About

We're working to humanize the immigrant narrative, one story at a time.

Define American is a narrative change organization that uses the power of storytelling to humanize conversations about immigrants. We conduct original, cutting-edge research to identify narratives that inspire people to action. Our advocacy within entertainment, digital media, and the arts is creating an America where everyone belongs. Define American was founded in 2011 by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas and has been named one of the world’s most innovative companies by Fast Company.

We still ask the question: How do you Define American?

Daniel Dae Kim
Daniel Dae Kim
Joy-Ann Reid
Joy-Ann Reid
Jon M. Chu
Jon M. Chu
Cristela Alonzo
Cristela Alonzo
Daniel Dae Kim
Daniel Dae Kim
Joy-Ann Reid
Joy-Ann Reid
Jon M. Chu
Jon M. Chu
Cristela Alonzo
Cristela Alonzo

In 2011, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas came out to the world as an undocumented immigrant. Jose revealed his status to three media professional friends — Jehmu Greene, Alicia Menendez, and Jake Brewer — and together, they created Define American.

Meet the dedicated Define American staff working to humanize conversations on immigration.

Follow us on social media and discover all the ways we help tell the immigrant story.

Help us create an America where everyone belongs by supporting our work.