ABOUT WELCOME TO CHINATOWN

We’re here to help say Chinatown will always be open for business.

Welcome to Chinatown is a grassroots initiative and 501c3 non profit organization founded to support Chinatown businesses and amplify community voices that generate much needed momentum to preserve one of New York City's most vibrant neighborhoods.

Founded in March 2020, Welcome to Chinatown started when the COVID-19 pandemic combined with increased xenophobia, decreased foot traffic, and lack of advocacy resulted in tremendous hardship for Manhattan’s Chinatown. Our two co-founders, Victoria (Vic) Lee and Jennifer Tam, two Asian American women living in Chinatown, knew that small businesses were integral in preserving this culturally significant ethnic enclave for future generations. Welcome to Chinatown centered its mission on empowering small business owners, fellow community partners, and other marginalized voices through its relief and innovation programs, outreach, and storytelling.

By bridging cultural and generational gaps with its passionate and talented volunteer base, the grassroots initiative has evolved into a multimillion dollar non-profit organization with a hyperlocal and thoughtful approach to successfully carry out its multifaceted and effective initiatives.

WHY MEET CHINATOWN?

MEET CHINATOWN was born out of Welcome to Chinatown’s initiatives, including The Longevity Fund because we saw a need for larger digital footprints and visibility into small businesses to prevent misinformation. The Longevity Fund is the only small business relief program for Manhattan Chinatown with equitable access in mind. Awarded on a monthly basis, The Longevity Fund will provide assistance in the form of monetary grants to assist Manhattan Chinatown small businesses with recovery and improvements. Small businesses may submit a request for proposal in the categories of business recovery or business improvement. With The Longevity Fund, we hope that we ensure Chinatown, both its community and legacy, will be here for future generations to enjoy.

Meet the Team

  • Victoria Lee

    Founder, Welcome to Chinatown

  • Jackie Wang

    Welcome to Chinatown, Head of Marketing & Communications

  • Harry Trinh

    Head of Creative, Welcome to Chinatown

  • Sunny Ng

    Developer

  • Cy Kim

    Creative Technologist

  • Jackie Mark

    Welcome to Chinatown, Development Director

  • Jordan Lim

    Event Coordinator

  • Eden Lew

    Exhibition Designer

  • Kasey Coffey

    Visual Designer

  • Dale Li

    Product Manager

  • Astisya

    Space Coordinator

  • Felix

    Copywriter

  • Janet Tan

    Translator

  • Jenny Zheng

    Translator