The National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA) is one of those rare AAPI non-profit organizations that could claim to celebrate a Sapphire Jubilee anniversary.
2024 marked the 45th year of its founding anniversary as an Atlanta chapter of a national organization.
The National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA) is a nationally known U.S. organization founded in 1977 by Chinese American Nobel Laureate Dr. Chen Ning Yang.
NACA is a membership organization, and its members are typically U.S. citizens of Chinese heritage who are active in America’s corporate, entrepreneurial, and academic professions.
Over the years, NACA has established a solid reputation as a premiere non-profit organization that promotes relationships between the U.S. and the People's Republic of China.
It bridges between Georgia and the People's Republic of China to promote business, economic development, trade, culture, and education.
One of its core missions is to promote leadership development among young Chinese American students and professionals.
NACA's civic engagement has benefitted various local community groups ranging from education scholarships, community donations, and disaster aid.
“It has been a long arduous journey since we first started. It has been one of my key goals since day one to ensure that Atlanta plays an integral role in expanding global business opportunities with the People's Republic of China, said Lani Wong, the Chair of NACA.
“Our momentum grew right after Premier Deng Xiao Peng visited Georgia. The 1980s and 1990s witnessed tremendous growth as there was so much interest in the opening of China to the world,” adds Wong.
“NACA plays host to visiting officials from China including the Ambassadors, senior government officials, business, and academic delegations. We are proud of the opportunities created from these mutual relationships,” said Wong.
Since the 2000s, NACA has helped with various scholarship funding for local community colleges and institutions in Georgia. It has invested over $260,000 to aid the Nursing Program at Georgia State University at Perimeter College.
NACA has also donated over $105,000 in scholarship funds to help students at the Georgia Institute of Technology-Shenzhen program. NACA also provided over $30,000 in scholarship funds for the Georgia Tech Go Global Association.
Among the beneficiaries of NACA's annual scholarship funding was Good Shepherd Services of Atlanta, which has received over $50,000 in donations to help with its children's free meals and its after-school programs.
“One of our signature programs is the mentorship program designed to aid high school, college, and young professionals in their development,” said Wong proudly.
NACA started a mentorship program for high school and college students in 2004. It then launched a Young Professional Mentorship Program in 2013. These educational programs guide students to be successful in their future endeavors and be successful future leaders in their professional careers.
“We have been supporting and playing a key role as supporters of various community activities that bring positivity to communities. We donated to non-profit organizations to support their missions. In addition, we also actively promote the Chinese cultural heritage and language among young Chinese Americans,” said Wong.
The 45th anniversary of the Sapphire Jubilee will represent a major accomplishment in NACA's journey to uplift the Chinese American community in metro Atlanta and Georgia.
“We intended this celebration to honor the hard work of our volunteers and Board members who have helped us. We also wanted this event to spotlight the heritage, dance, music, and entertainment for the younger generations,” said Wong.
The entertainment lineup for the evening's celebration included Georgia Tech Seoulstice, Atlanta Chinese Dance Company, and the Atlanta Phoenix Dragon Beats.
Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets and tables before the event.
NACA's 45th Anniversary Sapphire Jubilee Celebration
Date: November 9, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm
Canton House Restaurant and Event Hall
2255 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, GA 30096
For more sponsorship & admission: www.naca-atlanta.org
