'A painful reckoning': How local Asian American leaders are responding to rise in hate crimes FacebookTwitterEmail Terrence Cheng, UConn Stamford campus director and English professor/ The increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans has left many feeling helpless, frustrated and in despair. This is why some academic and professional institutions are taking steps to support their communities. Donna Demanarig, an assistant professor in the University of Bridgeport's Psychology Department, said the Asian American Psychological Association, in which she holds a leadership position, has been trying to provide resources and healing spaces for its members. This includes not only webinars with resources and how to address Asian American hate and discrimination in their own communities, but lighter events like Zoom karaoke which can help encourage fun and resiliency.