June Industry Spotlight: Brandon Ha
Brandon Ha | Co-Founder and Vice President of White Lotus Foundation
Published June 17, 2026
Written by: Carolina Nascimento
Brandon is the co-founder and Vice President of the White Lotus Foundation, a Portland-based nonprofit created to support and empower the AANHPI community through cultural events and programs. Through the organization, he helps oversee a variety of community-centered initiatives, with a focus on the growth of White Lotus Market and the events the foundation produces across the city.
“My commitment is to bring people together and help tell their stories,” Brandon said. “Whether it’s through a community market or a cultural festival, I focus on creating spaces where people can connect, celebrate their culture, while also supporting local businesses and building stronger communities.”
Born and raised in Portland, Brandon is the child of two Vietnamese Americans who immigrated to the United States after the Vietnam War. Like many second-generation Asian Americans, he grew up moving between the culture and expectations of home and the world outside of it. That experience shaped the way he thinks about belonging, identity, and community.
In high school, Brandon found connection through hip hop and multicultural clubs, where he met other students who shared similar experiences. It was there that he first began organizing events for his school and the broader community. At the same time, he spent 15 years practicing, teaching, and coaching Taekwondo, an experience that helped him build leadership skills and learn how to connect with people in meaningful ways.
Looking back, those early experiences became the foundation for much of his work today.
White Lotus Market began from conversations about what felt missing in the community: more spaces that highlighted AANHPI culture, supported small businesses, and gave people a reason to gather. What started as an idea has grown into a platform for local makers, entrepreneurs, food vendors, performers, and community members to come together.
For Brandon, the impact of this work is what keeps him going.
“What drew me in was seeing the impact a single event could have on someone’s life. A small business might gain new customers. A young person might see their culture celebrated in a way they never have before. Someone new to Portland might find a sense of belonging and community.”
Those moments of connection are at the center of White Lotus Market. While an event may only last a day or a weekend, Brandon sees the relationships, opportunities, and memories created through those gatherings as something much longer lasting.
One of the most meaningful moments in his career came in 2022, when White Lotus hosted its first large-scale cultural event. At the time, the organization was primarily known for its Dragon & Lion Dance program, and the team was still learning what it would take to produce a festival of that size. They trusted their instincts, brought their network together, and went all in.
When the doors opened, there was a line wrapped around the block. The venue stayed packed, vendors sold out, and the response from the community was overwhelmingly positive.
“That was the moment we realized Portland was hungry for something like this, and that we had created something special,” Brandon said.
Portland has played a major role in shaping Brandon’s work. He describes the city as a place with a strong culture of supporting local businesses, grassroots initiatives, and community-driven projects. As Portland continues to grow and change, he sees more opportunities to tell new stories, celebrate different cultures, and build connections across communities.
“Much of our work exists because Portland embraces the idea that community events can be more than entertainment. They can be platforms for culture, education, and belonging.”
That collaborative spirit is part of what makes Portland’s event community unique. Brandon points to the way organizers, artists, performers, small businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies often work together toward a shared goal: creating experiences that benefit the community.
He also sees authenticity as a defining part of Portland’s event scene.
“Portland audiences appreciate events that feel genuine and community-driven,” he said. “People want to support local creators, discover new cultures, and connect with their neighbors. That spirit makes Portland a special place to build events.”
As White Lotus Market continues to grow, Brandon and the White Lotus Foundation are thinking beyond individual events. Their long-term vision is to build a sustainable space that can function as an incubator for small businesses, helping turn passion projects and side hustles into long-term careers. They also hope to create a permanent community space where culture and connection can thrive year-round.
Every event, Brandon says is a chance to celebrate local talent while reinvesting back into the community.
For those looking to get started in event production or community-based work in Portland, his advice is simple: start by getting involved. Volunteer, connect with organizers, and take time to understand the communities you want to serve.
“The best event producers aren’t just good at logistics, they understand people and relationships. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before taking action. Many successful events start small.”
Most importantly, he encourages future event producers to remember that community-centered events are ultimately about service.
“If you stay focused on creating value for others, and the growth and success will follow.”
