Brianna Cea and Vena Cea

[00:12] VENA SIA: My name is Vena Sia. Today is. Oh, I'm sorry. Ah. My name is Vena Sia. I'm 49 years old. September 24, 2023. I'm at my daughter's house at Woodside, Queensland. And I'm the mom.

[00:31] BRIANNA SIA: My name is Brianna Sia. I'm 26 years old. Today is September 24, 2023. I'm in Woodside, Queens, and I'm with my mom. Mom, I really appreciate you doing this project with us. You know, I've been doing these interviews with dozens of amazing, you know, thai community members, and it's been so cool to hear from other people about the stories about our community. And I'm really glad to be doing this with you today. And, you know, I know we have a lot of memories here in Woodside and throughout little Thailand and Queens, so we'll love to maybe just start there. So why don't you tell me, what do you remember? What's your earliest memory of the little Thailand area or, like, Woodside?

[01:15] VENA SIA: You know, honestly, it's, you know, I have to say, your grandma was a big, huge part of the thai community. And, you know, when you guys were younger, you and your brother, we would take you to all the thai restaurants and we would go to the thai market and shop around. I remember seeing when. I just remember when you guys were little, your eyes would just shoot out when you would see, like, the thai desserts and, you know, the stuff that we would buy and you, you would try it for the first time and like it. So that was one of my first experiences that I remember when you were little, being at little Thailand. And it's funny because back then it wasn't considered little Thailand. And the fact that, you know, now it's considered little Thailand officially, I have to say, I'm just so proud of you. It's really great to see and how far it's come.

[02:15] BRIANNA SIA: So you mentioned it wasn't known as Little Thailand. Was it known as something else before?

[02:19] VENA SIA: It actually wasn't. We just know. We just knew, you know, within the thai community because, you know, we had so many thai people that lived here, all the businesses were here, and, you know, we felt that it didn't need, it wasn't official, but we all knew that, you know, it was. It was something special.

[02:37] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. And what do you think made it special? Was it like, the fact that it was a community that, like, a lot of the thai families and the thai elders would come to for, like, temple and, like, what made it special when y'all were, when you were younger. When I was younger, what was it like seeing, like, the community grow and, like, what was that feeling like?

[02:58] VENA SIA: Well, I have to say your grandma was a big part of that because she had a hair salon, I believe it was on 74th street, and it was called Veena. And, you know, most of the thai people that I remember used to always go to her and they would congregate there and have their conversations and, you know, in earlier days and, you know, going to the temple, you know, I remember early, early your early age also. This is after, though, when your grandma was around because she unfortunately passed away when she was 49 years old. But to continue the tradition, I remember taking you and your brother to the thai temple and you had thai lessons. I remember even inquiring about Muay Thai, but they didn't have anyone at that time, so. But you did. You did take thai lessons on a Saturday.

[03:51] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. I remember going to thai lessons in the basement, right?

[03:54] VENA SIA: Yeah. Temple, yeah.

[03:55] BRIANNA SIA: And I remember getting yelled at by the monks when I would, like, run from the basement to the second floor, and then they'd be like, Brianna no, go back. Go back downstairs. And I would run to the kitchen and all the aunties were making the food for the monks and I was just running around the courtyards. I remember going to. To thai lessons, and I also remember going to Sunday school, like, the next day. And I remember just being a little bit confused of like, do I pray to Jesus? Do I pray to Buddha?

[04:20] VENA SIA: And you were chanting.

[04:22] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah.

[04:22] VENA SIA: They taught you how to chant.

[04:23] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. And I just remember growing up and you and dad being so supportive and really appreciate you guys exposing me to both, you know, religions and both communities. They were really, I think, integral to me and my brother's childhood. And I remember even, like, now you guys can encourage us to just, you know, always stay curious, but always believe in something, right.

[04:44] VENA SIA: Whether it be very important, you have to have faith.

[04:47] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah.

[04:48] VENA SIA: That is something we always honestly preached. I mean, that's something I believe to this day. It's very important.

[04:54] BRIANNA SIA: Did Grandma go, tell me some memories, like, did Grandma go to the temple in Woodside, in Elmhurst?

[05:00] VENA SIA: She did. I remember, though, early on, I mean, I. My earlier experience, we went to the first thai temple in the Bronx. And it's funny because my recollection was an abundance of toilet paper and abundance of paper towels that we would donate to the temple. And I'm being hungry because we would donate the food first. Of course, you have to. Out of respect to the monk, to the monks, of course. And, you know, chanting and, you know, it was just a wonderful time. I remember that, and I thought that was very important to instill that for you and your brother. So that's why I took it to the thai temple here in Queens. And I, and it's beautiful. So it was, it was nice to be able to continue that tradition with you guys when you were little.

[05:49] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. And I remember when we moved out to Long island. Tell me what that was like to move from. You know, we moved from Queens to Long island. And I remember for the first few years there were no thai temples out there. But I remember when the temple out in center beach was being built and we were all so excited that we'd be able to potentially visit it and kind of spark that memories that we had growing up in queens. What was that like moving from queens, which is where you were born and raised, out to the beautiful, luscious Long island? Did it feel really different? What was that move like for you and dad?

[06:26] VENA SIA: It did feel different. I mean, I recalling that we were trying to find a place out there and your dad stopped me short as I was driving. We did get lost and he said, stop. And I said, why? And he just stopped. So I stopped the car and he wrote something down on a piece of paper and he looked this up and it was the high school that you guys would be going to. Cause it was just beautiful, colonial. And then we looked it up. It was great place for education and everything else activities. And then I remember we found the thai temple in center reach, and we went there and it was just beautiful. Just beautiful. And we, they had the thai festivities and, you know, we remember, I remember bringing you and your brother there. And so to me, to continue the tradition was very important, and you guys were able to experience that and, and that was very important to both your dad and I. Yeah, I remember they.

[07:25] BRIANNA SIA: Have, like, the summer Thai festivals out there, right? Yeah, yeah, I remember, like, going to one of them and being like, oh, my God, I've never seen so many thai people before. It was so cool.

[07:35] VENA SIA: I know. I was like, yes, there's a big thai community out here. And, you know, and it was nice. It was nice to see and it was nice to be part of.

[07:45] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah, I remember it, too. When you and daddy first saw Ward Melville High School, like, I think you were like, we were driving down old town road or whatever and like, yeah, like, literally, I remember you and dad being shocked and then Brandon and I being like, whoa, what is that? I thought was a college when I first saw it. I didn't believe that was a high school.

[08:02] VENA SIA: Wasn't it beautiful? It's grand. Yeah, I know. And, you know, we wanted you. We wanted you and your brother to experience that. And I know that, you know, you guys really had a great experience living there. But also, you know, I still took you back to Queens, dad, and I still took you back to Queens, and that was very important. So we never forgot that, you know, and that's very important to have that tie, you know, with your community. So, you know, we never forgot. You know, we still made sure that that was something we did.

[08:35] BRIANNA SIA: And what was my. What was the name of that association we used to go to in Stony Brook, where they used to have, like, the Lunar New Year parade? Even I remember you bringing us back to.

[08:44] VENA SIA: To youth corps.

[08:45] BRIANNA SIA: To youth corps. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I remember youth Corps.

[08:47] VENA SIA: So for us, it was very important, you know, I have to say, your brother and I, and thank you very much. Cause as kids, you guys were amazing. I always say you guys are like a sponge. Everything that we expose you guys to, you just took it in such a positive way, and you just embraced it with no complaint. And you've been like that since you were little, honestly, since you were born, you know, and baselight was one of them, where we lived in Queens. And I remember saying, you know, I have ants in my pants, so I just couldn't stay indoors all the time. So I would take you to Bay Barnes and Noble in bay Terrace, and literally, you weren't walking. Your brother did not walk. You guys were crawling, and you guys crawled right into a book, and you would crawl to a picture book. And, you know, that's just how you guys were from the beginning. And it was like. It was amazing, I have to say. This is how you guys were always, you know, learning, wanting to engage. You know, we put you in different activities. You know, you're part korean, you know, and we put you both in taekwondo, you know, which very. Was very important for us to expose you to all culture, you know? And Spanish is one of them, too. It's so funny, you know, that's one of the things you guys would always want to eat in cuisine because we were in queens in such a multicultural, diverse neighborhood.

[10:08] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. No, also, yeah. If anyone is listening to this, some background of my family. My mom here, she's thai, and my dad is half korean, half white. And everyone always, like, looks at me, and they never know what I am. They're always like, what? What's your ethnicity?

[10:26] VENA SIA: Right?

[10:26] BRIANNA SIA: And I think I've been so blessed growing up. I think you did a good job not only exposing me to thai culture, but also my korean side and also the little chinese side that we have in us. Celebrating a new year and always going to Chinatown and Flushing, I think that's something that I really brought into. Even my work now with Oca is being pan asian is really important to me. I'm really proud of my korean side. I'm really proud of my thai side. Proud of my chinese culture, too. I appreciate you raising that. And shout out to my dad, who's also been a huge part of this journey. But let's bring it back to. Let's bring it back to Queens. You know, I think I moved back to Woodside. Well, I moved back to Queens after living in Brooklyn for a few years. And I remember telling you one of the reasons why I wanted to move back to Queens was because I missed the food. And you just talked about how food was so important raising me and Brandon. Did you guys have any favorite go to restaurants that you would come to in Queens to. To bring me and Brandon when you would visit from Long island?

[11:28] VENA SIA: Oh, there was plenty. And you know what was important to us? Your dad and I was that to expose you to all culture and asian american as well. So it wasn't just, you know, thai food and korean food, it was malaysian. It was just everything indian, you know, like I said, spanish, jamaican. It was all culture. It wasn't just asian american. You know, we wanted you guys to be exposed to everything, and we were very lucky because you had the same palate as dad and I. There was nothing you guys didn't like. And, you know, we were all about, if you. You can't say you don't like something if you haven't tried it. Yeah, you have to try it first. And so to see you and your brother be such foodies is so great. You're. You've. First of all, you're traveler, and, yeah.

[12:14] BRIANNA SIA: I literally plan my trips around food.

[12:16] VENA SIA: Yeah. So you definitely do that. And so you're. You're, you know, I definitely know you're a big foodie. I mean, how is it for you when you. I mean, now that you live in Queens, how do you feel?

[12:26] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah, it definitely. It's been amazing. Honestly, it feels like a homecoming. I feel like I didn't expect that feeling of just automatically feeling back at home. Like, I loved Brooklyn. I lived in beautiful prospect Heights, and, you know, really appreciate my time, like, living by prospect park and all my friends are in Brooklyn. But when I moved to Queens, especially how I landed this apartment, which is crazy, right? Like, how I found this apartment. I literally. You talked about grandma Salon by 74th street. And when I decided to move to Queens, I literally told you the week of. And I remember finding a listing on streeteasy as soon as I decided I wanted to move from Brooklyn. And it turns out that listing that I found, I was the first person to put an application in for. And this apartment building literally is above the old family hair salon. Like, how crazy is that?

[13:21] VENA SIA: It's so crazy. Because the first thing I did was go to, I said to dad, I said, you have to go to storage. He's like, why? I said, you have to go to storage because there is pictures that I have of your grandma and business cards. And I said, and your daughter is now living a block away, a block away from where her grandma used to have a hair salon. And I thought that was insane. I thought that was just a full circle.

[13:45] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. I really do think Grandma Pencey, like, she's listening to this right now. You know, I think she guided me here.

[13:51] VENA SIA: She definitely did.

[13:52] BRIANNA SIA: You know, there are so many times that I meet now folks in the thai community, and they see me like elders, and they're like, oh, I know you. And I'm like, oh, no, we've never met before. But then when I show them pictures of grandma, they're like, oh, my God, you look just like her.

[14:04] VENA SIA: And you do, which is wild. It is wild. No, it really is wild. I have a picture of her in her twenties where you look identical to her.

[14:12] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. No, I. That's why I feel like moving back here felt like a homecoming, right?

[14:17] VENA SIA: It's like it was meant to be. It was fate. It totally is. Yeah, I agree.

[14:21] BRIANNA SIA: But even then, too, like, I. You mentioned, you know, grandma passed when I was really young, so I don't really have many memories of her. But through all the pictures that you've shown me, all the stories I'm now hearing from her, like, previous clients, like, I feel like I know her now better than I've ever known her in my whole life. And I feel her spirit with me sometimes and just really grateful that even though you guys are in Florida now, I. At least every time I come home, every time I come back to Queens and Jackson heights after traveling, I feel like I'm back home. And it's cool because when I first moved back here, I remember even just walking down a few of the blocks and then texting you guys and being like, oh, did we go to this restaurant when I was younger. And you'd be like, oh yeah, we used to go there all the time for colombian food or, you know, and so even the deja vu from like my childhood has been pretty wild. But when I talked to the elders about Grandma Pencey, like, tell me more about what her Chinatown salon was like too, because I remember people told me that that was like also like a bustling salon.

[15:25] VENA SIA: It really was. I mean, it was the place to be. And I mean, it's funny because I was little, I was the, she put me to work, you know, you know, all very old school if you, if you want, you know, haka, I'll see. Am I? Well, you gotta work for it. So she put me to work and I was a shampoo girl, I swear, never forget this. And so I was a shampoo girl. And, you know, I soon realized that, well, you know, being the owner of the shampoo girl is not too bad because I actually told a lot of her clients that I'm the owner. That's my mom. So my tips are really good and I got a lot of suma and a hilkao haka was my thing.

[16:01] BRIANNA SIA: Yep.

[16:01] VENA SIA: But yeah, so she had a salon in Chinatown on Barrie by Hester.

[16:07] BRIANNA SIA: Was that the first salon, I believe.

[16:08] VENA SIA: No, it wasn't the first salon because the reason why I know it's not the first salon. She actually worked for another salon prior to her. Yeah, prior to her actually having her own salon with somebody else. Yeah, but yeah, we had a lot of fond memories back in Chinatown.

[16:22] BRIANNA SIA: And so then what was the motive to open a salon in Queens? Do you remember?

[16:27] VENA SIA: I do. She just wanted to be closer. And like you said, you know how when you came back to woodside and you felt like it was home, being Queens was being home for her because the thai community was here, so that's what she wanted to do. That's so cool.

[16:40] BRIANNA SIA: And you know, just the other day we were with friends in the community for the one year little Thailand anniversary and the owners of Jaya were there and some of the Ogs of the community, I mean, they, grandma and Jaya and so many other folks, like they're the reasons why little Thailand is here. Because it was from, you know, the people that were here in the seventies and eighties and nineties that ultimately led to making history with little Thailand way. And so do you remember going to like Jaya when you were younger?

[17:09] VENA SIA: I do when I was young. Restaurants I definitely do. But to just really quick, just to say, when my mom was at the hair salon in Chinatown, it was my aunt's salon, and it was called punies. So my mom worked with her older sister. Right, right. And then. Then she left to open up her own business in Queens, and she named it Veena on 74th street. Then my aunt decided, you know, I remember she got married. She got remarried, and she wanted to go back to Thailand and to open up a beat thai beauty school. And her husband at the time was a developer, and he, you know, developed, I believe, casinos and, like, businesses and like that. And so they left. But she wanted to leave her hair salon to someone that she trusted, and she did that with my mom.

[17:57] BRIANNA SIA: Oh.

[17:58] VENA SIA: So, yeah. So when she was in Chinatown at the time on Hester and Barry called Punis, that was with her. She was working for her older sister. And then she branched off, wanted something on her own. She came to Queens, opened up Vina.

[18:12] BRIANNA SIA: Wow.

[18:13] VENA SIA: And then my aunt Puny, who everyone knows as Pu, wanted to leave to go back to Thailand. She wanted to kind of, like, do her own thing, and that's when she sold the business to my mom, and that's my mom. Your grandma went back to Chinatown.

[18:30] BRIANNA SIA: Wow. Yeah.

[18:30] VENA SIA: Yeah.

[18:31] BRIANNA SIA: So her sister went back to Thailand.

[18:34] VENA SIA: Yes.

[18:35] BRIANNA SIA: I remember growing up you telling me your adventures, your stories.

[18:38] VENA SIA: In Jersey.

[18:39] BRIANNA SIA: In Jersey. So tell me more about that and also going to Thailand. I've never been. I haven't been yet, but I. I know you've been. So why don't we. Yeah. Tell me about what was like with your aunt's massive house in Jersey, and then what is your earliest memory of Thailand, if you have any.

[18:56] VENA SIA: Well, I have to say, living in. Okay, so first we'll go to Jersey.

[18:59] BRIANNA SIA: Let's go Jersey.

[19:00] VENA SIA: So her hair salon was in Hester and Barry, and we would travel to East Brunswick, exit nine, Jersey Turnpike. It was the best and had a. The best memories childhood wise, you know, we used to go to great adventure, the whole family, you know, it was like the whole sisters, the siblings, and we would go on our day off. So that was nice. And then traveling and then doing it all over again the next day and coming back. I would do it on the weekends with them because I would go to. I would be in school during the weekday Thailand. I think the last time I was there, I was when I was 14 years old. Unfortunately, I haven't been there since. I know. Having gone there sooner, I know you want to go one day.

[19:39] BRIANNA SIA: We'll go.

[19:39] VENA SIA: Yeah. So that was my. My biggest regret is not taking your brother to Thailand sooner than that, obviously. But the last time I was. There was. I was 14 years old. I remember being hot.

[19:49] BRIANNA SIA: And what was it, like, Bangkok area you went to? Or.

[19:52] VENA SIA: It was Bangkok and it was. Yeah. So it was bustling.

[19:56] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah.

[19:56] VENA SIA: Very humid.

[19:57] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah.

[19:57] VENA SIA: Even though it was November.

[19:59] BRIANNA SIA: Right.

[20:00] VENA SIA: Yeah.

[20:00] BRIANNA SIA: And. But grandma's not from Bangkok. No, she's from the Isan region.

[20:06] VENA SIA: I. Yes.

[20:07] BRIANNA SIA: We just. We just recently uncovered, like, the actual town that she. The province that she's from. I think it's, like, northern.

[20:13] VENA SIA: Yeah. And for some reason, I would always say my Chiang mai, but.

[20:16] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah, it's like, outside of Chiang Mai, though.

[20:17] VENA SIA: It's not too Chiang Mai. I guess it's something that. Where we want to visit.

[20:21] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah.

[20:21] VENA SIA: We always talked about dad and I always, when he retires, that we want to actually go to Chiang Mai and maybe look at properties and see how it is over there. Yeah, yeah.

[20:28] BRIANNA SIA: No, I mean, I know you guys are in Florida now and. Photos, Gary, because dad works for Disney, but if you were to ever move to Chiang Mai, I wouldn't complain.

[20:35] VENA SIA: No. I mean, listen, that'd be a place where we'll make you property manager.

[20:38] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah.

[20:39] VENA SIA: We buy a place there, and if you want to hang there, go for it.

[20:41] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah.

[20:42] VENA SIA: You know, we'll hire you and you just make sure. But you have to stay in Thailand.

[20:45] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah, true, true, true.

[20:46] VENA SIA: I mean, you also have to go to law school.

[20:48] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah, yeah. Eventually. Probably go to Thailand before that.

[20:54] VENA SIA: Maybe go to law school in Thailand.

[20:56] BRIANNA SIA: That's both words.

[20:57] VENA SIA: You never know.

[20:58] BRIANNA SIA: Well, I mean, if you want. I know for me, I want to continue practicing law in the United States. So if you want to practice law in the United States, you gotta go school the United States. But, but you.

[21:07] VENA SIA: And so how do you feel with that? Because you've done so many things for the thai community for. And being a president for OCA. You know, we're very proud of you, dad and I. I mean, we can't even say. I mean, it's just. No words. How do you feel? How has it been for you? Because we just came off from having such a spectacular gala.

[21:26] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. Like, how's OCa been for me?

[21:28] VENA SIA: Yeah.

[21:29] BRIANNA SIA: Oca is. It's been a journey for the past three years. Yeah, yeah. It's been. It's been fun. I would say what it's been like for me has been definitely a journey of reconnecting with my community. I'm not sure if I ever told you guys this, actually. I know I have, but just to refresh our memories, I remember when I moved back to New York City from Binghamton. I wasn't really involved in asian american student organizing in Binghamton. Looking back on my college years, I do kind of wish I was more involved in the asian student associations because Binghamton does have a big network of asian clubs and organizations. I was really focused on the policy government, elections world. I wasn't really involved in multicultural organizing in Binghamton, but I knew friends who were. And I would attend events for free bubble tea and stuff. But I wasn't really involved in student organizing in the asian american group.

[22:28] VENA SIA: Free bubble tea. I'm there.

[22:29] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, free bubble tea, k pop events. I was there, but I wasn't like, yeah, I didn't really step into, like, leadership roles there. So I remember when I moved back to Binghamton, to New York City after taking the Brennan center job, I told one of my friends, Amy, at a coalition meeting, let New York vote. Hey, I just moved back, and I'm doing all this work with Jen vote and Brennan center. So I'm deep in the voting rights stuff, but I would love to reconnect with the groups in Chinatown and the asian american community that I grew up with when I was younger. Do you have any ideas of, like, where I can get started? And she was like, oh, yeah, let me think on it. Because I knew that she was involved in, like, asian american organizing stuff. And then I get a phone call from her a few weeks later, and she was like, hey, I know that you were asking me of, like, ways to get involved, and I know this is probably a tall ask, but would you be interested in joining the board of directors for OCA New York? And then I was like, board of directors? Like, I just wanted to volunteer. And she was like, yeah, well, it's basically volunteer. It's a volunteer organization. So we're looking for members, and I think it'd be a good fit because 2020 is around the corner. And at the time, I was at the Brennan center as their researcher for the census. And so she was like, we would love to have you join us and, like, help us organize our census campaigns. And because of generation vote, you do a lot of voting rights work. Then you can help OCA with the voting stuff.

[23:54] VENA SIA: I remember that.

[23:54] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. So I was like, oh, so it was a perfect pitch. I was like, great, I'll do it. And that was December 2019.

[24:00] VENA SIA: Wow. You remember the date?

[24:03] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. Well, you guys. Well. Cause you guys came into town to see me from my swearing in.

[24:07] VENA SIA: Yes.

[24:07] BRIANNA SIA: Remember at MOCA?

[24:09] VENA SIA: I had chills, didn't we? Yes, I remember.

[24:11] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. I was in the basement area so that was the last in person membership meeting that OCA had. Til the pandemic hit.

[24:18] VENA SIA: Right.

[24:19] BRIANNA SIA: And then the pandemic hit.

[24:20] VENA SIA: That was. Yeah.

[24:21] BRIANNA SIA: And I kind of spoke with at the gallon. You know, you've been there with me the past few years, but I. Leading up to the gala, I've been thinking a lot about what the journey's been for OCA and for me since that first meeting, that first chapter meeting in the basement of MOCA. And I never knew that my life would change with the pandemic coming so soon. And next thing you know, the pandemic hit New York City. I was now working from home, and Chinatown was a ghost town. I would have OCA members calling me, telling me that they were afraid of the pandemic, that they had family members in China. It was this really scary time for a lot of OCA members. And so 2020 was kind of a year of me still getting to know OCA, but also during this crazy, historic, transformative shift for the organization, where everything that OCA was working on had to come to a halt. So everything that I knew about OCA was now no longer the case because we were in this pandemic time. And then, you know, 2020 happened. And also, a lot of the leadership of the organization had to leave the organization because the pandemic, you know, affected their families. Like, one. A few board members lost their job, so they had to quit the board. And next thing you know, not only did OCA have to halt a lot of our programming, we also lost half of our board. So that was pretty wild. And 2021 rolls around, and people know that I do a lot of leadership in the community. So now I started kind of rotating roles. Like, next thing you know, I was secretary. And then. So I went from being a regular volunteer on the board to being a secretary. And then from being secretary, I got pushed into executive vice president role, where I was now rapidly trying to figure out, like, what's next for OCA, given the pandemic. And then from there, in 2021, after the murder of Vichra Tanapakhti, who's also a Thai, a thai grandfather, in California, there was this sudden kind of trigger event where the murder of Vichy Tanapakhti and the stabbing of Noel Quintana in the subway of New York City, a lot of attention was on the amount of violence that was surging as a result of the pandemic and kind of political environment. And OCA members were calling us of, like, what we gonna do about it? You know, with all these high profile kind of, like, events happening. Our members were demanding that we would actually, like, come out of this, like, year of not doing anything to actually respond and organize. And it was in that moment that I was with the board, and I was like, you know what? We gotta do something. Like, we gotta organize, like, a vigil, a healing gathering, just to talk about what's going on with our chapter. And next thing you know, that became the no longer invisible vigil. And was this, like, amazing, multicultural, multi faith event in flushing where we were able to bring together the community for the first time. And right before the vigil, when I was organizing, I was still vice president. The president at the time. She called me after the shooting of the six women in Atlanta, Georgia, and she told me, hey, Bree, this is a lot. I'm going through a lot of personal stuff, and then plus all of the continued media coverage and all the requests for, you know, quotes from president. You know, like, it's too much. It's too much. Like, I can't do it anymore. I need you to step up to be president. Right. And from there, there was no one else to take up the role. And that was when I stepped into being the president, right before the vigil. And so I share all this because that journey, it's been insane of, like, you know, I didn't want to be president, honestly, but it changed my life. And after that vigil, Oca has been, as you know, from the gala, we've been at the forefront of so many different fights for the asian american community in New York City. And this little Thailand project is one of the projects I've been able to do during my time as president that has continued me to allow myself to reconnect with the community that, you know, I grew up with and that you were such a big part of, you know.

[28:36] VENA SIA: No, I remember that. I mean, I have to say, I remember you were going. When that whole thing was going down, I remember you were telling me, and I was so, so in awe with. With everything that was going on, that you had the ability to go ahead and do a free self defense class for women.

[28:54] BRIANNA SIA: Right.

[28:54] VENA SIA: And I. And I still have the free alarm buzzer that you gave me. It's still in the car. Haven't used it, but I have it.

[29:01] BRIANNA SIA: Yep.

[29:02] VENA SIA: And. But I remember that you did that, and you continued doing that. And that was really big because. And then I remember you showed me a video and a picture of one of the elders.

[29:11] BRIANNA SIA: Oh, yeah. She was like that.

[29:12] VENA SIA: Yeah. That never would have taken a class like this, but she was so concerned because of all the anti hate crime that was going on, and she was there. So I thought that was amazing. You know what I mean? You're giving them that self defense course, and that was such a scary time. It's still a scary time. So that was really big. I was really proud of you. We're all really proud of you because that's something that is, like, to teach a skill when you need it, when you don't have it, at a time where it's so dangerous out there and there's just the unknown. It's very important. And you were able to give that.

[29:49] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah, but, I mean, hello.

[29:51] VENA SIA: Nothing's there for free.

[29:52] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. Yeah. And that was the. That was the. After the murder of Christina Ena Lee and Michelle goh? Yeah, yeah. So that was after the murder of Michelle Goh and Christina Yuna Lee and. No. And it actually goes back to how you guys raised me. We found out about the murder of Christine and Ali the day that we had a retreat in Chinatown, and it was just. Our retreat was just a few blocks away from where she was murdered. And I have grown up going to Chinatown my whole life, and I've never been so scared before. After the retreat, when I had to go home after cleaning up, I was scared. Like, I felt nervous to be out in Chinatown, and I've never felt that way before. And I remember other OC members calling me and being like, hey, did you hear about the murder of Christina? And we weren't sure if we should still have the retreat, but then we decided to have it because we were like, we need to continue fighting for our community, and, like, this was our time to plan how we're gonna respond. And the instinctual thing that I thought of was self defense. And, you know, you and dad raised me and my. And my brother going to, you know, Tae kwon do and introduced me to Muay Thai. And it was because you wanted us to learn how to protect ourselves and also viewed it as a good way to connect with our culture. So after Christina's murder, I was like, just bare instincts, what does it mean to actually protect our community? And we protect ourselves, and let's organize a self defense class where we can share techniques and tips of how to defend ourselves and make a space for asian women. Right. And now we've trained over 475.

[31:45] VENA SIA: Wow, that's amazing.

[31:47] BRIANNA SIA: Asian and Pacific Islander women and LGBTQ youth. And it's been such an empowering space. But really, I mean, my. The only reason why I thought of it was because I was training Muay Thai. And that goes back to you and dad putting me in, you know, martial arts when I was a kid. And I have to say, and I.

[32:02] VENA SIA: Don'T mean to interrupt, but it's even before that, way before that, you know, one of the things that I. That your dad and I installed, instilled in both you and your brother is to be a good human being first. And that's something that we've always said. It's very important to be a good human being first, you know? So, you know, you both. You and your brother were very part of the community, and Sandy hit you, helped out the community with things that they needed aid. And just also in our community in Long island, you know, and that's something that we've always said that's very important, you know, to help others first. And so. And that's what you've been doing and you continue to do since you were little. You did that when you were in girl scouts, you know. You know, you had your, I have to say without having to choke up right now and cry, you know, and your dad's right next to me because, you know, he's. He's here. Dad's here. Brian. Sia. But we are both very proud of you. We really are, because you have done everything. Here's the thing with parents. You go ahead and teach your kids all you want and right the values and everything else, and then when they go off into the world as adults, you know, you hope and pray that that's what they're gonna continue doing. You know, it's not always the case. Right. But you have done that. And not only have you done that, but you've exceeded that, you know, and so to watch and to hear everything that you have done and continue to do, you know, for yourself, but it's for the community, for the people. You know, you advocate. You're an activist. But, like, we always, something that we always said, you know, have a voice, right? Have we not said that to you? You know, you have a voice and make sure that you go with your gut and you have to believe in that and whatever that is. We support you. You know, we may not always agree because that is natural, but we support and love you no matter what. Right.

[33:53] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah, I appreciate that.

[33:53] VENA SIA: But you have always advocated and you continue doing that. And so we're very proud of seeing that you are doing that, even as an adult. And we know that you're going to continue doing that because you've been doing that since you were little.

[34:07] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah, I appreciate it, mom. Do you? You and dad, you know. Yeah. Like, y'all have raised me and my brother to be a good person. Where did you get that from? Where? Why was that important to you? Like, why was it important for you and dad to instill in your kids these values of service and being a good person? Like, where did you get that from?

[34:26] VENA SIA: Honestly, I think it's just the way dad and I are. And also my mom, Grandma Pence, God bless her soul. Your dad will be the witness to this. She never spoke ill will about anyone. Never. She was a true buddhist, I have to say. And it's very hard to be a true buddhist, because I know for a fact she reached enlightenment. And that's very hard to do because you have to sacrifice and you have to endure a lot of pain. And she did. And she did in this life. She really did. And because of her, she taught me to be generous, be humble, and just to be a good human being. And it is true, though, too, when I say give, it's better to give than receive. It's the truth. We're not talking money. We're talking about just giving of yourself, right? And that's something your dad and I. Because your dad is the same way. He's like, I'm gonna be honest. Other than my mom, Pencey, who I love to death, and I say she's a. The most awesome human being. Your father is right there next to her, and he's amazing, you know? And you guys were both blessed to have such an amazing father and a role model, because that's important when.

[35:40] BRIANNA SIA: Yes, I love you, dad.

[35:42] VENA SIA: When it's true. No, I know. Saying to his own horn, because right.

[35:45] BRIANNA SIA: Next to me, when. When grandma first met dad, loved him. What was that like?

[35:55] VENA SIA: Loved him. She loved him. She. One thing about Ma, she's a cancer like you. And, you know. You know, if anyone knows about the zodiac signs, they want to laugh about it, but it's a general thing. But they do have a 6th sign. We have. We have what, five senses? So they say cancers have six signs. Six senses. It's like a gifted sign, the six one. And it's something that they have. That you guys have within your gut. Right? And sometimes you dream about things, and some of those dreams are actually accurate. The positive ones, the negative ones, just ignore those. But when she met your dad, she loved him instantly. She just knew that he was a good human being.

[36:30] BRIANNA SIA: Where were you guys when you guys first met?

[36:32] VENA SIA: Your dad and I. Oh, well. So 29 years ago, your dad just came from the air force and was with his little sister, and he was shopping with her. And that's how we met Queen Sentinel.

[36:45] BRIANNA SIA: It was, oh, no, come out. You gotta share more details on that because I tell you, the way you guys met so many people, and people literally say it's from a k pop drama. Like, you've told me that you guys literally met on the escalators at Queen's center mall, right? Like, it was like love at first sight.

[37:00] VENA SIA: Yes, it was love at first sight on your dad's part. I was hangry. I was very hungry. I had to go to the cafeteria. This is my version. Your dad's right next to me making a face. But this is what I recollect. This is 29 years ago, but, yeah. So he asked me, you know, can he join me? I went to the cafeteria because I was so hungry. If him and his sister could sit down and eat with me, I said, sure, why not? And his little sister was so cute. Like, literally so cute, you know? And we had startup a conversation. Your dad and I started a conversation. It was very natural, very flow. And she asked me if we could go see the Lion King, and I said, sure. And I've never done that in my life. And the rest is history.

[37:43] BRIANNA SIA: Wow.

[37:44] VENA SIA: And I married my best friend. I literally married my best friend. No, I truly my best friend. And he's changed my life. That's it.

[37:52] BRIANNA SIA: Change your life?

[37:53] VENA SIA: Yes.

[37:54] BRIANNA SIA: That's amazing. That's why I'm here. Right?

[37:58] VENA SIA: I mean, I could go on and on and on, but it's the truth.

[38:03] BRIANNA SIA: That. That's so cool to hear every time I hear the story. Can't read that, because every time I hear this story, it's just so cool to hear that. You just spontaneously decided to watch Lion King with a stranger.

[38:14] VENA SIA: Yeah.

[38:14] BRIANNA SIA: And next thing you know, introduce him to your mom. And now I'm here.

[38:17] VENA SIA: Yep.

[38:18] BRIANNA SIA: Which is wild.

[38:19] VENA SIA: Yep. And Disney has a lot to do with it.

[38:21] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah, yeah. Tell me.

[38:23] VENA SIA: Disney has. Has had a big impact in our life.

[38:28] BRIANNA SIA: On the note of Disney. I remember growing up and one of the biggest family traditions was going to Disney every two years.

[38:34] VENA SIA: Yes.

[38:35] BRIANNA SIA: What was. Yeah, basically, almost every two years. What was your. What's your first memory of bringing me and my brother to Disney?

[38:48] VENA SIA: Well, it's. I have to say, I mean, that was like. That's a story, right? Um, 911 happened, and your father was there, and you guys were little. I remember dropping you off at bayside Terrace, and you were at the YMCA. I remember going across the street to the diner and, um, my waitress just disappeared, and I was wondering where she was. And they all gathered in front of the tv, and I was wondering what was going on. And that's when the. The plane hit the towers. And I remember just in shock and having to pick you and your brother up, literally right across the street at the base of YMCA.

[39:33] BRIANNA SIA: I actually remember that day.

[39:35] VENA SIA: Wow. I'm gonna be honest with you.

[39:37] BRIANNA SIA: I remember getting picked up.

[39:37] VENA SIA: Yeah. Wow. Cause it was, like, a lot. And I called your dad immediately. No response. My heart dropped. Kept calling. Nothing. Kept calling continuously. Got you and your brother home still nothing. Didn't hear from your father for four days until I think. I think it was the fourth day, though. Later on in that evening, he came home with soot all over his uniform. And that happened. And, you know, I have to say, later on, it was just devastating what was going on and what was happening at that time. But they went ahead and did a Disney huge for the first responders and their families to have them go to Disney, everything that had happened, and we went, and that's how we took you and your brother.

[40:33] BRIANNA SIA: Wow.

[40:33] VENA SIA: Yeah. No, honestly, that's the story. True story.

[40:37] BRIANNA SIA: No story. I get chills because, you know, just so appreciative of dad's sacrifice for the family and the fact that y'all took the time to bring me and my brother to the happiest place on earth.

[40:49] VENA SIA: For some given such a tragic. That's what Disney wanted for the first responders.

[40:54] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah.

[40:54] VENA SIA: Yeah.

[40:55] BRIANNA SIA: Was that your first time going to Disney?

[40:56] VENA SIA: Yes.

[40:57] BRIANNA SIA: Oh, cool.

[40:57] VENA SIA: And. But that's the thing. So what came from heartache? Yeah, Disney wanted to, you know, and that program for first responders and the WTC that your father still, you know, is still involved with to this day to get checked up every year for his health. They did that for the families. And because of that, we went there, and that started a tradition of every two years, we took you to Disney.

[41:21] BRIANNA SIA: And now y'all moved to Florida.

[41:23] VENA SIA: Well, no. So our first experience at Disney, you guys were three and five years old, and you were in dinode land, I believe.

[41:31] BRIANNA SIA: Animal kingdom.

[41:32] VENA SIA: Dinoland, right. Animal kingdom. And your dad, well, you guys were playing. I miss you guys being so small like that. And your dad said, you know, when I retire, I'm gonna work for Disney. And for 20 years, in that 20 years, that's all we heard. And, of course, when he retired, what did your dad do?

[41:51] BRIANNA SIA: Work for Disney.

[41:52] VENA SIA: That's what he did.

[41:53] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah.

[41:53] VENA SIA: And he wanted the what? The Mickey. What? The Mickey Shield.

[41:57] BRIANNA SIA: Oh, yeah.

[41:57] VENA SIA: Yeah. And he earned it. And that's then.

[42:01] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. Really proud of dad.

[42:03] VENA SIA: Yeah.

[42:03] BRIANNA SIA: For. For following through on that. And, like, I remember when I was a kid, and dad always saying, oh, I'm gonna work here one day.

[42:08] VENA SIA: And he did.

[42:09] BRIANNA SIA: And he did, which is so cool. What is looking back on, whether it be that time or even, like, now, I guess, like, what is one thing that you would tell your younger self?

[42:24] VENA SIA: Oh, that it'll be okay. Well, I'm gonna be all right. You know, you have to endure these. You know, you have to endure things in order for you to come out stronger. I'm a believer in that. And watching my mom, your grandma, literally witnessing her going through so much trauma and coming out of it okay. She was humble about it, you know, made me go, I'm gonna be fine.

[42:49] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah.

[42:50] VENA SIA: So she was my example.

[42:51] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah.

[42:52] VENA SIA: Yeah.

[42:53] BRIANNA SIA: And, like, I appreciate bringing grandma back up, because I think one thing I would love to know from you, as I've done all this thai advocacy work for the community, is, like, I always think of you and grandma, why am I choked up? Ooh. I always think of you guys every time I do projects. Like, I do this for you.

[43:12] VENA SIA: Oh, I know this for her. And she's looking down on you.

[43:17] BRIANNA SIA: And I'm curious, like, I know it brings up a lot of memories when I do all this work. I introduced you to all the aunties.

[43:25] VENA SIA: I love all the aunties.

[43:26] BRIANNA SIA: I know.

[43:26] VENA SIA: Thank you. They are a blessing. They are a blessing when they hear this. I want to thank them because they've embraced you and because we're in Florida and knowing that you have this family that you've created and they've embraced you, and welcome into their home and everything else. I love them to death. When we're in Florida, I've told joy and moo. Right. They're welcome to our home because they're our family. You know what I mean? So I believe that grandma Pence did that.

[43:58] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. No, and it makes me think, you know, I always. They always remind me of, like, oh. Like, you know, grandma's looking down on you, and she's proud of you. And it makes me think a lot about, what does it mean for me to be a Thai Korean American? Right? Thai Korean Chinese.

[44:12] VENA SIA: What does that mean to you?

[44:16] BRIANNA SIA: I think. I think what it means to me is being proud of who I am. And you taught me earlier, and you mentioned earlier in the conversation about having a voice, and I know I have a voice. I've built a pretty, I think, good reputation now to be able to use that voice for good in the community. And I've been blessed to be honored with different platforms and leadership roles, to be able to hopefully make a difference. And I think, for me, that's what it's all about. And I remember daddy when I did a 7th grade assignment, I think 7th or 8th grade assignment for health class, I asked dad one time, what does it mean for you to be a parent? And he told me, legacy. And I remember hearing that and just being like, legacy? What does that mean? And he kind of chuckled and he was like, that's what it means for me to be a parent is to ensure that I'm raising a good person in the world that will leave a good legacy. I do think that me being a person of such amazing, diverse backgrounds, it allows me to hopefully be able to advocate for so many other people. And I always think of you and dad and grandma. And I guess for me, curious, what does being Thai mean to you? Thinking back on all the stuff we talked about with grandma and you raising me and dad, now that I'm out here doing all this thai advocacy work, what does it mean to you to be a Thai?

[45:42] VENA SIA: I have to tell you, you know, coming from the such a successful gala, first of all, my, my. What really stood out for me was that diversity. I love that. And, you know, then going to the little Thai event that you had invited dad and I to go to, you know, I have to thank you because, you know, for a while, you know, especially my mother passed away at 49 years old, your grandma. And that's been many years, you know, and I used to be very fluent in Thai. I'm not fluent anymore. I don't use my Thai as I used to. I was very. And I was raised very thai, you know, when I was younger, ate all the thai food, even though I wanted spaghetti and, you know, Mac and cheese and stuff like that, you know, is that funny? But, you know, when I went to that event yesterday and I heard you speak, I have to thank you. And the reason why I have to thank you is because you and you reminded me of how. How it is to be thai again. And I lost that. I did. I lost that. I think after my mother passed away at 49, I did lose that because I lost someone special and I love her enough. Yeah, I know. So, yeah, so yesterday's event was really nice because you brought me back to Thailand. No, you did. You brought me back to being thai again.

[47:16] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah.

[47:17] VENA SIA: And I lost that for many years. And so I thank you. I know, mom and I'm tough on you. And, yes, I'm a tiger, mom, and I could be much. But it all, it all comes from because I want better for you. I want, we always want better for you as parents. And if I'm hard on you, I apologize. But it comes from love, you know? And I am. So. Your dad and I are beyond proud. We're very proud of you. You have exceeded anything and everything that I could even imagine. Yeah. So if you want to know about me feeling how to be thai, I feel Thai again because of you.

[48:08] BRIANNA SIA: That means the world to me, mom.

[48:11] VENA SIA: I do.

[48:13] BRIANNA SIA: And I want you to know that, you know, I know you and I've talked a lot about what does it mean to reclaim, you know, our past and reclaim our heritage. And, you know, I know that this. I knew this project would be tough. I knew that this conversation would bring up a lot of memories. But I do want you to know always that even though you feel like, and I know that, and I hear you and I validate that you feel like you lost that part of being thai. When you raised me, I knew who I was. You know, even maybe so consciously you didn't realize it, but you brought me back to your favorite restaurants. You introduced me to your favorite meals. You talked about grandmother. You instilled in me being proud of my heritage and who I am, and I wouldn't have that if it wasn't for you. And I'm really grateful that this project is one helping and helping you feel reconnected to that part of you. But do know that if it wasn't for you and daddy, you know, I know who I am. And I think this project is a way for me to be able to show the world that I'm proud of our community. And, like, I only have that and those values because of you guys. So I'm glad. I'm grateful to hear that this is reminding you what it means to be thai again. But because of you, I've always known and been proud of being thai.

[49:41] VENA SIA: Oh, that's nice. That means a lot. It does.

[49:45] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. So I guess my last question for.

[49:48] VENA SIA: You is, gosh, so emotional. Oh, yeah.

[49:53] BRIANNA SIA: These get tough. These can get tough. But I think it's a good thing. And I guess my last question for you is, if there is one thing that you hope for the thai community, what would it be? And for your closing, my closing question, what is one thing that you wish your grandkids would know about you and grandma?

[50:22] VENA SIA: Oh, one thing I know about grandma, and I honestly, I mean, that is something. I mean, to be honest with you, the only thing, what I come out of my mom always teaching me is, you know, just to be a good human being, just to be a good person, just to give and just to help. Help. Help is really important, you know, and that's what I could say about grandma and with me because that's what I got from her, you know what I mean? And. And that's really, truly what was important. And I'm so blessed to have had her as my mom, really, because of her. I was able to. I knew, even though she didn't know, but I think she did. How I'm supposed to be a mom to you and Brandon, you know what I mean? I mean, listen, we all make mistakes. I was not the best mom, you know, because you know how I could be. But. But she taught me your values, you know, what was important? Your dad coming into my life, he was an angel, really, a true angel. And with his patience, you know, really, between my mom and your daddy, saving grace. Yeah, they really are. Came into my life, you know, my mom always being there, being the positive one. Your dad coming into my life being so positive, you know, really helped me just know how I wanted to be a parent to my kids and, you.

[51:47] BRIANNA SIA: Know, being a parent and raising a daughter that's. That's so involved in the community. What is one thing that you hope to see for the thai community in New York?

[51:57] VENA SIA: Exposure, what you're doing? I mean, when I was at the gala, to see the thai dancers, to see you up there, to see, you know, just. Just the. The. Just to see the thai representation, which I never saw before growing up, you know, you have to. Here's the thing. And I know we have. We're limited in time. I grew up, the schools that I went to, my friends were dominantly were predominantly Spanish. Right. Even though I was brought up very thai and asian in the household, you know, so I had an identity where it was like, all over the place, you know what I mean? So it's like to see. To actually see Thai being represented is everything. And that's what you're doing. That is what you're doing. And that's very important because we never had that. I feel like we never had that, and we're having that now, you know what I mean? And I want to see more of that, and I know I'm going to see more of that because of you and because of a lot of. Well, I am. I know I'm gonna see more like I am. We are your dad and I and everyone else, we're gonna see more of that exposure because of you, because it's important for the thai community to be seen. You know, there's a lot for us to, you know, there's a lot for us to be noticed, you know, and we should be, you know, with the line of smiles, and we are, you know, we're all about hospitality. Yeah.

[53:17] BRIANNA SIA: Make people feel welcome. So.

[53:18] VENA SIA: Yeah.

[53:19] BRIANNA SIA: And I've been hearing that a lot from other people, too, in the community. Like, what do they hope to see? And a lot of folk people are raising similar to you that they want to see more exposure.

[53:27] VENA SIA: Yes.

[53:28] BRIANNA SIA: And they want it because, you know, there is so much that the thai community and thai culture has to offer the world right from the land of smiles.

[53:34] VENA SIA: And we just want peace, honestly. We just want to have fun and have peace. And that's really what it is, you know, and come together and just have fun and just Kumbaya.

[53:45] BRIANNA SIA: Honestly, I feel like Auntie Moon and so may would agree with you.

[53:48] VENA SIA: Oh, goodness. I love them so much.

[53:51] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah, there was a big.

[53:52] VENA SIA: They represent Thai beautifully.

[53:54] BRIANNA SIA: I agree.

[53:55] VENA SIA: Their energy is just infectious, and so. Yeah, definitely 100%.

[54:00] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah.

[54:01] VENA SIA: Mm hmm.

[54:02] BRIANNA SIA: Well, thanks, mom, for doing this with me. I know this is. This was. This was a lot, and I appreciate you always answering my phone calls when I'm calling you about the new story court interview I'm doing or the new thai restaurant that I'm at. And I'm looking forward to us going to Thailand together as a family one day and really appreciate you knowing me, knowing that this project is important to you and dad and that I'm making you guys proud. So hopefully I'll continue that.

[54:30] VENA SIA: And, well, you always make us proud. And when you wanted and when you told us about the little Thailand project that you were going to do, we knew that that was going to come to fruition because that's a. You do. You know, when Brianna Sia has something in her mind, she makes it happen. And we're not surprised. We're never surprised of anything that you do, honestly. You know what I mean? So whenever you tell us this happened, we're like, yes, we know, and congratulations. There's always congratulations. And we're proud of you. And you've been like that since you were born, literally since birth. So continue doing what you're doing, all the successes. We love you very much, and we're just never really, honestly never surprised at what you do, because it just. You're just. You're a warrior. You've used you've survived a lot. And you're gonna continue because that's life. You know what I mean? But you're amazing, you know? You really are. And we love you very much. And we're always here for you, no matter what. So even though we're in Florida, you know, playing right away, I will come down here. Dad will come down here. Jack, your dog and your brother. We're here in a minute.

[55:29] BRIANNA SIA: Yeah. Appreciate that, mom. I love you so much. Thank you.

[55:32] VENA SIA: We love you so much, too. High five.