Duluth, March 1, 2026 — The National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA) rang in the Lunar New Year in grand fashion at Canton House Duluth, hosting its annual fundraising Chinese New Year dinner gala to a packed house of community leaders, elected officials, and supporters from across the metro Atlanta area.
The evening's centerpiece was a landmark $30,000 scholarship donation presented to Georgia State University-Perimeter College School of Nursing — a testament to NACA's enduring commitment to advancing educational opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals. In partnership with the Ko Family Foundation, NACA also recognized two exceptional AAPI students, Annie Lin and Victoria Yan, each receiving a $10,000 scholarship award in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement and community contributions.
The gala drew a distinguished roster of guests of honor, reflecting the breadth of NACA's relationships across Georgia's political and civic landscape. Among those in attendance were Dr. Brian Blake, President of Georgia State University; Peter Hubbard, Public Service Commission, Representative Long Tran; Representative Michelle Au; State Senator Nabilah Islam; and Atlanta City Councilman Alex Wan. A special guest from the Chinese Embassy from Washington DC, Counselor Chuanjie Dong flew in for the occasion.
The evening also marked a milestone for NACA itself, as Nellie Li was formally introduced as the organization's new President. In her remarks, Li paid tribute to her predecessors while casting a forward-looking vision for the organization.
“We will continue building bridges across the multicultural communities in Georgia,” Li told the audience, earning a warm reception from the assembled guests.
Li's remarks underscored a philosophy that has long defined NACA's work — forging connections not only within the Chinese American community, but across the diverse tapestry of cultures and communities that make Georgia home.
For Annie Lin and Victoria Yan, the Ko Family Foundation scholarships represent more than financial support — they are a symbol of the broader AAPI community's investment in its future leaders.
As the gala drew to a close, the mood was celebratory and optimistic. With new leadership in place, record scholarship giving, and strong ties to Georgia's elected officials, NACA enters the Year of the Snake with momentum and purpose.
