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September 10, 2024

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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

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