Arin Siriamonthep (Questrom’23): Elevating Asian Voices and Creative Expression
December 18, 2024
By Jyotirmaya Patro (JP) (Questrom’25)
Arin Siriamonthep, a recent graduate of Boston University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising and a minor in Business Administration (Questrom ’23), is a name synonymous with creative passion and social impact. As the co-founder of “Asians Speak Up,” Arin has made significant strides in promoting awareness and unity within the Asian community, particularly in response to the rise in hate crimes during the pandemic.
Arin’s journey is rooted in his diverse experiences and his commitment to giving a voice to the voiceless. His passion for photography and videography has been a powerful tool in his advocacy work. “Photography has just become one way for me to not only see the beauty but share the beauty I saw in the world from my point of view,”Arin shares on his portfolio site. His creative pursuits are not limited to visual arts; he is deeply involved in producing impactful media content that addresses major societal topics.
Check out Arin’s Instagram here.
Arin’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Faux Divinity Magazine, a publication designed to encourage and display the artworks of various artists. This initiative provided a platform for creative expression and collaboration, embodying Arin’s belief in the power of art to drive social change.
The pinnacle of Arin’s advocacy work came with the establishment of “Asians Speak Up,” a non-profit organization aimed at increasing awareness about racism against Asians and creating a unified community. “Back in 2020, when the pandemic and rise in Asian hate crimes increased, I was inspired to create a place where Asians could verbalize their thoughts and emotions about their community, increase awareness about racism, and create unity,” Arin explains. His efforts in organizing interactive events and collecting stories from local communities have been pivotal in spreading awareness and fostering solidarity. The organization has been featured in prominent media outlets like Buzzfeed News and Long Island News, highlighting its impact and reach.
Arin’s time at BU Questrom has profoundly influenced his career and entrepreneurial journey. The sense of community within Questrom, along with the connections he made, played a significant role in his growth. “The people who I have met along the way have influenced a lot of my decisions in my life and have made me grow into the person I am today,” he shares. His advice to current and future Questrom students is to step out of their comfort zones. “Every other student is doing the same courses, learning from the same teachers, and finishing the same assignments, so what makes you stand out? It’s the things you do in your free time that lead to a successful future.”
Arin’s experience with the clubs at Questrom was particularly inspiring. As a director within the Fashion and Retail Association and holding three positions within Delta Sigma Pi, including President, he gained valuable leadership and organizational skills. He was an active member of Strike Magazine and played for the BU Club Tennis Team as well. These roles helped him improve his networking and public speaking abilities, shaping him into a more effective leader.
Currently, Arin works full-time at Colossus Creative Co. in Boston as a Content Creator, where he produces all the photo and video content needed for each brand the agency works with. This role allows him to continually hone his professional and commercial skills, pushing him to learn and improve with each project. Additionally, Arin’s latest venture, Tosku, a video production company, embodies his vision of converging stories and building a community of like-minded individuals. At Tosku, Arin contributes by overseeing creative projects, ensuring they align with the company’s mission of inspiring authenticity and connection.
Reflecting on what drives him, Arin cites the uncertain future and access to numerous resources as key motivators. “I am a big believer that you can do anything you put your mind to, especially because the current world we live in allows for that to be true,” he says. His fascination with media pushes him to create unique and thrilling visuals that keep him inspired. Arin Siriamonthep’s story highlights the power of creativity, leadership, and a relentless drive to make a difference. As he continues to elevate Asian voices, his journey serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the impact one individual can have on their community and beyond.
This selection of photos were captured at concerts and studio photography sessions by Arin Siriamonthep.
