Contact
  • HOME
  • / MEDIA /
  • Transforming Communities Through Love: The Story of The Love Tower at Ashah

Stories

September 10, 2024

SHARE:

Every day, we see the effects of division and misunderstanding around the world. Families, friends, and neighbors often find themselves divided by differences that seem impossible to bridge.

The founders of The Love Tower at Ashah understand these challenges deeply. They have dedicated themselves to creating a space where love, kindness, and compassion can flourish and bring people together.

The Love Tower at Ashah was born from a simple yet profound belief: that love has the power to heal and unite us. Through music, art, dance, and meditation, they aim to inspire individuals to choose love over division and kindness over conflict.

We invite you to read their touching story through a heartfelt interview with Asian Hustle Network and join their mission to create a more loving and united world.

The Origin and Significance of The Love Tower

The turmoil of 2020 was a year of immense challenge and reflection. Political unrest and a surge in Asian hate crimes exposed deep divisions within our society. In the midst of this chaos, a group of individuals came together with a shared vision: to address the growing disconnect and foster unity through love and compassion. This vision birthed The Love Tower at Ashah, an AAPI-led non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to promoting mindfulness, kindness, and joy through music, art, dance, and meditation.

“We realized that without recognizing our shared humanity and embracing our differences, the future for our children would be grim. Instead of fueling divisive conversations, we asked ourselves how we could highlight and nurture the aspects of our society that unite us,” Sissy Lee, one of the founders shared. “We believe that love, both for ourselves and for each other, is the most powerful force to bridge divides and heal our communities.”

A Mission Rooted in Love

The Love Tower at Ashah grew organically from a group of individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by the belief in creating a better world. Their mission is to build a community that values love, respect, and unity above all. They aim to create spaces where people from all walks of life can come together, learn from one another, and celebrate their differences.

“It is not just a physical structure but also a symbol of hope and inspiration for all those who seek to make a positive difference in their lives and the lives of others,” Sissy added.

Programs That Transform

At The Love Tower at Ashah, a variety of intentional programs are offered to amplify love and promote mindfulness, kindness, compassion, and joy:

  • The Music Enhanced Heart Meditation Experience: This program integrates live or recorded music with guided meditations and visualizations to deepen feelings of love and compassion.
  • Children’s Programs: Designed to promote emotional well-being, mindfulness, and creativity among children, helping them manage emotions, develop self-awareness, and build confidence. These programs are also integrated into schools to support both students and teachers.
  • Sound Therapy Sessions: In collaboration with local experts, these sessions include sound healing, meditation, and breathwork to foster relaxation, alleviate stress, and enhance mind-heart coherence.
  • Creative Healing Arts & Body Movement: This program combines mindful music, creative expression, and fluid movement to ignite creativity, alleviate stress, and cultivate a deeper connection with love and self-expression.

Overcoming Challenges with Compassion

One of the most significant challenges faced by The Love Tower at Ashah was understanding that love is multifaceted. It encompasses self-love, love for the community, love for neighbors, and more. This challenge is universal, but the founders have tackled it by creating programs and events that foster a safe and supportive environment for emotional expression.

“We invite everyone to join us in this journey. We aim to attract individuals and communities who align to help us resolve this challenge together, fostering a world where love, kindness, and compassion are at the forefront,” Sissy shared.

Achievements and Impact

The integration of The Love Tower’s programs into elementary schools stands as one of the founders’ proudest achievements. By nurturing the next generation with values of love, kindness, and compassion, they hope to create a ripple effect that will shape a brighter future.

They view themselves as the ancestors of tomorrow, believing it is their duty to lay a foundation for a more compassionate future. By embedding their programs in schools, they are planting seeds of empathy and understanding that will grow into meaningful change.

The involvement of notable figures like Marianne Williamson, André Duqum, and Sol Rising has enriched their mission, highlighting the widespread resonance of their vision.

Founders’ Stories

Sissy Lee

Sissy Lee, a dedicated philanthropist and entrepreneur, serves as the co-founder and Director of Programs at The Love Tower at Ashah. She is passionate about creating a brighter future for the next generation and has made significant strides in supporting children and educators. Beyond her work with schools, Sissy is committed to uplifting homeless and underprivileged communities in Los Angeles, tirelessly raising funds for essential causes.

Crystal Chao

Crystal Chao is a mother, seasoned entrepreneur, and investor. Her passion for spreading love led her to co-found The Love Tower at Ashah, where she serves as the Financial Officer. Crystal is fulfilling her lifelong dream of fostering love and unity to create a better world for everyone.

Michael “Shungunna” Resurreccion

Michael “Shungunna” Resurreccion, a consultant and founder of Resurreccion Media, is a devoted family man committed to catalyzing positive change within humanity. As the Executive Director of The Love Tower at Ashah, he channels his passion to create a meaningful impact.

The Asian Hustle Network played a pivotal role in connecting the key co-founders of The Love Tower at Ashah. Michael joined the AHN community shortly after AHN was formed and soon invited Crystal to join. Crystal attended AHN’s first SoCal event, where she invited Sissy to volunteer.

The Love Rising Festival: Celebrating Unity and Love

A significant part of The Love Tower’s mission is The Love Rising Festival—a festival fundraiser designed to ignite a revolution of love and unity while raising funds for the organization, to be conducted on October 19-20, 2024 at the California Historical Citrus Park. The festival offers live performances by renowned artists, impactful activities with influential speakers, sponsor activations, and a variety of unique vendor experiences.

Visit thelovetower.com/loverising for more information.

How to Support The Love Tower

Here are some ways that you can support and be involved with The Love Tower to help them  sustain their transformative programs:

  • Join The One Million Love Legacy Campaign: Aimed to have 1,000,000 people donate $143 (Meaning “I Love You”) to have a loved one’s name engraved within the tower walls.
  • Financial Contributions: Donations help cover program costs, construct the tower, and support staff and volunteers.
  • Volunteers: Passionate individuals can assist with events, programs, and spreading the mission.
  • Sponsorships and Partnerships: Businesses can sponsor events or programs, providing essential funding and resources.
  • In-Kind Donations: Contributions of goods and services, such as use of venue spaces, community collaborations, event supplies, online and offline promotions, help reduce expenses and enhance offerings.
  • Community Engagement: Attending events, spreading the word, and participating in initiatives help build a supportive community.

Join the Journey

The Love Tower at Ashah invites everyone to join their mission to create a more compassionate and united world. For more information, visit their website at www.lovetoweratashah.com or connect with them through their social media accounts:

Facebook: The Love Tower at Ashah

Instagram: @thelovetower 

TikTok: @thelovetoweratashah

LinkedIn: The Love Tower at Ashah

Related Articles

News

Celebrating Hope: JED Gala 2025 Unites Advocates for Youth Mental Health

The Jed Foundation (JED) held its annual gala on June 4 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, gathering more than 650 guests for a special evening dedicated to raising awareness and taking action for youth mental health. The sold-out event raised over $1.6 million in support of JED’s mission: to protect emotional health and prevent suicide among teens and young adults.

Hosted by Emmy-winning journalist, Savannah Sellers, the gala recognized individuals and organizations at the helm of the drive for youth mental health awareness. “The mental health struggles of our young people are undeniable, as suicide remains a leading cause of death for this population,” said JED CEO John MacPhee who emphasized the urgency of their work. “The dedication of tonight’s incredible individuals, organizations, and advocates — helping JED protect and prioritize student mental health with life-saving tools, resources, and connections — serves as a positive reminder that it takes every one of us to prevent suicide and foster a kinder community here at home and across the country.”

Honoring Voices Making an Impact

Singer, actor, and DIVE Studios co-founder Eric Nam and Peloton instructor and entrepreneur Ally Love received the 2025 Voice of Mental Health Award. Both were praised for destigmatizing mental health and encouraging open dialogue.

Nam highlighted the importance of prioritizing self-care, “Mental health is universal; it impacts how every one of us shows up in the world.” His work with JED and Mindset has helped connect AAPI youth and K-pop fans to personal mental health stories. 

Eric Nam | Singer, Actor, and DIVE Studios Co-founder

Love also shared her own experiences: “Living with mental health challenges is part of my story, but it does not define who I am. ”

Ally Love | Entrepreneur, CEO/Founder of Love Squad

Victoria’s Secret PINK earned the Corporate Voice of Mental Health Award, recognized for a five-year partnership with JED focused on Gen Z engagement. Through digital tools, campus outreach, and initiatives like the PINK with Purpose Project — which awarded $25,000 grants to 10 young advocates — PINK has helped expand access to support and resources.

“PINK is all about inspiring Gen Z to show up authentically and find joy in this chapter of life,”  said Leslie Nixon, Associate Vice President of Community Relations at Victoria’s Secret & Co. “Our work with JED highlighted that supporting positive mental health is the key to fostering growth, connection, and future success. 

Leslie Nixon, Associate Vice President of Community Relations at Victoria’s Secret & Co.

Celebrating Student Advocates and Voices of Hope

Model and mental health advocate Remi Bader introduced the recipients of the 2025 Student Voice of Mental Health Award: Rohan Satija, a recently graduated Texas high school senior, and Nora Yanyi Sun, a rising junior at Harvard. Both students shared powerful reflections on their mental health journeys and their work to uplift peers through advocacy.

The evening featured performances by Lorna Courtney, Thomas Robert Kitt, BAILEN the Band, and the Brooklyn United Marching Band, each contributing to a moving celebration of resilience, hope, and connection.

To view event photos, visit JED’s Facebook photo album.
To support JED’s work, visit jedfoundation.org/donate.

  • 3 min read

Blogs, Development

Understand Whether Your Website Is User-Friendly: 7 UX Pillars

User Experience, commonly referred to as UX, is a very broad term, which makes it hard to evaluate whether your website works with users.

As such, Peter Morville simplified UX into 7 core pillars, allowing a comprehensive evaluation of the UX:

  • Useful: It should have features that help users achieve certain goals easily.
  • Desirable: It should have add-on features that can cater to users’ specific wants.
  • Accessible: It should be usable by users with disabilities, and it is equally easy to use on mobile devices and laptops/PC.
  • Credible: It should be smooth, and there should not be any major bugs that disrupt the user experience.
  • Findable: It should showcase information clearly, allowing for easy navigation across the website.
  • Usable: As simple as it sounds, users should be able to use the website intuitively; the User Interface should be familiar.
  • Valuable: It should bring value to the user; it should help them save in some way, whether it is time, money, or effort. Simply, what do they gain by using your website (over going in-store, for example)?

Why Asian Hustle Solutions?

At AHS, we specialize in helping brands capture attention and inspire action — whether you’re launching a new product or scaling your business, we’ll guide you to marketing that resonates and delivers results.

Book a FREE call with us

If you want to learn more about our services, visit the Asian Hustle Solutions website at asianhustlenetwork.com/services/

  • 2 min read
an_tran_banc

Stories

An Tran Turned a Receptionist Job Into a 25-Year Journey to Executive Leadership in Banking

When you first meet her, you feel her warmth—grounded, welcoming, and full of passion. With over 25 years in the banking industry, An Tran, Market Executive at Banc of California, has become known not only for her distinctive leadership but also for the deep care she gives to her family—and for her dedication as a passionate skincare and self-care advocate.

Yet behind these roles lies a journey marked by resilience—a story not only of her own, but of many Vietnamese immigrants who navigated life in a new country with hope for a brighter future and the American dream.

An Tran | SVP Market Executive at Banc of California
An Tran | SVP Market Executive at Banc of California

A Humble Beginning, A Lifelong Commitment

Banking wasn’t part of her plan at the start of her career. In fact, her first job was as a receptionist at a bank in San Francisco. But she didn’t let that humble beginning define her. Fueled by passion, relentless effort, and the sense of responsibility that came from being the eldest of eight children, she turned what she lacked in experience into unstoppable drive.

“My professional life has always revolved around service and sales, with a natural inclination to care for others, perhaps stemming from my role as the eldest of eight,” she says. 

Over the years, she took every opportunity whenever she could to learn, grow, and serve her clients better. Her work ethic and trust-building skills propelled her forward, step by step, until she eventually became the Market Executive for Banc of California—a role she holds today with pride and purpose.

A Journey Rooted in Sacrifice and Survival

By her own admission, she doesn’t have any news-breaking stories. She is simply a daughter born to Vietnamese immigrants who came to America during the 1970s and ’80s. Yet it was her generation that first began to rise out of poverty, despite arriving in the U.S. with nothing in hand. “Through relentless hard work, we’ve not only achieved the American dream but also built the lives our parents envisioned for us when they first arrived,” she reflects.

Her family’s story, like so many others, is one of hope and sacrifice. And through years of determination and resilience, she has proven the grit and strength of her community—successfully building the life her parents once dreamed of when they left Vietnam.

An Tran has successfully built what her parents imagined for their children in the US. 
An Tran has successfully built what her parents imagined for their children in the US. 

Facing Challenges with Grace and Grit 

Climbing the banking ladder over the past 25 years was no easy feat for a young woman like An. She faced unique hurdles—from skepticism to subtle sexism in the workplace.

But instead of letting those experiences hold her back, she used them as fuel to move forward.

“Every challenge throughout my life and career has been a positive force, shaping me into the person I am today,” she shares. “These experiences pushed me to find new ways to grow and overcome adversity. I believe challenges are essential for growth—without them, we can’t truly learn. Remaining a lifelong student, absorbing both small and significant lessons daily, is key. The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop achieving.”

An Tran has faced criticism with grace and determination, climbing the banking ladder step by step.
An Tran has faced criticism with grace and determination, climbing the banking ladder step by step.

Empowering the Asian Community, One Role Model at a Time

From receptionist to executive, her journey is a remarkable one. But for her, the real achievements aren’t just titles—they’re the impact she’s had on others and the example she’s set for her children, her colleagues, and her community.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be where I am today, creating the life I envisioned and providing for my family in a way my parents dreamed of when we left Vietnam. My pride extends to every step of this remarkable path,” she says. 

She’s living proof. A former refugee who arrived in America with nothing is now leading in one of the most competitive industries in the country—and doing so with compassion, integrity, and purpose.

Connect With An Na Tran 

“My goal is to be a resource for the Asian community, showing that we are strong, career-driven, and incredibly successful.”

LinkedIn: An Na T.

  • 4 min read
AHS EMAIL ANGLE (1)-png

Blogs, Development

Unlock Your Growth Potential: Harness the Power of AIDA

Your audience is busy — if you want their attention, you need to earn it with a message that cuts through the noise.

AIDA is a time-tested framework that guides your messaging from first glance to final action, helping you craft marketing that actually converts.

  • Attention – Grab your audience with a bold headline, eye-catching image, or intriguing question.
  • Interest – Share a benefit or story that keeps them reading.
  • Desire – Build an emotional connection by showing how your product solves their problem or improves their life.
  • Action – End with a clear call-to-action so they know exactly what to do next.

Why Asian Hustle Solutions?

At AHS, we specialize in helping brands capture attention and inspire action — whether you’re launching a new product or scaling your business, we’ll guide you to marketing that resonates and delivers results.

Book a FREE call with us

If you want to learn more about our services, visit the Asian Hustle Solutions website at asianhustlenetwork.com/services/

  • 1 min read