AAPI Achieve Mentee Spotlight | Gen Lin

Name: Gen Lin | Business/Profession: Taste Tea Kitchen

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what motivated you to join the AAPI Achieve mentorship program?

As an Asian immigrant, I spent 10 years studying and working in New York City before moving to Arkansas to set up my own businesses. Based on the recommendations and information I learned from others, I believe this program can help me grow to a better level of entrepreneurship.

What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how do you hope this mentorship program will help you achieve them?

My short-term goal is to gain experience and guidance from my mentor to expand my businesses. My long-term goal is to help more clients and others. I believe the mentorship program has a lot more I can learn to achieve both goals.

What are some challenges you’ve faced in your professional journey, and how do you think AAPI Achieve can assist you in overcoming them?

As a small business owner, sometimes I will face a situation that I lack experience to deal with. I believe having a mentor from AAPI Achieve with years of experience and knowledge can help me overcome these challenges.

How has your cultural background shaped your professional journey?

As a small business owner with an Asian/minority background, I really understand the issues we are facing. I really want to achieve my goals and help my cultural community to achieve their goals, too.

What specific skills or knowledge do you hope to gain from your mentor through this program?

Interpersonal skills and critical thinking skills.