In celebration of the 2025 Asian American and Pacific Islander AAPI Heritage Month — a tradition rooted in a national movement to recognize the cultural and civic contributions of AAPI communities — Georgia Asian Times has unveiled its annual list of 25 influential AAPI individuals whose achievements span the spheres of business, education, public service, and politics.
At a time when the presence and influence of AAPI voices are steadily expanding in both regional and national arenas, this recognition reflects not only the diversity and resilience within these communities but also their often-overlooked leadership across sectors.
While the editorial team acknowledges the list is by no means exhaustive, and that many deserving individuals may not be included, the honorees—some familiar names, others emerging—were selected through a public nomination process and a careful vetting aligned with established criteria. In highlighting these trailblazers, Georgia Asian Times continues a broader effort to uplift AAPI narratives that have long been marginalized or overlooked in the American story.
Leah Abucayan
Mural Artist
Designer, CNN Digital Art
Leah Abucayan, also known as hellaLEAH, is a Filipino-American muralist and designer based in Atlanta, GA. She studied Graphic Design at the Academy of Art University of San Francisco and currently works as a designer for CNN’s Digital Art Department. Outside of design, Leah has made a name for herself in the public art space, painting large-scale murals that celebrate culture, storytelling, and bold, vibrant imagery. She has participated in mural festivals such as Forward Warrior, Paint Memphis, and Babe Walls, and has collaborated with brands like Walt Disney Imagineering, BoxLunch and Lululemon. Leah’s journey as an artist started young—at 11 years old, she launched a business creating purses, bags, and wallets out of duct tape, a medium she still incorporates into her work today. Through murals and public art, Leah aims to create impactful, community-driven pieces that inspire and connect people through creativity.
Inaara Babwani
Business Outreach
Gwinnett County Economic Development
Inaara Babwani is a dynamic economic development professional whose work has become a driving force for local business growth in Gwinnett County. With a degree in business marketing from Georgia Gwinnett College—where she was named Student Engagement Specialist of the Year—Babwani has built a career bridging the gap between public service and private enterprise. As Gwinnett County’s current Business Outreach Coordinator, she connects businesses with vital resources, a role that follows her tenure as Project Manager for Manufacturing & Supply Chain at Partnership Gwinnett and Membership Development Manager at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Whether supporting startups or Fortune 500 companies, her focus remains on fostering economic resilience and opportunity. A 2022 graduate of the Gwinnett Young Professionals Journey Leadership Institute, Babwani embodies a leadership style rooted in emotional intelligence, diversity, and strategic performance, proving that community-building is both her profession and her passion.
Amy Chang
Co-Founder
Atlanta Festival Academy
Amy Chang is a celebrated violinist and violist whose 25-year international career includes performances with the Houston and Atlanta Symphony Orchestras, as well as major opera and ballet companies. A Grammy-winning recording artist, she has toured extensively and collaborated with renowned conductors and soloists. Beyond performance, Chang is a devoted educator and chamber musician, having served on faculty at prestigious music festivals and institutions around the world, including Interlochen, the Asian Youth Orchestra, and Agnes Scott College. In Georgia, she co-founded the William Pu Music Academy, the Atlanta Youth Orchestra, and the Atlanta Festival Academy—an internationally recognized classical music festival—along with several associated orchestras, creating transformative opportunities for young musicians. Her mentorship has led students to top honors in competitions and acceptance into elite music programs. A winner of the Taiwan National Music Competition, she holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rice University on full scholarship.
Tina Dorr
Partner
Barnes & Thornburg
Tina Dorr has emerged as a transformative force in Georgia’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and the field of intellectual property law, blending leadership with advocacy to leave an indelible mark. As a past president and current board member of the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association (GAPABA), she elevated the organization’s stature by hiring its first managing director, cementing its role as one of the Southeast’s most influential AAPI legal groups, with over 1,300 members. Under her stewardship, GAPABA shattered records, including its 30th-anniversary gala, which drew 620 attendees and 78 sponsors—an unprecedented milestone. Beyond the bar, she shapes professional development as Vice President of the Georgia Tech Atlanta Intown Board. Nationally, she is a key voice in the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO), co-vice chairing multiple committees, testifying before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office on innovation policy, and speaking at the 2024 IPO Annual Meeting on global trade secrets in the age of AI. A partner at Barnes & Thornburg, her thought leadership extends to published IP strategy insights and service on the State Bar of Georgia’s inclusion committee.
Patrick Ho
President
Georgia Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce (GVACC)
Before the age of 30, Patrick Ho has emerged as a forceful advocate for civic engagement and economic empowerment within Georgia’s Asian American communities. As president of the Georgia Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce, he has strengthened the organization’s role as a vital platform for entrepreneurial support and cultural identity, fostering growth and collaboration among Vietnamese Americans statewide. In parallel with his work in the private sector, Ho serves as Chief Human Resources Officer for Gilmer County Government, where he has championed equity and inclusion in public service. Currently pursuing a law degree, he continues to build the expertise needed to advance his community’s interests, embodying a new generation of leadership committed to advocacy, opportunity, and public good.
Dr. Philip Hong, PhD
Dean, The School of Social Work
University of Georgia
Dr. Philip Hong is the Dean and Professor at the University of Georgia’s School of Social Work, a position he has held since 2022. With a Ph.D. in Social Work and MSW from Washington University in St. Louis, a Ph.D. and MA in Political Science from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, and a BA from Yonsei University in South Korea, his career has focused on economic self-sufficiency, workforce development, and poverty alleviation. Previously, he served as Director of Loyola University Chicago’s Center for Research on Self-Sufficiency (CROSS) and as a professor and associate dean at Loyola’s School of Social Work. A respected scholar and leader, Dr. Hong has secured significant federal, state, and private research funding to advance social and economic policies supporting marginalized communities. Having led by example through his research, teaching, and administrative leadership, Dr. Hong continues to mentor future scholars and leaders to examine long-range, bottom-up solutions to promote individual and system empowerment through community engagement, innovation and social impact research in collaboration with many urban and rural communities.
Soo Hong
Georgia House Representative HD-103
A daughter of South Korean immigrants who arrived in Georgia at age 10, State Representative Soo Hong has swiftly made her mark since her 2022 election in House District 103. Now serving Buford, Sugar Hill, and parts of Gwinnett and Hall Counties, the Republican lawmaker—who once learned English with the help of dedicated public school teachers—has leveraged her background as a Georgia Tech and Mercer Law graduate to advance bipartisan policies. As one of Governor Brian Kemp’s floor leaders, she helped pass legislation combating gang violence and human trafficking while sponsoring bills to support women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses (HB 128) and expand aid for pregnant women (HB 129). Her pragmatic approach reflects both her immigrant family’s values of perseverance and her deep roots in a district that shaped her journey from Powers Ferry Elementary student to a rising voice for Georgia’s working families.
Shin P. Kang
Founder & CEO, WNB Factory
Shin P. Kang, an enterprising force in both business and community leadership, arrived in Georgia from South Korea at 23 and swiftly rose from restaurant employee to owner by 25. Over the next three decades, he built a thriving career in the food service industry, culminating in the founding of WNB Factory at age 50—a fast-growing franchise known for quality and innovation, now boasting over 100 locations across nine states and an expansion into Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Alongside his business success, Kang has remained a steadfast advocate for the Korean American community in Atlanta, serving in leadership roles including Vice President of the Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta, Secretary General of the newly formed Korean Festival Foundation, and board member of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia. His steady vision and civic dedication have left a profound mark on Gwinnett County and beyond.
Edward Lai
Director of Business Development – Atlanta, Portal Innovations;
Co-Founder, Association of Asian Healthcare Leaders (AAHL)
Edward (Eddie) Lai has emerged as a pivotal force in Atlanta’s AANHPI business and healthcare sectors, blending expertise in life sciences, venture capital, and economic development with a deep commitment to community empowerment. His career began at Emory Healthcare with a prestigious administrative fellowship, where he led key COVID-19 initiatives. At the Metro Atlanta Chamber, he advanced healthcare and life sciences efforts while organizing signature events for the AANHPI community. As co-founder of the Association of Asian Healthcare Leaders, Lai helped grow a national network of over 2,000 members, fostering professional development and collaboration. Now the Director of Business Development at Portal Innovations’ Atlanta office, he is instrumental in positioning Georgia as a hub for life sciences innovation. Lai also champions cultural representation through his podcast, Asian Faces, Healthcare Places, and remains active in diversity and inclusion efforts across several organizations, reinforcing his role as a leader reshaping both industry and community.
D.J. Lee
Founder & CEO
Applaso
DJ Lee, founder and CEO of Applaso, an IT services firm based in Georgia, has built a reputation for equipping small and mid-sized businesses with tailored, scalable technology solutions designed to help them flourish in an increasingly digital economy. A steadfast advocate for the Korean American community, Mr. Lee dedicates much of his time to mentoring young entrepreneurs and fostering global business connections through organizations like the World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations. His commitment to mentorship and community-building reflects a broader belief in collaboration and knowledge-sharing as essential forces for collective success.
Michelle Sandor Lee
Secretary-General
Korean Festival Foundation
Michelle Lee, a steady and unifying presence in Atlanta’s Korean American community, has long served as Vice President and Director of Government and External Affairs for both the Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta and the Federation of Korean Associations, S.E.U.S.A., earning trust across successive leadership terms. Known for her collaborative spirit and behind-the-scenes effectiveness, Lee played a pivotal role in founding the Korean Festival Foundation and has led it to notable success, while also organizing major charity golf tournaments that bring the community together for shared causes. With a reputation for connecting people and delivering on ambitious initiatives, she has quietly but powerfully strengthened community bonds and expanded opportunities for civic engagement.
Marvin Lim
Georgia House Representative HD-98
In a legislative environment where bipartisan support is rare, Representative Marvin Lim has emerged as a singular force of impact and ingenuity, leveraging every tool of governance to deliver transformative results for Georgia and his Gwinnett County district. Named Legislator of the Year by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Lim made history in 2024 by passing a landmark bill recognizing Indigenous American tribes—the first such success from his district in two decades. He has introduced over 100 bills and secured hearings on 23, but his influence extends well beyond the chamber floor. As founder and executive director of the Lucky Shoals Community Association, Inc., he has personally steered over $40 million in funding to Norcross, Lilburn, and Tucker, tackling everything from green infrastructure to hate crime prevention and dementia respite care for AAPI families. Lim’s advocacy spans from grassroots petitions to federal grantwriting, earning him a reputation not just as a lawmaker, but as an organizer, problem-solver, and institution-builder. Whether installing bus canopies, teaching English and nutrition, or litigating on behalf of vulnerable tenants, Lim’s brand of public service is granular, relentless, and deeply rooted in the lives of his constituents.
Brian Lin
President
Organization of Chinese Americans, Georgia chapter
OCA-Georgia
Brian Lin is currently serving his second term as president of OCA-GA, where he has been an active member since 2017 and a board member since 2018. A dedicated advocate for the Asian community, he also sits on the national committee of OCA and has previously held leadership roles, including board chair of the Atlanta Contemporary Chinese School (2010-2017) and president of the Xiamen University American Alumni Association (2015-2017). Beyond his civic engagement, Lin is the driving force behind Maylan Group, an innovative early childhood education initiative that blends language immersion, Montessori methods, and STEM learning. His commitment to community service extends to his role as vice president of community outreach for the Southeast Fujian Association.
Ted Kyung Lee
President
Korean American Chamber of Commerce USA
Ted Kyung Lee, a dynamic force in international commerce, has emerged as a key figure linking Korean and American business communities. At the 22nd World Korean Business Convention in Jeonju, South Korea, in 2023, Lee brokered a headline-making $50 million export deal and secured Atlanta as the first-ever Georgia host of the 2025 convention. As president of the Korean American Chambers of Commerce USA, he has expanded economic pathways for Korean American entrepreneurs nationwide while elevating Georgia’s global business standing. An immigrant since 1989 and a successful distributor of alcoholic beverages and medical supplies across the Southeast, Lee’s tenure has coincided with back-to-back U.S.-based conventions—Orange County in 2023 and Atlanta in 2025—underscoring his national influence and steadfast leadership.
Mary Ann Neely, BSN, RN-BC
President
Philippines Nurses Association of Georgia
Mary Ann Neely, the current president of the Philippine Nurses Association of Georgia, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Georgia’s Filipino-American healthcare community, blending professional leadership with tireless community service. A veteran charge nurse at Northside Hospital and adjunct faculty member at the University of North Georgia, Neely is known for her ability to rally both volunteers and vision, from orchestrating elaborate Nurses Week celebrations to forging partnerships with local nonprofits. Her tenure has been defined by a steady commitment to elevating Filipino nurses and expanding outreach initiatives, culminating in her receipt of the prestigious Florence Nightingale Award in 2023. Balancing clinical rigor with cultural pride, Neely continues to serve as a bridge between heritage and healing in one of the state's fastest-growing professional communities.
Cindy Nguyen
President
Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) Atlanta Chapter
As President of the AREAA Atlanta Chapter, Cindy Nguyen has emerged as a dynamic leader, championing AAPI homeownership, fair housing policies, and professional empowerment within the real estate industry. Under her stewardship, the chapter has flourished, expanding membership, forging strategic partnerships, and launching educational programs that equip agents with cutting-edge market insights. Beyond transactions, Nguyen has prioritized community impact, organizing financial literacy workshops, supporting underserved homebuyers, and spearheading philanthropic initiatives that uplift Atlanta’s diverse neighborhoods. Her ability to bridge industry expertise with advocacy has not only elevated the chapter’s influence but also cemented her reputation as a catalyst for inclusive growth. Whether rallying professionals at networking events or collaborating with policymakers, Nguyen’s leadership reflects a steadfast commitment to ensuring housing equity and opportunity for all.
Chunghee “Abbie” Park
Community Volunteer
Chunghee “Abbie” Park, serves as a vital bridge between South Korea and the American South, guiding Korean businesses as they establish themselves in the U.S. and integrate into local communities. Her work involves more than just business facilitation; Park is deeply committed to nurturing the Korean-American community. Her outgoing personality and dedication make her a perfect fit for this role, as she collaborates with Korean companies to help them integrate and thrive in the U.S. market. Park's contributions have been recognized in local media, highlighting her role in nurturing the Korean community and exemplifying the American Dream through resilience and community service.
Nabilah Islam Parkes
Georgia Senator District 7
Nabilah Islam Parkes, a daughter of Bangladeshi immigrants and a longtime advocate for working-class families, made history in 2022 when she became the first Muslim woman elected to the Georgia State Senate, representing the 7th District in Gwinnett County. Raised in Norcross and Lawrenceville, she was propelled into activism after witnessing her mother struggle with denied health benefits, a formative experience that later shaped her progressive platform. A graduate of Georgia State University, Islam Parkes cut her teeth in politics working on campaigns for figures like Hillary Clinton and Andre Dickens before launching her own bids for office, including a closely contested 2020 congressional primary. Her successful petition to the Federal Election Commission to allow candidates to draw salaries from campaign funds underscored her commitment to opening the political arena to working-class candidates. Today, Islam Parkes serves on several key Senate committees, advocating for gun safety, veterans' affairs, and expanded healthcare access, while remaining an influential voice for Georgia’s diverse and rapidly changing electorate.
Gladys Martin Villareal-Propes
Entrepreneur & Founder
Asian Bliss, Elena's Noodle Bar, and Sweet Bliss
Gladys Villareal-Propes is a Filipino-American entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate known for her dedication to empowering local and global communities. Originally from Olongapo City, Philippines, she immigrated to the U.S. at 13 and settled in Warner Robins, Georgia. Starting her career at Google in Silicon Valley, she gained valuable leadership skills that she later applied to her businesses—Asian Bliss Market, Bliss Bakery, and Elena’s Noodle Bar—which celebrate Asian culture while fostering economic growth in Middle Georgia. Beyond entrepreneurship, Gladys co-leads KAPITBISIG, organizing health fairs, feeding programs, and disaster relief efforts for Filipino communities in Georgia and the Philippines. Her quiet generosity, mentorship, and unwavering support for those in need highlight her commitment to service, resilience, and uplifting others.
Ann Rithmyxay
Founder & CEO
New Senior Care
Ann Rithmyxay is a compassionate leader whose life journey—from immigrating to the U.S. from Laos at age 12 to supporting her family and preserving her cultural roots—has shaped her lifelong commitment to service. With a degree in Business Administration and over 25 years of experience in logistics and healthcare, she has championed the well-being of seniors and individuals with developmental disabilities while driving economic growth and job creation. As the founder of New Senior Care and a dedicated advocate for the Laotian community, Ann has preserved cultural heritage, expanded educational opportunities, and fostered inclusion through her leadership in multiple national organizations. Her unwavering dedication reflects the true essence of servant leadership, resilience, and impactful influence.
Dr. Alexandra Thomas, Ed. D
Founder & Executive Director
Atlanta Teaching & Learning Lab
Staff, Gwinnett County Public Schools G.I.V.E. West Center
Dr. Alexandra Thomas, an educator, curriculum designer, and advocate for underserved students, has spent her career reimagining what inclusive, high-quality education can look like. With an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Teaching from Columbia University’s Teachers College, she began as a middle and high school teacher in New York City before expanding her influence as an adjunct professor and consultant. In 2017, she founded the Atlanta Teaching and Learning Lab, where she leads school transformation efforts, designs inquiry-based curricula, and trains educators in culturally responsive teaching—particularly in STEM and literacy. Now a World History teacher in Gwinnett County Public Schools, she remains dedicated to empowering multilingual and marginalized students, ensuring they receive the tools to thrive. Her work has not only shaped classrooms across Georgia but also elevated the voices of Asian American and other diverse learners, cementing her legacy as a visionary in equitable education.
Long Tran
Georgia House of Representatives HD-80
Representative Long Tran, a Democratic member of the Georgia House of Representatives for District 80, has been a vocal advocate for economic development, education, and social justice since his election in 2022. An attorney and small business owner, Tran has focused on expanding healthcare access, supporting veterans, and strengthening small businesses through his committee roles in Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, and Small Business Development. He has championed policies to improve affordable housing, protect LGBTQ+ rights, and enhance election accessibility, while also pushing for Medicaid expansion and gun safety reforms. Tran has sponsored and supported legislation aimed at combating discrimination, boosting local economies, and improving public education funding, solidifying his reputation as a progressive leader in DeKalb County and beyond. His work reflects a commitment to equity, community engagement, and bipartisan collaboration in the Georgia State House.
Sandra Wong, MD, MS
Dean
Emory University School of Medicine
Dr. Wong, currently the dean of the School of Medicine and chief academic officer for Emory Healthcare, is an internationally renowned surgical oncologist specializing in soft tissue sarcomas, melanoma, and skin cancers. Previously, she chaired the Department of Surgery at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, overseeing research, education, and clinical operations, while also serving as a professor at Geisel School of Medicine. A prolific researcher with over 250 peer-reviewed studies, she has held leadership roles in major organizations like the Society of Surgical Oncology and editorial positions for prominent journals such as the Journal of the American College of Surgeons and Annals of Surgery. Recognized for her teaching excellence, she earned her MD from Northwestern University, trained at the University of Louisville and Memorial Sloan-Kettering, and later pioneered rural health equity initiatives, founding the Center for Rural Health Care Delivery Science at Dartmouth. A champion of diversity, she has also led national efforts in inclusion while maintaining a distinguished career in academia, research, and clinical innovation.
Gary Yip
Financial Educator & Real Estate Consultant
Right Path Agency
Gary Yip, a devoted financial literacy advocate, has transformed countless lives by empowering individuals with the tools to secure their financial futures. Known for his compassionate spirit and relentless drive, Yip shifted from a thriving career as a restaurant owner to becoming a distinguished real estate broker. As co-founder of the Atlanta chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), he championed inclusivity and collaboration, setting a new standard for leadership in the industry. His financial education initiatives have reached families and professionals alike, offering vital lessons on wealth-building and economic resilience. But for Yip, it’s not just about knowledge—it’s about sparking lasting change. His work has become a cornerstone of financial independence, elevating living standards and fostering opportunity across the community.
Bonnie Youn
Managing Director
RMN Agency
Youn's exceptional leadership in bringing people together and her tireless, behind-the-scenes efforts to achieve impactful results in the legal, social, and community advocacy space have brought hundreds and thousands of people together. Youn's dedication and compassion have been essential in strengthening Atlanta’s Asian American community and advancing. She is a long-time member of the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association and an organizing member of the Asian Justice Movement – Atlanta Coalition for 3/16 Remembrance. Youn is widely recognized as one of the top legal recruiters in Atlanta.
