michele Steele was joined onstage with by executive board members Howard Chen, Patrick Truby and Victoria Lim to accept the award.

  • Thanks to you: We would not have been able to win this award without the support of everyone in this community, following, liking, subscribing, sharing and showing up when it matters. This award belongs to all of us.


    Have something to promote to an engaged audience of AAJA Sports members? Email [email protected].

Work hard, play hard… the joy of this group is one of the reasons it is so fun to be a part of it

🦋 From the Desk of CPO Howard Chen

AAJA STF Jobs Board

The Athletic - Senior Executive Video Producer https://jobs.lever.co/theathletic/f250351f-c0d2-4846-98f8-66d100ac2db6

🔥 In case you missed it…

Member Media News

  • Incoming STF President James Koh started a new full time position as evenings host on 97.1 the Fan in LA.

  • Nathan Canilao was named the UConn men's and women's hoops beat writer for the Norwich Bulletin.

  • Ira Gorawara has accepted a role as a full-time college writer at The Athletic.

    STF Members excited to read this month’s newsletter - thanks guys for the support!

🏆 Reader of the Month

WAGM’s Cedric Derecho

Cedric Derecho: Jimmie and Suey Fong Yee Grant Recipient

 🌉 Background: This is my 1st year as a sports anchor/MMJ at WAGM-TV in Northern Maine. I'm originally from the Jersey Shore and got my Broadcast Journalism degree from the Newhouse School at Syracuse last year. I got the opportunity to go to Green Bay last year and intern as a Packers training camp reporter.

👑 Achievement: 2026 Jimmie and Suey Fong Yee Grant Recipient

🙈 Quirk: Growing up exactly halfway between NYC and Philly means my sports fandom is split. Grew up a diehard Eagles and Nets fan. I also root for the Yankees and Devils.

More on Cedric

Have yall seen Cedric’s TikTok? Join the tens of thousands of fans who have found his content. Like and follow: @sportsfanbroadcaster 

August Giveaway: STF partner and ally Don Yee is launching an app ahead of the season specifically designed for people who work in pro football every day - he’s giving early access to STF members. If you are interested, reach out to [email protected] to get an access code!

Till next time,

AAJA Sports Task Force