Hsu is originally from Taiwan and moved to Colorado Springs from Los Angeles. She said that because she is of Asian descent, she stood out in the predominately white community of Colorado Springs, adding that many people took an interest in her and wanted to know more about her life, which is one of the big inspirations behind her starting the nonprofit.
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“So right away I have the urge ... I want to share my culture to the community because people, they [were] asking me, ‘Oh where are you coming from?’ and so I think that’s the sign that people want to learn culture. So, I [started] to ask myself, ‘What is the value of my life? What is the purpose of my life? And what is my passion?’”
Hsu said she found her passion in sharing her life growing up in Asia and her journey to the United States.
“I do believe people should share their life. You know, it’s ... very important you share your life. You share your experiences with other[s] and that’s the only way if you want to develop the relationship with someone and just learn their culture through their culture, you know, to improve the relationship. It’s very important; it works.”
Another big reason Hsu helped start CSCCI is she noticed many adopted Chinese children living in Colorado Springs. She said she wanted to make sure those children could learn about Chinese culture without having to travel across the globe.
Hsu has also been the preacher and president of Colorado Springs Chinese Evangelical Church for the past 10 years. She believes that spreading the joys of Chinese culture extends beyond sharing it with people who believe in the same religion as her.
“Everything ... it's just so much to learn, so much to learn. Our life is too short, [you] have to precious every moment,” said Hsu. “Do whatever takes, you can give to give to others and whatever it takes to share your life with others. So, I think that is very important otherwise you are wasting your life and there is no value, no quality. So, that is what I’m passionate about is share my life with this community.”
Carmen Abeyta
Education has always been a top priority to Carmen Abeyta, who is now a retired educator and philanthropist living in Colorado Springs.
She is originally from the small Western Slope community of Montrose. She graduated from University of Colorado in Colorado Springs (UCCS) and later worked for the university for 26 years. She inspired hundreds of students throughout her career through monthly Latino Community luncheons, which she co-founded with her close friend, Anna Marie Ortiz.
Abeyta said the purpose of those luncheons was to promote cultural awareness, discuss issues in the Latino community and provide information about Colorado Springs for students. Before the pandemic, Abeyta said around 60 to 70 students would attend the luncheons, using that time to network.