In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, we want to celebrate some of the people who have contributed to our ever-changing and growing community. We asked some AAPI staff members to tell us their stories and share some of the lessons they’ve learned over the years.
JEREMY YES
Diablo Rock Gym Leader
he/him/his
First up, the leader of Diablo Rock Gym in Concord, Jeremy Yee. Jeremy has been a part of the Touchstone team since 2010. Jeremy’s career at Touchstone can be summed up in four words: “Right place, right time.” After leading Great Western Power Co. in Oakland since 2010, he is thrilled to have been able to “come home” in the fall of 2019 and serve the community where he was born and raised. Although he continues to climb, today he is more often found reveling in fatherhood and board games.
How would you describe your cultural identity?
Bay Area (but also Chinese-American)
Who is your biggest influence and why?
My children. They remind me every day that love conquers all and that patience can solve most problems.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned over the past year?
That it’s okay to wear pajamas and slippers all day. And be a more serious and intentional listener.
What kind of advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Effort is a skill, so start practicing now.
What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?
I celebrate AAPI Heritage Month to recognize and preserve our (AAPI) cultural relevance and (re)learn the stories of my family and our people.
What is the thing you are most proud of?
This probably sounds cheesy, but “V10 by 40” was a super fun goal and taught me a lot about self-confidence, perseverance, and not limiting myself or my goals.
What is the best part of your job?
This new member/climber psyche. It reminds me of how I felt over 15 years ago when I first started climbing.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Well, I have a shelf full of Incredible Hulk collectibles, so you can probably guess…definitely super intelligence.
ERIC NAKANO
Facilities Project Coordinator
he/him/his
Eric joined the Touchstone team in 2014. After earning his bachelor’s degree in photography, he moved to San Francisco and landed a job directing after-school youth programs at Dogpatch Boulders. Eric has since left Dogpatch to help manage facility projects at all of our gyms, including those yet to be built.
How would you describe your cultural identity?
Japanese/American
Who is your biggest influence and why?
I don’t think I can pick just one person to be my biggest influence. I appreciate anyone who can challenge my perceptions, change my mind, help me admit my wrongs.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned over the past year?
The biggest lesson I learned this past year is that every opportunity I have to do something that brings me joy is a huge privilege.
WWhat does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?
For me, AAPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the forces that shape my ethnic/cultural identity. I think about how my own assimilation into American culture is very different from that of my two brothers. One of my brothers is very tied to his Japanese roots, the other selected “White” on race-related surveys, and I fall somewhere in between them. It’s clear to me that if three brothers can’t agree on what it means to fall into the AAPI category, there are huge nuances to explore here.
What kind of advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Start saving for retirement.
What is the thing you are most proud of?
I am proud of my father for making a conscious effort to change some of the destructive masculine norms that were adopted and passed down in our family.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the unpredictability of each day (this could probably also be the worst part of my job).
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
I would like to be able to increase or decrease my physical size.
KJ De Jesus
Equity, diversity and inclusion coordinator
she/she/it
You will rarely see this lady without a huge smile on her face. KJ started at Touchstone in 2017 managing Verdigo Boulders in Burbank. She now leads our EDI efforts. She enjoys conversations that challenge conventional ways of thinking and doing, constantly asking her favorite question: “Why?”
How would you describe your cultural identity?
I’m Filipino-American, cis, straight, and able-bodied. I exist in a place rooted in both privilege and colonization.
Who is your biggest influence and why?
My sisters, Jeeks and Jan. They are the ones I try to be more like. I’ve always admired how Jeeks is on top of everything she does. She is committed, organized and has a strong moral compass. Jan is fearless, determined and a go-getter. She has an adventurous spirit, a wild child and curious about the world. These women challenge me to be better and I couldn’t ask for better role models.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned over the past year?
Just as much as I am capable of doing good, I also harness the power to do evil, regardless of my intention.
What kind of advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Treat yourself like you treat your best friend. Listen to your instinct. Believe in yourself. Most notably, offer yourself graciously.
What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?
It’s a reminder to take up space, to celebrate our ancestors and where we come from. It’s a reminder to find pride and healing from my own experiences of Filipino Americanness. Finally, it creates a new meaning of what it means to be Asian and Pacific Islander in America.
What is the thing you are most proud of?
Adulterate successfully. There are days when I think, “Wow, I’m really doing this.”
What is the best part of your job?
My staff. The bond we have is nothing short of family and I am proud of each and every one of them. They are unapologetically themselves and share their ideas with the common goal of improving our space. Brad, Joe, Martha and Nelson thank you for working with me! Special thanks to Ice and Sara! <3
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Of all the superheroes, Ma-Ti from Captain Planet has the coolest power. Ma-Ti’s ring provides telepathic and empathic abilities that allow them to communicate with animals and appeal to the hearts of others. IMO, the power of the heart was the common thread of the team and Ma-Ti was the most underrated.
CHRIS ZENG
Dogpatch Rock Manager
he/him/his
Chris grew up in San Francisco’s Chinatown after leaving China at age 8. He landed an office staff job at Dogpatch Boulder in 2016 and is now the boss!
How would you describe your cultural identity?
I was born in China and immigrated here when I was 7 years old. I would describe myself as Chinese American – more American than Chinese to be honest.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned over the past year?
Life is too short, live it to the fullest… as cliché as it sounds haha.
What kind of advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Invest in your future! Listen to your parents! Work hard, play less
What is the thing you are most proud of?
Being a first-generation Chinese American, it means a lot to my parents that I received a decent college education. I saw how much my parents invested in my education, so I worked hard to make sure I graduated from college. Looking back, it’s something I’m really proud of!
What is the best part of your job?
Being surrounded by people who share the same passion. My colleagues.
Thank you all for sharing your stories. We have so many amazing AAPI employees and from us to you, Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Month!