"A North Texas Asian American History" featuring Stephanie Drenka

The Dallas Asian American Historical Society’s mission is to research, preserve, and amplify the legacy of Asian Americans in the Dallas area.

Through her presentation, "A North Texas Asian American History," Co-founder and Executive Director, Stephanie Drenka, will explore the overlooked history of Asian Americans in North Texas, from early Chinese laundries and restaurants in Dallas to later waves of South Asian, Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino, and other immigrant communities that helped shape the region’s cultural and civic life. The session highlights how Asian Americans have long been part of North Texas history, connecting the past to current immigration issues and showing how history continues to shape struggles over belonging, citizenship, and justice.

Stephanie is a Korean adoptee writer and photographer. She previously served as communications director for Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation. She also founded VISIBLE Magazine, an online publication that actively privileges the work of those whose voices have been historically excluded from traditional media outlets.

Stephanie’s photography and writing have been featured in Washington Post, Huffington Post, USA Today, and Newsweek. She was a 2019-21 Public Voices Fellow and is now a Facilitator/Coach with The OpEd Project.