Michelle Li recently went on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to speak about how she transformed a viewer’s racist voicemail into the ‘Very Asian’ movement sparking positive change.

Li, who is a Korean American news anchor based in St. Louis, went viral earlier this month after sharing a voicemail left by a viewer criticizing her for mentioning her cultural New Year’s tradition during a broadcast.

After reading a line about classic foods Americans eat on New Year’s, Li briefly mentioned how Koreans often eat dumpling soup, "I ate dumpling soup, that's what a lot of Korean people do." The viewer then left Li a voicemail calling her “Very Asian” and told her that she can “keep her Korean to herself.” However, Li went on to use this moment to spark change and create The Very Asian Foundation, with the mission to amplify AAPI voices.

“It came together with quick action and smart, thoughtful minds in #STL and across the country. I am humbled, she said. “We will evolve. We are allowing ourselves to dream bigger – it wouldn’t be happening without YOU, your pride, and your love of food, friends, and family. #Veryasian will always be about US.”