The Book of Awesome Asian Women: Empresses, Warriors, Scientists, and Mavericks
with author Karen Wang Diggs

Join author Karen Wang Diggs in conversation with Katie Quan, and Tina Pham on Karen’s latest book, The Book of Awesome Asian Women: Empresses, Warriors, Scientists, and Mavericks. In a world where the accomplishments of women are finally being celebrated, The Book of Awesome Asian Women brings much-needed attention to the underrepresented stories of Asian women throughout history. Continuing the legacy of the successful Awesome Women series, the book features inspiring stories of famous women in history, from empresses like Wu Ze Tian to groundbreaking scientists and artists like Dr. Soyeon Yi and Amy Tan.

“Pop culture has long tried to put Asian women in pigeonholes, in varieties ranging from the docile ‘Lotus Flower’ to the hypersexualized ‘Dragon Lady’ to the materialistic ‘Crazy Rich Asian.’ Karen Wang Diggs’s timely book dismantles gender and racial stereotypes by showcasing the amazing accomplishments of females from many Asian countries. It is a brilliant testament to their priceless contributions to the world.”

—Marlene Wagman-Geller, author of Unabashed Women: The Fascinating Biographies of Bad Girls, Seductresses, Rebels and One-of-a-Kind Women

About the Speakers

Karen Wang Diggs is the author of 10 Super Asian Women Who Shaped History. Her books explore forgotten women in history, emphasizing Asian women and girls. Themes of social justice, gender equality, and race equality infuse every aspect of her work. Karen describes herself as a ‘history hound.’ Karen was born in Hong Kong but grew up in Hawaii. She was raised by a single mother whose strength and resilience fed into her passion for uncovering the stories of strong women throughout history. Professionally, Karen is a classically trained chef and Certified nutritionist. She is also continuing to expand her education by pursuing a degree in Anthropology.

Katie Quan (she/her) is a third-generation Chinese American comic artist, community advocate, and educator from San Francisco. Her work, addressing identity, mental health, and family, has been exhibited at the Kearny Street Workshop, A PLACE OF HER OWN, and Asian American Women Artists Association. In 2023, she received the Youth Speaks and California Arts Council’s Individual Artist Award and participated in the Asian Improv Arts Fellowship. She founded REALSOUL, a curriculum-based arts organization, striving to make intersectional local histories accessible and relevant to K-8.

Tina Pham is a California Board-Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist. She worked in higher education before changing career paths and aligning with her familial roots. She uses acupuncture, herbal medicine, along with other therapeutic methods, to promote genuine shifts toward natural healing. She is a dedicated educator and facilitator at AAPI and wellness events, offering guided practices such as acupressure and Qigong. She is passionate about mental-emotional health, intergenerational healing, and uplifting communities.