Meet our Founders
Thi Nguyen
Bar Director @ Moon Rabbit
Nalee Kim
Former beverage director currently taking time to explore creative and community-focused projects.
Thi Nguyen slid into Nalee Kim's DMs and shared a statistic about AAPI bartenders in the U.S. They both quickly agreed that they should find a way to showcase the skills of these talented bartenders. In just two days, they contacted local AAPI-owned, -operated, and -employed establishments, as well as ally bars, who responded to their idea. Their aim was to create a weeklong celebration that highlights the significant influence of AAPI bartenders, Asian spirits, and Asian ingredients. Together, they set out on a mission to amplify talented individuals and AAPI’s contributions to the industry.
Nalee Kim (she/her/hers) is a seasoned hospitality professional who has served as beverage director and director of operations for several restaurant groups. Since 2016, she has also been deeply engaged in the arts community, collaborating with No Kings Collective on major projects such as Congruent, Red Eye Night Market, and Umbrella, where she played a key role as project manager.
Nalee is a passionate advocate for both the hospitality and creative industries. She is committed to mentoring and educating the next generation of professionals, emphasizing the importance of community, inclusion, and growth. Believing in the powerful intersection of activism and industry, she uses her platform to uplift AAPI voices and champion broader social change whenever possible.
Nalee Kim
Thi Nguyen (she/her/hers) is the Bar Director at Moon Rabbit, a D.C. restaurant that expresses Vietnamese recipes through modern techniques. Thi is passionate about translating Vietnamese heritage and culture into the language of cocktails. She has participated in numerous cocktail competitions since 2018 and has earned accolades across the country, including 2nd Place for Bartender of the Year (2019 and 2020 West Region), Finalist for Woodford Reserve's Manhattan Experience competition (2022, D.C.), and National Finalist in Speed Rack Season 11. In 2024, Thi received the Michelin Exceptional Cocktail Award, was recognized as Punch Drink’s Best New Bartender, and was nominated as a 2025 RAMMYs Finalist for Cocktail Program of the Year. Beyond her passion for bartending, Thi also works in public health. Her journey as a bartender and her multifaceted contributions to public health embody her commitment to creativity, culture, and community.