Dinelle Polchinski
“I am a first-generation Asian American cisgender female. While it is a typical way that someone like me [would] describe themselves, it doesn’t tell the whole story. For example, the term “first generation” has changed over the years, which I believe I am now considered “second generation”; basically, my parents immigrated to the US and my sister, and I were born here. The fact that the definition of the term has changed over this period, reveals something about my age group and how that affects my view of the world. The fact that I am Filipino American adds another layer because while I identify as an Asian American, I have been told that Filipinos “aren’t really Asian.” I was also born and raised in NJ, which, on a regular basis, sets us apart from the rest of the US. However, as a part of VOA NNJ, the differences between NY and NJ have become even more apparent. I grew up in a predominantly white suburb in South Jersey. Although I am not blind to my privileges, I was made very aware at a young age of my differences from my peers. Equity, inclusion, and representation have always been important qualities to me. If you noticed my married surname, my children are half Asian and half white. The value and lessons of recognizing privileges, and limitations, and how they shape them are what we have tried teaching them since birth. Representation matters in all forms. I believe as a member of the DEI committee, I can bring not only my passion for all three [qualities], but a unique lens in which I view the world and how VOA-GNY can promote change. I can bring in knowledge of the current events in NJ and the changes that we need in our policies and practices.”
Joined VOA-GNY in 2023