Where AANHPI Artists Thrive
About Us
MISSION
The Lunar Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit giving Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) artists the stages, skills, and support to build lasting careers in Central Texas.
We call it GROW + SHOW. GROW through talks, workshops, and industry connections that build real career knowledge. SHOW through destination-level cultural events that pay artists and generate direct revenue for AANHPI creative entrepreneurs. We invest in research that helps us understand what Central Texas AANHPI artists need to thrive and how to build programming that delivers. And we bring AANHPI stories into public spaces through art and education.
Founded in 2023 and based in Austin, Texas, TLF programs are backed by the City of Austin and the City of Cedar Park and supported by a growing coalition of corporate sponsors, community organizations, and institutional partners.
LEADERSHIP
Andrew Lee
Executive Director and Founder
Andrew is a documentary filmmaker and producer whose work has been released by MGM/Orion Pictures, IFC Films, PBS, and others. He has spent nearly two decades building community around AANHPI arts and culture, from producing a marketing activation for Crazy Rich Asians with WarnerBros that drew over 3,000 attendees to commissioning five large-scale AANHPI murals across Greater Austin through the AAPI Heroes Mural Campaign. He has served on film festival juries and arts grant review panels, and founded The Lunar Foundation to build lasting infrastructure for AANHPI artists in Central Texas.
Erica Deiparine-Sugars
Head of Programs
Erica has dedicated over 20 years to working with independent media makers and media arts communities, championing diverse voices and storytelling. She previously served as Senior Director of Programs at Austin Film Society and Managing Director of Programming and Production at ITVS. Besides leading programs for The Lunar Foundation, she is an advisory board member of Women In Film Austin and is a program contributor for HTX MADE, a community screening series in Houston.
Tiffany Vela
Creative Director
Going by the alias 'Weila Art', Tiffany is a visual artist and muralist with work displayed across Austin. They are the co-founder of Weila Studios, a design studio that works with local mission-driven businesses, and have created content that has organically reached over 3M people, including health information during their stint as a Public Information Officer for a large-sized county during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their work is rooted in their commitment to equity, empowerment, and health within the local community.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Sierra Cortez
Senior Event Producer
Sierra R. Cortez (MBA, ADAC) is an Austin native, event strategist, and community builder whose diverse background spans the government, nonprofit, corporate, hospitality, and higher education sectors. Her experience includes executive-level conferences, innovation initiatives, fundraising strategy, boutique hotel sales and guest experience, and large-scale community events designed to bring people, ideas, and organizations together in meaningful ways. Equal parts strategist and host, Sierra thrives in high-challenge, high-impact roles and is known for creating experiences that feel thoughtful, energetic, and deeply personal. A proud dog mom, volleyball coach and player, and advocate for youth and underrepresented communities, she is passionate about building spaces that foster connection, culture, and long-term community growth across Central Texas and beyond.
Rowie Green
Lead Event Coordinator
Rowie Green has served as Lead Event Coordinator for The Lunar Foundation since late 2023, bringing a background in nonprofit work and film to the organization's mission-driven events. Passionate about uplifting and supporting local creatives and small businesses, Rowie works to create meaningful spaces where community, culture, and creativity can thrive. Through events like NightMarket.fun, Rowie helps build platforms that celebrate and elevate AANHPI voices across Central Texas.
Soo Teal
Volunteer Coordinator
Soo holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Social Work from Texas Woman’s University and brings experience in logistics, vendor relations, customer service, and event coordination. She has worked for the State for over 16 years and thrives in fast-paced environments. Passionate about community engagement, Soo enjoys working with local nonprofits like The Lunar Foundation and helps organize food and anime conventions across Texas. Outside of work, she spends time with her two beloved dogs, Cooper and Chewie, who are known for bringing smiles wherever they go.
Paul Vela
Artist Liaison
Paul is an illustrator and graphic designer by trade and has contributed to a roster of local Austin-based small business’ creative direction and branding under their artist name ‘Nopaulito’. Along with illustration and graphic design, Paul also creates music under the alias ‘Quickdraw Girlfriend’ and has created multiple songs including a remix for Giraffage and Ryan Hemsorth’s duo project ‘Bodysync’. Being on the front lines by vending at creator markets and performing as a DJ, Paul lends their talents to being the ‘Artist Liaison’ for The Lunar Foundation.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jusak Yang Bernhard
Board Co-Chair and Founder
Jusak is a producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He has appeared on Grey's Anatomy, CSI, and on stages Off-Broadway, Salt Lake Acting Co., Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, East West Players, LA Opera, and Mark Taper Forum. Named one of Asian America's 500 Most Influential People by Avenue Asia Magazine, he served as Co-President of the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) and is a founding member of the Asian Pacific Alliance for Creative Equality (APACE). He serves on the Georgetown, TX Ethics Commission, as well as co-owner of the multi-award winning pet store, Wag Heaven, with his husband Jeff Manley.
Margaret Chen Kercher
Board Co-Chair
Margaret is an attorney at the Travis County Attorney's Office. Prior to her current position, she was a solo practitioner representing individuals, and in her spare time, she volunteers in the community. She recently authored "Recognizing AAPI Litigants Fighting for Our Constitutional Rights" for Austin Lawyer, highlighting Asian American litigants who shaped constitutional protections for all Americans.
Jeffrey Manley
Board Member and Founder
Jeffrey is a multi-award-winning video editor, audio engineer, and technical director whose work has appeared on PBS, VH1, and Channel One Network. His credits include a George Foster Peabody Award and a Telly Award for his editing on a three-part documentary series on refugees in Sudan. Jeff is a board member of the Georgetown, TX, Arts and Culture Commission. He co-owns and operates the nationally recognized Wag Heaven pet supplies store with husband Jusak Yang Bernhard.
Maria Espinosa
Board Member
Maria Espinosa is a visionary entrepreneur and media executive serving on the Lunar Foundation Board. As CEO of Lunar Media Group and co-founder of Vanta Energy Group, she drives innovation at the intersection of media, sustainable energy, and social impact. With over 20 years of leadership experience—including her tenure as CEO of the Fulfillment Fund—Maria is deeply committed to empowering underserved communities, advancing educational equity, and championing a cleaner, more resilient future.
COMMUNICATIONS
Juice Consulting, Public Relations