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The Cosmos Summit

Fund The Cosmos Summit: a historical gathering of 500 Asian women creators and rule breakers, coming to New York in late summer 2019.

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Project Description

Update: Thank you to our Community Partners! Join us. 

The Cosmos is a community for Asian women creators to flourish and thrive. Through content and experiences, we empower Asian women to create the representation and culture change we deserve.

As children of resilient immigrants and refugees, many of us are the first in our family to speak English fluently; to have full citizenship rights; to graduate from college. These milestones were made possible with our parents’ sacrifices, and it is on their shoulders that we proudly fight for our stories to be heard at work, on screen, and in leadership. And yet:

Data Source: National Women's Law Center (March 2017)

We deserve more. We are the first generation with the privilege (and pressure) to pursue creative careers; to navigate multiple cultures unapologetically; to question how the tools to survive will never allow us to flourish and thrive. Together, we can create a different future for Asian women, and it starts with having a safe, supportive, and ambitious platform made by us, for us!

Since March 2018, we’ve provided a platform for Asian women creators to authentically share their work and expertise. We've hosted 50+ workshops by Asian women, for Asian women on confidence, mental health, self-care, blockchain for WOC, and sexual health that amplified our voice as Asian women. 

We designed and produced sold-out retreats in New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Asian women from across the US gathered for three-days to explore the question that started it all: What does it look like for Asian women to flourish and thrive? The impact has been lifelong friendships, self-acceptance, and representation on our terms.

We launched a book club in partnership with the reputed Asian American Writer’s Workshop and found a shared sense of peace in reading our stories for the first time. We talked in person with National Book Award Finalist author Lisa Ko, interviewed memoirist Nicole Chung, and hosted a giveaway with award-winning poet and author Fatimah Asghar! Partners have included Penguin Random House, Little A Books, and Boba Guys. 

We produced The Cosmos New Year Market to showcase and support 15 local East, Southeast, and South Asian women entrepreneurs, artists, and small businesses at New Women Space in Brooklyn. Our Market created a micro-economy for Asian women creators to get the money and visibility to sustain their ventures. 

We launched a bi-weekly newsletter with original and curated content for Asian women creators and rule breakers to value their work; take their hustle / business / brand to the next level; and get inspired.

We grew an engaged online community where Asian women can promote their work, connect with future collaborators, and learn from peers and experts. 

In this space, we raised money for each other’s initiatives. We gave each other advice on IUDs. We supported each other when we felt the pressure of going against cultural or family expectations. We showed up to each other’s launches, podcast recordings, art shows, happy hours, and photo shoots. 

 

On August 25, 2019, we’re taking things to the next level by producing The Cosmos Summit: a historical gathering of 500 Asian women creators and rule breakers in New York. This one-day experience will bring Asian women together to imagine a world where we can all flourish and thrive. The theme of the Summit is IMAGINATION. We are a community dreaming up the world we want to live in — one that recognizes our identities and experiences.

  • Representation: How do we, as creators, make the representation that’s authentic to us? What does that look like?

  • Money: How do we make sure we’re getting paid what we deserve for what we make? How do we handle money in a healthy way, acknowledging money has been a taboo and sensitive topic in our culture.

  • Health & Wellbeing: How do we take care of our mental and physical health as we hustle, build, make, and create? How do we find care that is thoughtful about the Asian woman experience?

  • Support: How do we show up for each other as a community? What does that FEEL LIKE? (hint: amazing!)

Today women of color receive less than 0.2% of venture capital funding. This is why we are crowdfunding and turning to our community of supporters for help.

  • Book, design, and decorate a venue space in NYC for ~500 Asian women attendees
  • Invest in audio/visual equipment rentals and tech support to ensure a high quality experience 
  • Develop programming (lightning talks, panels, workshops) tailored to the Asian woman creator's needs
  • Invite speakers and workshop facilitators you care about and want to learn from (we can't guarantee that Chrissy Teigen or other referenced dream guests from our video will be there, but if you can put us in touch with them, we sure will try!)
  • Build a custom immersive art installation featuring work by up-and-coming Asian women artists
  • Create custom grab bags of swag for all Summit attendees  
  • Fairly compensate members of our programming, partnerships, and production teams: photographers, videographers, artists, designers, and more

 

  • “I think I speak for more than myself, but I had felt such a loneliness and alienation for not having people in my life to have conversations as candid as we did. It's such a relief not to feel that way anymore, because I feel like I suddenly have sisters I never had before.”
  • “Being a first time entrepreneur has surfaced a new set of fears and insecurities, but knowing that I can call on this sisterhood for love and support gives me the strength to step into my power. Their energy and resilience give me the confidence that I can continue making a difference in the Asian American community — while still living my best life.”
  • "We found solidarity in sharing our stories with one another. We could relate on so many levels, whether it was related to family, finance or career. I’m eternally grateful for our sisterhood and pledge to do my part in ensuring that we all thrive!"
  • "Karen & Cass delivered on the promise of a soul nourishing weekend full of growth and powerful sisterhood. I am so excited to be part of this community, The Cosmos, and can't wait to take all my power harnessed this weekend and continue to shape the world I live in! I feel empowered to give more.”
  • "Cassandra and Karen created a safe space, where every one of us had permission to be our most authentic selves. For the first time in a long time, I felt heard. People told me that my feelings mattered, that my struggle was their struggle, and that I was more than enough. It was a powerful and healing experience to know that I wasn’t alone. I have kept in touch with most of the girls post-retreat, and I am obsessed with every single one of them! I guess it was kind of like The Bachelor in that I fell in love 18 times - except everyone wins in Cosmos!"

  • “Karen and Cass are the most thoughtful, passionate, and inspirational individuals that I've ever met. They've created a space that most people only dream of and I've been so blessed to stumble on this community. I've always been inspired by their energies and I'm so excited to see what comes of the Cosmos and the journeys we all take!”
  • “The Cosmos filled a void in my life that I didn't even realize existed. Karen and Cass were so intentional in planning every detail of the weekend, and their meticulous attention to detail showed. Their leadership is amazing.”
  • "It was powerful to be surrounded by a group of such resilient, like-minded Asian American women from across the country who could so deeply relate to each other’s journeys. Beyond shared experiences, we became united in our commitment to overcome our histories and barriers to achieve holistic health, success and joy. The best part is the community and sisterhood continues after the retreat." 

 

The Cosmos was founded by Karen Mok and Cassandra Lam in a cafe on the Lower East Side. In 2018, The Cosmos began with a blog post asking "Who is the Asian American Woman? An Open Letter to Our Community". The Cosmos community is inclusive of self-identifying women, femmes, gender nonconforming, queer, and transgender individuals of Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian, and mixed descent.

We chose iFundWomen because we share a vision for empowering women creators. We're proud that iFundWomen directly reinvests 20% of their profits into active campaigns on the platform.

Video by Rebel Motion
Design by Irena Xia

Updates

The Campaign FAQs

Cosmos Summit

How many people will be at The Summit? 

Up to 500!

Where and when will it be? 

New York City, late Aug / early Sept 2019

How long will it last? 

One day! (expect a weekend date)

Who will be attending?

Asian women creators, entrepreneurs, freelancers, designers, artists, and rule breakers from across the world. Women from age 18-65 have attended our events, and our ambition is to have a truly intergenerational gathering.

We are committed to making this an intersectional event. As a community we are inclusive of self-identifying women, femmes, gender nonconforming, queer, and transgender individuals of Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian, and mixed descent.

What is the Summit going to be about?

The theme of the Summit is IMAGINATION. We are a community dreaming up the world we want to live in, that recognizes our identities and experiences.

  • Representation: How do we, as creators, make the representation that’s authentic to us? What does that look like?

  • Money: How do we make sure we’re getting paid what we deserve for what we make? How do we handle money in a healthy way, acknowledging money has been a taboo/sensitive topic in our culture.

  • Health & Wellbeing: How do we take care of our mental and physical health as we hustle, build, make, and create? How do we find care that is thoughtful about the Asian woman experience?

  • Support: How do we support each other as a community? What does that FEEL LIKE? (hint: amazing)

What vibe can we expect?

We are breaking conference norms!!!! No panels, no small talk, no petty judgment. That’s been the ambition of all Cosmos experiences.

  • We’ll make cool stuff together: Honoring the “acts of service” love language of our Asian moms, we will be connecting and learning through creating. Some ideas on the table: making zines, public art, mixing beats, creating our own custom tote bags….we aren’t just talking about creating representation for us. We’re going to make it together.

  • We’ll have honest AF conversation: We’ve been to so many panels that glossed over the real details of our stories. We will be forgoing panels for facilitated storytelling sessions and intimate small group sessions. We’ll all leave with new friends that last after the Summit (we’ve seen this happen from the retreats and workshops we did in 2018!)

  • We’ll have experiences for introverts AND moments to reflect and recharge: We know how draining summits can be (having been drained all too many times ourselves). We’re committed to creating a space for introverts and time during the day to recharge and reflect, without feeling FOMO.

Where can we see the programming?

We are still finalizing the programming and will share in the next few months! Trust that we’ll have a full lineup of workshops, conversations, food, and immersive experiences :)

Will ticket prices go up?

Yes, this is the lowest price we’ll be selling GA and VIP tickets for.

Will you offer scholarships?

Yes. One of our crowdfund rewards is a scholarship for women in need. If you’re interested in partnering with us to fund scholarships, please get in touch via [email protected]

Who are you partnering with?

We are currently having conversations with potential partners - please contact us at [email protected] if you or your brand are interested!

Why are you crowdfunding?

Today women of color receive less than 0.2% of venture capital funding. Our parents are immigrants who worked hard to give us a better life in America, but they do not have funds to support a private “friends and family” angel round. In this sense, we crowdfund because we must.

But we choose to see this positively: crowdfunding aligns best with our mission. From day one, co-creation and collaboration have been part of our founding community principles. We want our initiatives to be transparent and clear to the community. Every dollar raised towards our goal sends a powerful message: our community is here and supporting one another.

Where is the money going?

The funds raised will help us put an initial deposit down for a venue in Brooklyn, NY; use top quality audio/visual gear to ensure optimal sound quality; design a custom immersive art installation featuring work by women in the community; create custom swag and goodie bags for all Summit attendees; rent chairs and decor for maximum Instagram-friendly aesthetic; and fairly compensate the programming & production team: photographers, videographers, workshop facilitators, artists.

 

About The Cosmos

What is your mission?

The Cosmos is a fast-growing community for Asian women creators, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and artists to flourish and thrive. Through content and experiences, we empower Asian women to create the representation and culture change we deserve.

When did you launch?

March 8, 2018 on International Women’s Day!

What are your services?

Learn more at https://www.jointhecosmos.com/

1. Community

2. Experiences

3. Newsletter 

Is there a fee to join?

No! You can join at jointhecosmos.com

What cities are you in?

Our community members are all over the world. Currently we have events in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver. Get in touch with us if you want to host an event in your city!

How can I get involved?

Join the community, and invite any Asian women in your life who might want to join as well!

Besides donating, how else can I support you?

We'd greatly appreciate if you could help spread the word about our campaign! 

 

07/11/2019
Cosmos / Cosbros Social Media Shoutout
$75
07/11/2019
Newsletter Shoutout + Phone Wallpaper
$35
SK
05/25/2019
Summit: Scholarship
$175
SK
05/25/2019
Fuck I'm Tired Tee + Webinar
$100
Cissy Zhang
05/20/2019
Cosmos / Cosbros Newsletter Shoutout
$25
Kim
05/16/2019
Fuck I'm Tired Tee + Webinar
$100
05/11/2019
Summit: Scholarship
$175
04/23/2019
Newsletter Shoutout + Phone Wallpaper
$40
East Meets Dress
04/19/2019
Cosmos / Cosbros Social Media Shoutout
$75
Yang Hong
04/16/2019
Cosmos / Cosbros Social Media Shoutout
$75
Monetary Contribution

Thank you for showing us you care! Your contribution empowers us to support more Asian women creators.

31 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Cosmos / Cosbros Newsletter Shoutout

We want to show our community how much we appreciate you. We'll shout your name out in our newsletter!

63 Supporters
Select this reward
35.00 USD
Newsletter Shoutout + Phone Wallpaper

Along with a newsletter shoutout, you'll also get an exclusive custom phone wallpaper designed by Team Cosmos' very own Irena Xia!

15 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Webinar: "The Pillars"

What do we need to flourish and thrive as individuals and as a community? Find out by getting your hands on this Cosmos Retreat exclusive!

Led by cofounders Karen Mok and Cassandra Lam, this 1-hour webinar will help you surface gaps between where you are and where you want to be in both your personal and professional lives. Through facilitated activities and prompts, you'll unpack and explore this question to define happiness, success, and fulfillment on your own terms.

281 Left
19 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
Cosmos / Cosbros Social Media Shoutout

We'll dedicate an Instagram Story to thanking you or your brand to an audience of highly engaged millennial Asian women creators. 

2 Left
18 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Fuck I'm Tired Tee + Webinar

You'll get a limited edition "Fuck I'm Tired" t-shirt and access to "The Pillars" Webinar. Yes you're tired but you're gonna live life on your own terms. 

Designed by Bianca Ng and Linh-Yen Hoang, this unisex t-shirt is our whole mood for 2019.  

5 Left
15 Supporters
Select this reward
175.00 USD
Summit: Scholarship

Thank you for contributing to our Summit Scholarship Fund! Your donation will allow us to subsidize the cost of a General Admission ticket for an Asian woman in need.

2 Left
13 Supporters
Select this reward
300.00 USD
Summit Ticket: VIP

Be among the first to grab your ticket to The Cosmos Summit coming late summer 2019! Male allies, you can also donate this ticket to an Asian woman creator you love.

VIP ticket holders will receive invites to a private event where they can meet and connect with Summit panelists, Team Cosmos, and fellow VIPs!

9 Supporters
None available
1,000.00 USD
Sponsor: Display

Prominently list your brand as a supporter of The Cosmos on our website and at the Summit in front of an audience of 500 Asian women.

15 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
2,500.00 USD
Executive Producer: Art Installation

Partner with The Cosmos in an advisory capacity to influence and design an immersive art installation at the Summit.

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
2,500.00 USD
Executive Producer: Vendor Marketplace

Partner with The Cosmos in an advisory capacity to influence and design the vendor marketplace showcasing Asian women artists, businesses, and brands.

3 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
5,000.00 USD
Summit: Custom Branded Experience

Partner with The Cosmos to integrate your brand into the Summit experience through content, programming, or an activation. Exact details to be discussed.

3 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
10,000.00 USD
Summit: Angel

We can't thank you enough for investing in Asian women. We'll get in touch to explore ways we can work together and show our appreciation!

0 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Brooklyn, NY
Created 1 Campaign
Lifestyle

Rewards

Monetary Contribution

Thank you for showing us you care! Your contribution empowers us to support more Asian women creators.

31 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Cosmos / Cosbros Newsletter Shoutout

We want to show our community how much we appreciate you. We'll shout your name out in our newsletter!

63 Supporters
Select this reward
35.00 USD
Newsletter Shoutout + Phone Wallpaper

Along with a newsletter shoutout, you'll also get an exclusive custom phone wallpaper designed by Team Cosmos' very own Irena Xia!

15 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Webinar: "The Pillars"

What do we need to flourish and thrive as individuals and as a community? Find out by getting your hands on this Cosmos Retreat exclusive!

Led by cofounders Karen Mok and Cassandra Lam, this 1-hour webinar will help you surface gaps between where you are and where you want to be in both your personal and professional lives. Through facilitated activities and prompts, you'll unpack and explore this question to define happiness, success, and fulfillment on your own terms.

281 Left
19 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
Cosmos / Cosbros Social Media Shoutout

We'll dedicate an Instagram Story to thanking you or your brand to an audience of highly engaged millennial Asian women creators. 

2 Left
18 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Fuck I'm Tired Tee + Webinar

You'll get a limited edition "Fuck I'm Tired" t-shirt and access to "The Pillars" Webinar. Yes you're tired but you're gonna live life on your own terms. 

Designed by Bianca Ng and Linh-Yen Hoang, this unisex t-shirt is our whole mood for 2019.  

5 Left
15 Supporters
Select this reward
175.00 USD
Summit: Scholarship

Thank you for contributing to our Summit Scholarship Fund! Your donation will allow us to subsidize the cost of a General Admission ticket for an Asian woman in need.

2 Left
13 Supporters
Select this reward
300.00 USD
Summit Ticket: VIP

Be among the first to grab your ticket to The Cosmos Summit coming late summer 2019! Male allies, you can also donate this ticket to an Asian woman creator you love.

VIP ticket holders will receive invites to a private event where they can meet and connect with Summit panelists, Team Cosmos, and fellow VIPs!

9 Supporters
None available
1,000.00 USD
Sponsor: Display

Prominently list your brand as a supporter of The Cosmos on our website and at the Summit in front of an audience of 500 Asian women.

15 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
2,500.00 USD
Executive Producer: Art Installation

Partner with The Cosmos in an advisory capacity to influence and design an immersive art installation at the Summit.

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
2,500.00 USD
Executive Producer: Vendor Marketplace

Partner with The Cosmos in an advisory capacity to influence and design the vendor marketplace showcasing Asian women artists, businesses, and brands.

3 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
5,000.00 USD
Summit: Custom Branded Experience

Partner with The Cosmos to integrate your brand into the Summit experience through content, programming, or an activation. Exact details to be discussed.

3 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
10,000.00 USD
Summit: Angel

We can't thank you enough for investing in Asian women. We'll get in touch to explore ways we can work together and show our appreciation!

0 Supporters
Select this reward