From the moment you meet Philippa ... she is intoxicating – thoughtful, respectful, honest ....
— U-M Arts Initiative
I have heard the word “phenomenal” more than a few times from various participants reflecting on the evening. From the beautifully inviting prompts, to the typewriter poets, to the graphic recording artist who captured the spirit of the night — every detail was just so well done. It was a beautiful and vital point of reconnection for our community!
— Barbara Eghan, Founding Executive Director, The Civic Lab at Georgetown Day School
I was truly impressed by how thoughtfully and effectively you executed your vision. Your work captured something profound, and you executed it brilliantly.
— Ben Bushkuhl, Participant in "Hey, We Need To Talk!"
Y’all count me in, the sooner we start seeing how much the same we are the sooner our lives will benefit.
— Joe Wilson, Founder, Steaks4Sheepdogs
As you may imagine, the [Looking For America] installations sparked conversation, laughter, mirth and some contention. In other words, it was a success!
— Curator Erica Marin at the El Paso Museum of History
That was amazing! What an unconventional, sideways (meant in the best way), innovative way to get people to connect.
— Erica Jin
The energy in the room was powerful, and the attendee ratings were unanimously enthusiastic. Your thoughtful remarks were an important part of this event. We are confident that your participation will have tangible results in future support of the arts.
— Karen Myers and Kendal Lake Smith, Fort Worth Women's Policy Forum
Philippa (verb): To ask an engaging question to connect strangers.
— Briannon Cierpilowski
The poems were magic — I think three times they made me turn to a stranger or someone I had just met (or drove them to turn to me) and dive into deep personal conversations about our journeys as AAPI women, and the tools and support systems that empower us to redefine ourselves. Such a powerful demonstration of how sharing our stories can create thought-provoking and inspiring connections.
— Ayeh Bandeh-Ahmadi
Watching you host that panel during SXSW about how art can change the world was a masterclass in interviewing. Your ability to ask deep questions and then help the other panel members work through those questions was beautiful.
— Derek Burton, Founder of Keep Austin Neighborly
Your engagement with local artists, activists, and advocates have provided different perspectives and opened up connections on a deeper and more meaningful level.
— Knut Panknin, Senior Program Officer, Friedrich Ebert Foundation
Philippa Pham Hughes’s Hey, ‘We Need to Talk! at UMMA is a fun way to dive into tough conversations. It creates a relaxed, intimate space to talk about what it means to be American, and despite having different political views, we all decided we wanted to stay in touch after so we could keep the conversation going and continue to learn and grow together.
— Sarah LaTarte
It was a beautiful conversation expertly steered by you.
— Togzhan Kassenova
Even if it’s just a dinner, or a conversation with a small group, or a huge exhibit or big party, you’re impacting lives, in small and big ways and it’s so meaningful. I truly admire your persistence at building bridges and communities.
— Sherin Koshy
Been simmering on our conversation deeply over the last few days.
— Carrie Marty Carroll, speaking about "Around the Table"
A powerful project, “The Greatest Poem,” expands from considering the Asian American women’s experience to all who followed the road that led to this country, leaving behind all that shaped us—feeling here, there, but often in between. Philippa’s animated film explores the concept of identity with touching honesty. Along with the colorful flower mural, the exhibition sends a message of hope and optimism. So, yes, let’s all talk!
— Maria Karametou
[Treehouse] is stunning. I was refreshed to have the quiet time to explore, after our animated conversation.
— Annie Storr
[The Greatest Poem film] should be shown at schools everywhere. My daughter’s elementary school just had a World Bazaar to celebrate the many nations that are present at their school through heritage and it was just wonderful to see how all of these nations could be in the same room and also all be American.
— Sandy Janeczek, speaking about the animated short film, :The Greatest Poem"