“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Shao’s creative practice goes beyond aesthetics—it’s rooted in shifting narratives, elevating underrepresented voices, and creating space for communities to be seen, heard, and valued. Through design, storytelling, and strategy, Shao uses creativity as a tool to advocate for equity and build more inclusive systems of representation.
Over the years, Shao has collaborated with artists, educators, nonprofits, and corporate partners on projects centered around identity, justice, and belonging. The following initiatives reflect a commitment to making the creative industry—and the world it shapes—more inclusive and human-centered.
If you’re working on something meaningful and would like to connect, Shao welcomes new conversations: shaojolin@gmail.com.
Led by the nonprofit advocacy group Make Us Visible, History Is Colorful: A Coloring Book of Asian American Pioneers introduces young readers to influential yet often-overlooked AAPI trailblazers. The project combines illustration, narrative, and curriculum design to foster early cultural awareness and encourage children to see themselves as participants in shaping history. Shao served as the lead designer of the book and contributed alongside a team of talented illustrators who brought these stories to life through art.
History Is Colorful
As part of Moët Hennessy’s global DE&I initiative, Shao and her team at Admerasia collaborated with Kyoshia Jackson, Moët Hennessy’s Global DE&I Manager, to bring this internal campaign to life. The campaign was designed to foster empathy and belonging within the organization while encouraging authentic dialogue around equity and inclusion.
DE&I at Moët Hennessy
In collaboration with nine Asian American artists and in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Shao helped bring to life a virtual night market fundraiser supporting youth mentorship programs and small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Shao led the brand identity and content strategy, working across disciplines to celebrate cultural joy and build a sense of solidarity during an isolating time.
Night Market Remix
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, hate crimes against Asian Americans surged. Many dismissed these attacks as isolated incidents—but data told a different story. This project visualizes those patterns through a centralized hub of publicly accessible resources and firsthand accounts. By surfacing the reality, we aimed to empower communities, support victims, and drive collective advocacy.