Bookseller & Open Mic Host

• Aug 2022 - Present

Poet

• Aug 2017 - Jun 2023

Although new-ish to the poetry scene, Emdash is making an impact already. At 22, she has featured at the San Diego Art Institute, Refugee Development Center “We Are Here” Fundraiser, Artists Building Community Showcase: Mosaics, Sunday Jump, La Palabra and events at her college. With a background in drawing, choir and passion for all arts, her work is a fusion of styles, unique and fresh. Aside from paid work, Emdash frequents open mics because of her love for community and learning more. She has also hosted performances & coordinated, facilitated and participated in many writing workshops. Show less

The Yellownin Podcast

• Oct 2018 - Apr 2019

An Asian American podcast by two 20-something Asian American artist best friends, Emily & Sarah — Chinese American and Filipino-Black American respectively — unpacking life, love & art hosted over the phone sometimes interviewing their cool POC art friends. There’s also an advice column so send your questions to askyellownin@gmail.com for some colorful answers. The link below is to the 1st episode via Spotify. I produced/wrote/co-hosted this venture. The podcast can be found on all major platforms, like Spotfiy or Soundcloud, etc. Show less

Spring Publicity & Editorial Intern

• Jan 2023 - May 2023

Part-Time Lecturer

• Sep 2021 - Jan 2023

Course: Intro to Creative Writing Course: Intro to Creative Writing

Writing Center Fellow

• Aug 2020 - May 2021

I work with my peers at various points of the writing process such as brainstorming, drafting, editing, and time management. The essays brought in are in an array of fields from the social sciences, creative writing & economics to resumes, fellowships and graduate school applications.

New Student Guide/Academic Guide for Transfer Students

• Jul 2020 - Jan 2021

LEAP Emerge: Summer Intern

• Jun 2020 - Aug 2020

Main project: completed an 11 person qualitative research group project on LEAP: Impact program over the span of 6-weeks. LEAP is a national organization founded in 1982 with a mission to achieve full participation and equality for Asian and Pacific Islanders (API) through leadership, empowerment, and policy. With original programs in leadership training, public policy research, and community education, LEAP raises the impact and visibility of APIs in all sectors. Main project: completed an 11 person qualitative research group project on LEAP: Impact program over the span of 6-weeks. LEAP is a national organization founded in 1982 with a mission to achieve full participation and equality for Asian and Pacific Islanders (API) through leadership, empowerment, and policy. With original programs in leadership training, public policy research, and community education, LEAP raises the impact and visibility of APIs in all sectors.

Performing Arts & Community Engagement (JACCC) Intern

• Jun 2019 - Aug 2019

Produced and co-hosted a day time music festival alongside Tuesday Night Project (TNP), the longest running Asian American open mic in the USA. Assisted with and coordinated 79th Annual Nisei Week in Little Tokyo, LA. Produced and co-hosted a day time music festival alongside Tuesday Night Project (TNP), the longest running Asian American open mic in the USA. Assisted with and coordinated 79th Annual Nisei Week in Little Tokyo, LA.

Staff Writer & Social Media Manger, Content Production Intern

• Mar 2017 - Jun 2019

Worked as the sole other member of the YLWRNGR team with & under founder Lauren Espejo. Ran the organization’s IG, interviewed API artists of many mediums and created social media content across various platforms! Worked as the sole other member of the YLWRNGR team with & under founder Lauren Espejo. Ran the organization’s IG, interviewed API artists of many mediums and created social media content across various platforms!

Writer/Poet/Editor

• Aug 2017 - Sep 2018

Summer Intern

• Jun 2017 - Aug 2017

Wore multiple hats preparing San Diego Pride 2017. Headliners this year were En Vogue, Estelle and Tinashe. Worked under Alex Villalobos. Wore multiple hats preparing San Diego Pride 2017. Headliners this year were En Vogue, Estelle and Tinashe. Worked under Alex Villalobos.

Writing Center Advisor

• Aug 2016 - May 2017

Worked weekday evening shifts often 6PM To 11 PM under Dr. Julie Prebel.

Student Liaison for the Diverity and Equity Board (DEB, Executive Team

• Apr 2016 - May 2017

Student-run branch of government managing and delegating a $40,000 budget to all diversity & inclusion needs on campus. Set up after epic 2015-2016 student on-campus protests.

Community Engagement Liasion for APAL (Asians and Pacific Islander Americans for Liberation)

• Apr 2016 - May 2017

Worked on executive team to make campus more inclusive, supportive and accommodating to API (Asian and Pacific Islander) students. Events I helped produce include but are not limited to: cross-racial solidarity, open mic nights, speaker invites, boba fundraisers, teach-ins, panels and annual night market.

Staff Writer

• Aug 2015 - May 2017

See the link below for my articles during this tenure. We changed websites halfway through my time here so pardon the double links. Also, I have since decided to go by Emily Lu Gao for all journalistic endeavors. See the link below for my articles during this tenure. We changed websites halfway through my time here so pardon the double links. Also, I have since decided to go by Emily Lu Gao for all journalistic endeavors.