Storm graphic designer Ali Mahoney draws on personal heritage and Seattle’s diverse community to create this year’s AANHPI Cultural Evening T-shirt
SEATTLE — The Seattle Storm’s logo is at the center of this year’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Appreciation Night T-shirt, surrounded by flowers representing different Asian communities — an intentional choice by team graphic designer Ali Mahoney.
Mahoney, who is of Filipino descent, was handpicked to create the shirt for the Stormers’ annual cultural celebration.
“It’s important to honor my own heritage,” Mahoney said. “This month is a great way to focus on my heritage, which isn’t usually at the forefront.”
Mahoney said flowers are central to AANHPI culture and the different varieties used in the design span national borders, a deliberate nod to the scope of the communities being honored.
“Seattle has a large Asian community that has always supported the Storm and our sports teams,” she said. “I really wanted to honor all the different groups in Seattle and make sure everyone was seen.”
The AANHPI Appreciation Night is one of seven cultural celebration nights this season, all events falling under the “storm surge” category of the storm.
“Storm is a great partner for this type of project,” Mahoney said. “They really show what it means to be present in the community and among these groups.”
The specialty T-shirt is currently available for pre-order at the team’s online store or for purchase on-site at Climate Pledge Arena on Wednesday, May 20.
