Atlanta, September 23, 2025 – The National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA) has ushered in a new chapter with the unanimous election of Nellie Li as its President. The appointment, confirmed during a recent Board of Directors meeting, signals a strategic shift towards empowering the next generation and deepening community ties across the Peach State. In an exclusive sit-down with the Georgia Asian Times, Nellie Li shared her vision for the esteemed organization.
A longtime Atlantan with roots in China, Li is no stranger to NACA, having been an active and dedicated member for over a decade. She attributes her long-standing commitment to the powerful draw of the association’s core mission. “The work of ‘building bridges across communities’ has always resonated deeply with me,” Li explained. “Now, I am honored to have the opportunity to help expand that role, particularly among the young generations of Chinese Americans here in Georgia who are the future of our community.”
Central to Nellie Li’s agenda is a focus on cultural identity and leadership development. She passionately believes that nurturing a strong sense of heritage is key to empowering young Chinese Americans to become successful, responsible citizens. “It’s about giving them the tools and the confidence to thrive, rooted in the richness of their culture,” she noted.
This commitment is already being realized through tangible initiatives. NACA, in a powerful partnership with the Ko Family Foundation, is currently accepting applications for its 2025 scholarship cycle. The program offers significant financial support to aspiring students:
- The prestigious Ko Family Scholarship will award $10,000 each to two outstanding finalists.
- The NACA Leadership Scholarship will grant $2,000 each to two additional recipients.
These merit-based awards are open to high school seniors and college freshmen and sophomores, with applications available on the NACA website until October 31, 2025.
Beyond scholarships, Li is spearheading a comprehensive repositioning of NACA’s activities to better engage young professionals and college students. This includes revitalizing event programming, ensuring smooth leadership transitions, and creating new cultural exchange initiatives.
NACA’s legacy of supporting education in Georgia is well-established. For decades, the organization has been a steadfast benefactor to institutions like Georgia Tech, the Georgia State University Nursing Program, and Emory University, with cumulative donations exceeding several hundred thousand dollars for scholarship funds. Furthermore, NACA has allocated over $18,000 to support Georgia Tech students participating in study abroad programs across Asia, including destinations in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Korea, and Singapore.
The association’s reach also extends to the academic arena, with a $3,000 award presented for the top research paper at the annual China Go Global Initiatives Conference in San Francisco.
Despite being only months into her tenure, Li and her board have hit the ground running. Planning is already underway for NACA’s signature events, including the annual Christmas Party and the much-anticipated Chinese New Year Fundraising Dinner Gala. A new series of quarterly events is also in development to maintain consistent engagement throughout the year.
Looking ahead, Li envisions a NACA that serves as a vibrant hub for connection and understanding. “My hope is to further bridge NACA across the multi-ethnic tapestry of metro Atlanta and Georgia,” Li stated. “In the current climate, our organization can play a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and trust between the U.S. and China, starting right here in our own community.”
With Nellie Li at the helm, NACA is poised to strengthen its foundation while building new bridges for the generations to come.
For more information or to apply for scholarships, visit: https://naca-atl.org
