Our
NYSU story
Kevi and Mai first crossed paths at a Brooklyn rooftop party one summer, both mistakenly thinking the other looked familiar. As they soon discovered, while they didn't know each other, there was an unspoken connection that brought them together intentionally. Amidst the rise of Asian hate crimes during the pandemic, their friendship gained deeper significance, becoming a source of support and a safe space to share their experiences.
Bonding over the tragedies impacting their communities, they realized the power of their connection. Despite being close friends, they discovered new facets of each other's Asian roots, fostering a profound understanding and love. Recognizing the potential of their conversations to create empathy, they felt a calling to extend these dialogues to others and contribute to healing the world.
Pooling their skills and experiences, they passionately organized a two-day convention that educated and celebrated the AAPI community through conversations and storytelling, executed within a remarkable two-month timeframe. Following the success of the convention three years ago, Kevi and Mai understood that their talents were destined for a greater purpose — to honor and empower Asian roots and identities, and to showcase the vast beauty and cultures of Asia through events and experiences.
Who we are
Kevi Nontasak & Mai Nguyen
Kevi Nontasak is a self-made event professional, who is passionate about up lifting her community and other communities of color. Through her experience in the fashion industry, she found her true calling in producing intentional and unforgettable events. Kevi is currently the Director of Sales and Operations for a well known venue in Brooklyn, New York. She aims is to provide knowledge and guidance to her clients, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Mai Nguyen is a Vietnamese American, residing in New York as a writer, photographer, community organizer, and brand strategist. Back in 2015, she established her personal brand, Little Mai Sunshine LLC., to express and share her art across various mediums. Her overarching goal is to cultivate soul-nourishing spaces that courageously delve into deeper conversations, highlighting community stories. Over the past few years, she's hosted panel discussions, workshops, spoken word & poetry gatherings, and her work can be experienced through her writing and photography.
Between the two, Mai & Kevi met at the intersection of their unique experiences and shared passions to create Now You See Us, an intimate exploration of cultural identities within the AAPI community that is near & dear to their hearts.