Rahim Shah Akhunkhail
Founder & President
Voices of Muslims
Rahim Shah Akhunkhail is an Atlanta-based community leader, entrepreneur, and civic advocate, serving as Founder and President of Voices of Muslims, a grassroots organization advancing Muslim American civic engagement across Georgia. With nearly two decades of management consulting experience, he has worked with major corporations including IBM, AT&T, Cisco, Citi, HP, and Verizon. Akhunkhail has founded multiple civic and philanthropic initiatives, including Muslims of USA, SIR Foundation, and the Georgia Pakistan Business Council, with a focus on civil rights, voter participation, and interfaith collaboration. Originally from Pakistan, he holds engineering and MBA degrees from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and continues to champion inclusion and cross-cultural understanding statewide.
Representative Akbar Ali
Georgia House District 106
Akbar Ali is part of a new generation of Asian American leaders reshaping Georgia’s political landscape. Elected in 2025 to represent House District 106 in Gwinnett County, he made history as the youngest member of the Georgia General Assembly at just 21 years old—an unprecedented milestone that underscores the growing influence of AAPI voices in state leadership. As an AAPI legislator, Ali represents both generational and demographic change in Georgia politics. His election in one of the state’s most diverse districts highlights the rising civic engagement of immigrant and minority communities, while his leadership signals a broader shift toward inclusive representation and forward-looking policymaking.
Ly Bui
Principal Managing Partner
Aixem Software
Ly Bui is the Principal Managing Partner of Aixem Software and a tireless advocate for Georgia's AAPI community. As Executive Vice President of OCA-Georgia since 2023, she has strengthened the organization's reach, partnerships, and long-term sustainability by bringing the same strategic discipline to nonprofit work that she applies in her professional life.Beyond OCA-Georgia, Ly serves on APAC-Georgia and advises the Vietnamese Women Association of Georgia and AAWPI, while actively supporting AAPI LEAD. Her work spans civic engagement, youth leadership, advocacy, and coalition-building — connecting community members, corporate partners, and public officials around a shared purpose. For Ly, success is measured not by title or recognition, but by how many people she empowers to lead and serve. She is shaping a more visible, resilient, and engaged AAPI Georgia — not just for today, but for generations to come.
Anne Chen
Director of Convention Sales
Explore Gwinnett
Anne Chen plays a key role in positioning Gwinnett County as a global destination for meetings and tourism. As Director of Convention Sales at Explore Gwinnett, she drives new business, supports clients, and generates economic impact through conventions and hospitality initiatives. With more than 18 years in restaurant management and a fast-tracked career with Marriott, Anne brings strong expertise in sales and operations. Since joining Explore Gwinnett in 2015, she has expanded international outreach—growing global market sales by 33% in her first year. Fluent in Mandarin and of Taiwanese heritage, Anne has built strategic partnerships that strengthen Gwinnett’s appeal to international visitors while advancing cultural competency across the local hospitality industry.
Mayumi Cole
Retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Signal Corps
New Uchina Goodwill Ambassador of Okinawa
Mayumi Cole is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Georgia Tech ROTC staff member, and appointed Goodwill Ambassador of Okinawa — a trailblazer whose life of service spans military command, cultural diplomacy, and community leadership. During her 28-year Army career, she broke barriers as the first female and first Okinawan-born Asian American to command Fort Buckner, and served as a founding member of the Joint Task Force for Computer Network Defense — an early pioneer in protecting the nation's digital infrastructure. In Georgia, Mayumi continues to lead with purpose. At Georgia Tech, she champions inclusion and mentorship within Army ROTC while organizing community outreach from Toys for Tots to alumni events. As a Goodwill Ambassador appointed by the Governor of Okinawa, she preserves and shares Okinawan culture through dance, festivals, and community programs. She has also served as a CERT-certified emergency response instructor and spent a decade as Chapter Secretary for the AUSA Greater Atlanta Chapter. Grounded in courage, humility, and selfless service, Mayumi Cole is a quiet force — building bridges between cultures, generations, and communities across Georgia and beyond.
Carlo Gan
Co-Founder
Kamayan ATL
Carlo Gan is a Filipino American restaurateur and community leader helping elevate Filipino culture and cuisine in Georgia. As co-founder of Kamayan ATL, he transformed a grassroots pop-up into one of Atlanta’s most recognized Filipino restaurants, introducing authentic Filipino communal dining traditions to a broader audience. Alongside co-founder Mia Orino, Gan built Kamayan ATL around the Filipino tradition of kamayan—communal dining centered on shared meals and cultural connection. Under his leadership, Kamayan ATL has earned major culinary recognition, including honors from the James Beard Foundation and inclusion in the Michelin Guide, helping place Filipino cuisine on Georgia’s culinary map. Beyond the restaurant industry, Gan has used food as a vehicle for cultural preservation, community building, and service, supporting local relief efforts and charitable initiatives. His work has strengthened the visibility of the Filipino American community and expanded Asian American representation in Georgia’s cultural and business landscape.
Ashna Khanna
Executive Director
Asian American Advocacy Fund
Ashna Khanna leads political power-building for Asian American and immigrant communities across Georgia. Since taking the helm in 2023, she has scaled a multi-entity ecosystem spanning a 501(c)(4), PAC, and independent expenditure operations while unifying policy advocacy, electoral strategy, and community organizing. This past year, she expanded statewide civic engagement infrastructure, launched a 501(c)(3) arm for nonpartisan programming, strengthened multiracial coalitions, and guided the organization through a critical electoral cycle. Previously, as Legislative and Policy Director at the ACLU of Virginia, she led successful campaigns to expand voting rights and advance criminal legal reform.
Kerry Lee
Co-Artistic Director
Atlanta Chinese Dance Company
Kerry Lee is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and arts advocate dedicated to advancing Chinese dance and Asian American storytelling. As Co-Artistic Director of the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company, she has helped elevate Chinese dance as both a cultural art form and a platform for social justice and community dialogue. After graduating from Stanford University and beginning a career in economic consulting, Kerry pursued professional dance in New York, performing nationally and internationally with leading companies including Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company and H.T. Chen & Dancers. Through her choreography, teaching, and advocacy, Kerry has centered Chinese American stories and social justice issues, including anti-Asian hate and cultural identity. A published writer and arts leader, she has contributed to national arts equity conversations through Dance/USA and the National Endowment for the Arts, while continuing to expand Asian American representation in the performing arts.
Nellie Li
President
National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA)
Nellie Li is a business leader and community advocate whose leadership has strengthened the voice and visibility of Chinese Americans across Georgia. As President of the National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA), she is guiding one of the state’s longest-standing AAPI civic organizations into a new era focused on cross-cultural engagement, leadership development, and civic participation. Within the AAPI community, Li has demonstrated sustained commitment to leadership and education, serving as a longtime NACA board member and advancing mentorship, cultural exchange, and civic engagement initiatives.
Hue Nguyen
City Councilwoman
City of Morrow
Hue Nguyen is a City Councilwoman for the City of Morrow, elected in 2024 and currently its youngest serving member. A dedicated public servant, she focuses on economic development, community engagement, and enhancing local parks and public spaces. Nguyen was recognized as the 2024 R.I.C.E. Humanitarian of the Year for her community impact across Georgia. Originally from Vietnam, she has been active in Morrow since 2002, launching youth programs and supporting underserved populations. In addition to her public service, she works in corporate operations and volunteers extensively in community initiatives. Nguyen is a strong advocate for inclusive community growth.
Lily Pabian
Executive Director
We Love Buford Highway
Lily Pabian leads We Love Buford Highway in preserving and uplifting one of metro Atlanta’s most diverse immigrant corridors. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded community impact through food access initiatives, youth arts programming, and cultural preservation projects documenting immigrant stories. She has elevated Buford Highway’s visibility through major initiatives such as the global Little Amal walk and the organization’s growing FEAST fundraiser, which supports local small businesses. Pabian’s work continues to strengthen partnerships and advocate for inclusive development, ensuring immigrant communities remain central to the corridor’s future.
Eun Seok Park
President
GMC Blue Service, Inc.
Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta
Eun Seok Park is a business leader and community advocate whose work spans industrial development and civic leadership in Georgia. As President of GMC Blue Service, Inc., he has led major construction and project management initiatives supporting global companies such as Hyundai, SK Battery, and LG Energy Solution—helping anchor significant international investment in the state. He also serves as President of the Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta, where his leadership earned the organization the prestigious “우수 한인회상” (Outstanding Korean Association Award). By strengthening ties between Korean multinational corporations and Georgia’s local economy, Park has played a key role in advancing inclusive growth and elevating the visibility of the AAPI business community.
Representative Sam Park
Georgia House Distict 107
Sam Park is one of Georgia’s most prominent Asian American elected officials, serving in the Georgia House of Representatives since 2017. Sam currently serves as the Georgia House Democratic Caucus whip. A lawyer and public health advocate, Park has built a legislative record centered on expanding healthcare access, advancing civil rights, and strengthening economic opportunity for working families. His policy leadership has included efforts to expand Medicaid, protect voting rights, and address disparities impacting communities of color. He has played a critical role in elevating representation and advocating for more inclusive policies, helping shape a more equitable and diverse political landscape in Georgia.
Sarah Park
Councilwoman
Duluth City Post-1
Sarah Park arrived in Duluth from South Korea as a teenager and never left — building a life of service that culminated in her historic 2025 election as the first immigrant woman on the Duluth City Council. A Georgia State University political science graduate, she has served on the Duluth Board of Ethics, Northside Hospital Board of Directors, and Gwinnett Hospital System Foundation, while co-owning Alchemist on the Divide in downtown Duluth. Park was also instrumental in uniting the community after the 2021 Atlanta spa shooting. On the Council, she champions public safety, small businesses, and equitable housing — driven by one conviction: people before politics.
Maha Ajarn Dam Phommasan
Abbot
Wat Lao Buddha Khanti
Maha Ajarn Dam Phommasan has built a welcoming spiritual community rooted in compassion, mindfulness, and universal peace. A recipient of the prestigious title “Maha” — conferred by Thailand's King upon monks who master Pali, Buddhism's sacred language — he has led bilingual meditation classes in both Lao and English since arriving in America in 2016, making Buddhist teachings accessible to all. His dedication to peace extended far beyond the temple when he joined the International Walk for Peace, a 2,300-mile pilgrimage from Houston to Washington DC, by Buddhist monks advocating for global unity. Though he suffered a life-altering injury during the walk that resulted in the loss of his leg, his spirit remained unbroken — declaring he would make the same choice again. In honor of his courage and community leadership, Gwinnett County presented him with the Key to the County. Maha Ajarn Dam Phommasan is not only a spiritual leader but a living example of the peace and resilience he has spent his life promoting.
Mikaela Santos
Lead Dancer
The Atlanta Ballet
Born in Manila, Philippines, Mikaela Santos moved to Atlanta at age 17 to join the Atlanta Ballet Fellowship program after being discovered at the 2016 World Ballet Competition. She joined the professional company in 2018 and has risen to lead roles in major productions, including The Nutcracker, Coco Chanel: The Life of a Fashion Icon, Don Quixote, Coppélia, and Giselle. Her achievements have earned national recognition, including a spot on Dance Magazine's “25 to Watch” list in 2023 and the Digital Cover of Pointe Magazine in 2024 — two of the highest honors in American ballet. As one of the few Asian American dancers performing at a premier U.S. ballet company, Santos has become a powerful voice for representation and perseverance, using her platform to inspire young dancers from underrepresented communities to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. A proud ambassador for both Atlanta and the Philippines, Mikaela Santos leads with excellence — on stage and in the community.
Lindo Joy De Sesto
Founder & Director, Georgia Cares
Co-Founder, Kapitbisig in Middle Georgia
Lindo Joy De Sesto is the Director of Georgia Cares and Co-Founder of Kapitbisig in Middle Georgia — two pillars of service dedicated to uplifting the most vulnerable in Warner Robins and beyond. Through Georgia Cares, he connects elderly clients with compassionate caregivers while creating meaningful employment for Filipino Americans. Through Kapitbisig, he leads a powerful culture of volunteerism — delivering 28 community projects in 2025, including a rapid-response meal program for federal employees and their families during the government shutdown. Guided by empathy and an unshakeable belief in human dignity, Lindo Joy is the first to respond and the last to leave.
Kazuhiro Shimizu
Partner
Alston & Bird
Kazuhiro “Kazu” Shimizu is a leading U.S.-qualified attorney from Japan and a Partner at Alston & Bird, where he leads the firm’s Japan Business Team. For more than 25 years, he has served as a key legal bridge between Japanese corporations and the U.S. market, advising on mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investment, compliance, and market entry strategies that have helped anchor major business operations across Georgia and the Southeast.
Acting as trusted outside counsel to numerous Japanese companies, Shimizu has played a pivotal role in facilitating investment, job creation, and long-term economic growth in the region. Beyond his legal practice, he serves on the boards of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia and the Japan-America Society of Georgia, strengthening economic and cultural ties between Japan and Georgia.
Kristel Silang
Senior Marketing Manager, SUPCASE
Co-Founder, OFW Georgia Foundation
Kristel Silang is a digital marketing leader. She drives integrated campaigns that elevate the company’s global presence in the competitive consumer tech accessories market, helping position the brand as a leader in durable, high-performance mobile gear. Beyond her professional work, Silang is deeply engaged in civic leadership and community service across metro Atlanta. She is a Civic Leadership Fellow with Hands On Atlanta and serves as Founding Board Secretary of OFW GA Foundation, supporting Filipino and immigrant communities. She also volunteers with organizations such as Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and The Sandwich Project. Silang’s work reflects a strong blend of corporate leadership and community impact, advancing both Georgia’s business landscape and its diverse civic ecosystem.
Amy Tep
CEO & Founder
La Tep Group
Amy Tep is the CEO and Founder of La Tep Group and a groundbreaking voice for AAPI representation in real estate. She made history as the first AAPI real estate professional featured on HGTV's House Hunters in Georgia — a distinction she has earned twice. Under her leadership, the La Tep Team has ranked in the top 3 for both volume and units across the entire BHGRE national network, earning her the Founder's Club and Hall of Fame honors at BHGRE Metrobrokers. Beyond the numbers, Amy is deeply committed to community. She mentors a team of 13 agents, offers bilingual homeownership education, and hosts workshops that help first-generation and Vietnamese American families build generational wealth. Her work reflects a simple but powerful belief: that representation and access to opportunity can change lives for generations to come.
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.
Von Tran
CEO and President
First Senior Center (FSC) Healthcare
A dedicated community leader who has generously donated her time and finances to various AAPI nonprofit organizations over the years. She serves over 1000 seniors weekly and provides food pantry services to over 3200 households monthly out of her pocket. Her group is one of the biggest AAPI employers in senior healthcare services – currently serving over 1000 seniors monthly. Her food pantry is the second-largest beneficiary of goods from the Atlanta Community Food Bank. With a successful entrepreneur background, she focus her energy on serving the community especially the elders in the Vietnames and AAPI community.
Jue Wang
Vice President
T. Dallas Smith and Company
Jue Wang is Vice President at T. Dallas Smith & Company, where she specializes in commercial real estate advisory across office, retail, and industrial sectors. With a client-focused approach, she provides strategic guidance in financial analysis, lease negotiation, and tenant representation for local, national, and international clients. Wang brings over a decade of experience, transitioning from a successful career in convention services and residential real estate—where she consistently delivered high-volume sales—to commercial brokerage.
Patty Villareal-Wong
Senior Account Executive
Concord Hospitality Enterprises
Patty Villareal-Wong is a hospitality leader and community advocate whose work has significantly elevated Gwinnett County’s tourism and workforce development landscape. As Senior Account Executive with Concord Hospitality Enterprises, she played a pivotal role on the pre-opening team of The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett, helping launch one of the region’s premier destinations. Beyond her professional achievements, Villareal-Wong is deeply committed to education and community service. She serves on the Executive Steering Committee and Advisory Board for the Hospitality Program at Gwinnett Technical College and as an Adjunct Professor, mentoring and preparing the next generation of industry leaders. Through her work with Gwinnett County Public Schools, she supports DECA students and expands career pathways for young talent. A trusted collaborator, she has built strong alliances with organizations such as the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Explore Gwinnett, advancing economic development and regional visibility.
Catherine Zhang
International Client Advisor
Morgan Stanley
Catherine Zhang is a First Vice President and International Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, recognized for her expertise in cross-border wealth management and her commitment to advancing the economic mobility of Asian American communities in Georgia. A strategic connector across industries, she plays key leadership roles with Ascend Atlanta, the Monte Jade Foundation, and the Hong Kong U.S. Business Association Atlanta, where she fosters leadership development, scientific collaboration, and global commerce. Through initiatives such as fintech and investment forums, Zhang helps position Georgia as a hub for international capital and innovation while mentoring the next generation of AAPI professionals. Her work reflects a sustained commitment to building pathways for both professional success and community impact.
