Artist. Attorney. Community Supporter.

My name is Calista Wu, and I most often describe myself as an artist, attorney, and community supporter.  I recently founded Cali Star Entertainment, LLC, a multi-platform entertainment company, and as a recording artist and singer/songwriter, I am in the process of developing a new music project.  As an attorney, I have been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, co-authored the California cross-border banking/finance guide for LexisNexis, and served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Ferdinand F. Fernandez of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  I actively advise and hold positions with a number of nonprofits across multiple industries, including serving as the General Counsel for Hate Is A Virus. I am passionate about building and supporting communities, including the Asian American community. I also actively serve at my local church.

How does being Taiwanese/Taiwanese American and/or community ally play a role in your life?

I love being Taiwanese American, and I am very proud of my heritage. Every time I visit Taiwan, I feel like I’m rediscovering a missing piece of myself. It is a huge part of my identity, and some of my fondest memories include spending time with my family and friends in Taiwan, first as a child and then later as an adult. Taiwan is also the place where my hero, my paternal grandfather, is buried, so it will always hold a special place in my heart.

If you could teach future generations 1 thing about being Taiwanese/Taiwanese American or Taiwan, what would it be?

If I could, I would encourage future generations of Taiwanese Americans to embrace their background and cultural heritage. There’s something very beautiful about how Taiwan has pockets of the traditional alongside the pockets of the modern, with a balance of history and innovation. There is so much strength and beauty in holding this delicate balance, and I believe that this same strength and beauty can be found in the balance of being both Taiwanese and American.

What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?

I believe that the future of Taiwanese America will be what future Taiwanese American people make of it, with our achievements, with our hopes and dreams, with our struggles and triumphs, and with all of our experiences. I have faith that the future of Taiwanese America will be beautiful because of the beauty that lies within us. I am excited for the future storytellers, future creators, future innovators, future business leaders to rise up, make an impact, and shape our culture, and I will be proudly cheering people on.

Favorite memory of Taiwan/Taiwanese America?

My most treasured memory of Taiwan is the time I spent with my paternal grandfather shortly before he passed, when I visited him in the hospital. I am forever grateful to have spent that time with him. My grandfather was my biggest advocate and encouraged my parents to allow me to pursue music. A close second to that would be the memories I have with him during my visits to Taiwan growing up, whether that was walking in the park near his home, enjoying shaved ice together, showing him the clothes I bought with the red envelope money he gave me, or eating at his favorite restaurants in the Sheraton Taipei. My grandfather started out in life with very little, overcame so many obstacles, and became a very successful business person because of his work ethic and integrity, and he always gave back and dedicated his life to serving others.

Favorite Taiwanese food?

There is so much amazing Taiwanese food that I honestly feel like this question is impossible to answer. If I had to pick just one food item, I would choose hot pot. If I could add another one, I would add boba. I better stop here, or I could go on for a while.