Shooting for the Stars
Growing up in a family that prized education above all else, I have always understood its value—not just as a means of personal achievement, but as a stepping stone to a better life.
My family, like so many Asian and migrant families, saw education as the singular path to opportunity, advancement and security.
When we moved from Vietnam to Australia, my sibling and I were able to succeed in our new country, in large part because we could easily access education.
This belief, coupled with being the mom of three girls, led me to support the Asian University for Women (AUW), an institution in Bangladesh that embodies the transformative power of education for young women. The majority of students receive full scholarships, with priority given to those from the most challenging backgrounds, including refugees, displaced persons and students from conflict zones.
One of the defining moments in my journey with AUW took place in the summer of 2022. I traveled to Boston and had the opportunity to meet Afghan alumnae. Some had recently fled their country on one of the last flights out when the Taliban returned to power. Others had been accepted into graduate programs in the US. These women were once again unable to live out their dreams in their home country.
These women had faced immense hardships to get to AUW. They shared stories of walking hours just to attend school, taking English lessons in secret to avoid punishment and isolation from certain friends and family who couldn’t understand their pursuits. And once they got to AUW, their grit and hunger to learn took them far.
Their stories were all unique, shaped by different paths and struggles, but their resolve was strikingly similar. How could there be any other option but to wield its power and totally reimagine their lives? And they do. This incredible group of women always succeeds—finding their voice, purpose and place in the world. And with this success come incredible ripple effects that extend way beyond any one country or region.
As one of 50 dedicated volunteers who comprise AUW’s Japan Committee, I’m honored to help raise funds for scholarships, create mentorship opportunities and support internships in Japan. We share one powerful goal: to build a supportive network here in Japan to uplift women across Asia.
But the need for support is greater than ever. When the US State Department recently suspended millions in funding for a new cohort of Afghan students at AUW, it sent a chilling message: access to education for these young women is now at risk. AUW has diverse funding sources, but this unexpected loss is a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.
On April 10, we’re hosting our 14th annual fundraiser at the Club. Titled Shooting for the Stars, the event will feature astronaut Naoko Yamazaki and an inspiring AUW alumna. Every year, hearing a graduate’s story reaffirms why I continue to volunteer—to ensure more young women can access the education they deserve. This is more than a fundraiser; it’s a chance to stand in solidarity with women who have overcome extraordinary challenges to pursue their dreams. Your support—whether by registering to attend at asian-university.org/japan, donating or spreading the word—can make a real difference.
Chi Guillemette is a Member of the Club.
Words: Chi Guillemette
Illustration: Tania Vicedo
April 2025
