The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) was founded in 1981 to connect and support Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) journalists in an industry where they were often underrepresented. Through a wide range of professional programs, including scholarships, stipends, workshops, and networking opportunities, AAJA helps both working journalists and students pursue successful careers in journalism. The association also emphasizes the importance of fairness and accuracy in the media\s representation of AAPI communities, actively working to highlight and correct instances where coverage falls short of these goals. <br> <br>With chapters across the United States and one in Asia, AAJA has grown from a small group of six founders to over 1,000 members. The Texas chapter, which launched in Dallas in 1988, now connects journalists and students statewide, from El Paso to Houston. The Texas chapter offers professional stipends, student scholarships, mixers, and workshops to foster community and skill development. AAJA continues to be a crucial resource for journalists, advocating for greater representation, training, and industry connections across the AAPI community.