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May 1-15, 2013 E Georgia Asian Times
In the spirit of 2013 Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration, we are documenting the changing of power and the continual shifting of influence of Asian Americans in our communities. This year’s 25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia offer a listing of individuals who made an impact in arts, business, government, politics, social work, education, judiciary, and areas that influence every aspect of Georgian’s daily life. Some names are familiar as they continue to strive to make our community a better place to live. New faces are recognized for their effort and dedication to make a difference. The list is made possible by the editorial staff and a selection committee comprises of community, civic, media, and professional organizations.
Aparna Bhattacharyya Executive Director Raksha
Cecile J. Pasion-Bregman Chairperson, Kalayaan Asst Professor, Emory University
Aparna Bhattacharyya was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She has served as Executive Director of Raksha since 1998. Aparna graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She has served as a member of the Georgia Advisory Committee for the U.S Commission on Civil Rights, board Vice President for Tapestri, Inc, an Advisory Board member for the National Network to End Violence Against Immigrant Women, Advisory Board Member for Georgia State’s School of Social Work, Board Member of the Dekalb County Domestic Violence Task Force in 2006- 2012 (Board Chair from 2010-2011), and the Cross Keys Foundation Vice President in 2011-2012. Aparna is an alumni of Leadership Atlanta’s Class of 2010, and a 2009 recipient of the Center for Pan Asian Community Service’s Asian Women’s Leadership Development Grant.
25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia
Cecile J. Pasion-Bregman, MD, has been a practicing psychiatrist in Metro-Atlanta since 1996. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Emory University Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and has served in leadership roles in her professional career. Aparna was recognized by the Indian American Cultural Association for Excellent and Continued Contribution to the Community in 2010. Aparna is currently on the Board of the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the National Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project and is the Board Chair of VIDA Legal Assistance. Aparna continues to advocate for access and justice for immigrant survivors of domestic and sexual violence and trains community members, law enforcement, attorneys, and law enforcement both locally and nationally.
She is also very active in the Filipino-American community, having served as President of the FilipinoAmerican Association of Greater Atlanta in 2001 and other positions. As Chair of Kalayaan 2012, she worked cohesively with the different leaders of other Filipino-American organizations and expanded this celebration commemorating Philippine Independence from a one-day to a four-day affair. She is again Chair of Kalayaan this year which is now a one month celebration offering events that target Filipinos from all walks of life throughout Georgia. Kalayaan showcases Filipino culture and values for the future generations to appreciate and perpetuate.
Cecile also serves the broader community, being the Founding Chair of the Angels of Mercy Ministry, which is composed of volunteer doctors, nurses, lawyers and other allied health professionals who provide health screenings and medical and legal lectures to its parent parish, St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church. In the past year, this ministry has also served the Burmese refugees of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, The Monastery of the Holy Spirit, St. John Catholic Church and soon the Our Lady of Vietnam Parish.
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25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia Estrella Cramer Corporate Finance Manager Corporate Procurement Services UPS Estrella Cramer started her career at United Parcel Service in 1989. She is currently the Global Procurement Finance Manager in the UPS Corporate office overseeing financial analysis, business planning, new process development, supplier relationships and reporting to ensure finance leadership for UPS Procurement. She is involved with the UPS Supplier Diversity program which includes working internally and externally to develop, promote, guide, assist and implement the supplier diversity process. Estrella has over 23 years of service across the different business units and functions in UPS (Supply Chain Solutions, Corporate, Finance & Accounting, Marketing, Strategic Cost, etc.). Expanded experience internationally with a special assignment in
2004 as UPS Asia Pac Sarbanes Oxley Audit Coordinator establishing program and leading all auditing efforts related to SOX for all UPS locations in Asia. She played an active role in the pilot and launch of the official UPS Diversity Leadership Development (DLD) program in Corporate. Acted as co-chair in the DLD Business Connections which is an external networking program designed to give UPS employees exposure to a broad range of business perspectives, enhance business acumen, and provide opportunities to develop new business relationships. She is now the chair for the UPS Asian Business Resource Group Community Connections where participants are encouraged to learn leadership through service and involvement in community projects outside of UPS.
Le Doan is U.I. Field Tax Auditor II at Georgia Department of Labor to help raise business community awareness and compliant with the U.I. Tax Law.
In addition, Le is currently involved in numerous community groups including: serving as Board Member, Atlanta Regional Commission Youth Council (ARC-WIA), Team Captain of Asian Experience Cultural in Georgia
Kim is currently serving in her second term as President of Vietnamese Community of Georgia (2012-2015) and Secretary for the newly formed Georgia Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce. She is a successful real estate broker with Atlanta Maxim International Realty. Kim led the effort to establish the first Vietnamese Community Center in Georgia. The center provided a wide range of community services ranging from youth tutoring, after school program, English & Vietnamese language, and computer literacy class. It also provide free Tai chi class, ballroom dancing, and a monthly social gathering event to promote the Vietnamese heritage. She organized an annual free health fair and a summer picnic with more
Duriya Farooqui Chief Operating Officer City of Atlanta
Le Dam Doan President Asian/Pacific American Council of Georgia (APAC Georgia)
Le currently serve as President of Asian/Pacific American Council of Georgia. APAC Georgia is a federation organization of over 20 multicultural Asian organizations in metro Atlanta.
Kim Hanh Dang President Vietnamese Community of Georgia
(ACE), Public Relation Chair-Vietnamese-American Community of Georgia (VAC-GA), Advisor of Boat People SOS, Inc. (BPSoS), Member, The National Association of Asian American Professionals-Atlanta (NAAAP-Atlanta), Atlanta Asian Film Festival Organizing Committee (AAFF), Member, International Association of Workforce Professionals (IAWP).
Appointed by Mayor Kasim Reed, she is the youngest person to serve as Chief Operating Officer for Atlanta, the first Asian American and the third woman to hold the position. She has led major Reed Administration initiatives across the city to drive results in public safety, service delivery and improved operations across city agencies including Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, the busiest airport in the world. Duriya is responsible for the management of over 7000 city employees and operations that span an annual budget of over $2 Billion. Duriya holds a Masters in Public Administration and International Development from the Kennedy School
than 1000 attendees each year. Kim also organizes the Vietnamese TET Lunar New Year event that attracted more than five thousand attendees and a Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with more than two thousand attendees every year. She also recently formed a senior citizen group that meets every Saturday at the Vietnamese Community of Georgia Center with social activities that encourages physical and mental health.
at Harvard University and was awarded a fellowship on merit of professional promise. She received a B.A. in Economics and Mathematics from Hampshire College, under a full scholarship. Prior to joining the City of Atlanta, Duriya’s experience was focused on international policy analysis and included positions with the World Bank, The Center for Global Development and the Center for International Development at Harvard University. Her research focused primarily on trade, education policy and impact evaluation. Her work was also cited in the World Bank’s 2004 World Development Report.
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May 1-15, 2013 E Georgia Asian Times
25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia Julin Gu President, Federation Association Chinese Professionals Southern USA President, Association of Chinese Professionals in Atlanta Senior Consultant, Bank of America
Daniel Fu Board member Indonesian Heritage Community Foundation Daniel Fu has been involved with ICHF (Indonesian Community Heritage Foundation) as a supporter since 1998 and has served in various roles as a board member and President. He has made a continuing effort to help the organization grow and have bigger voice in the community. Daniel is a key team member of THEFUREO as a Buyer Specialist and has more than 10 years of experience; he is passionate about helping his clients find the best house according to their needs. He serves as the elder for Atlanta Chinese Christian Church, and also volunteers much of his time in community outreach. He also served as Board of Director for APAC (Asian/ Pacific-American Council) in the past three years.
He is very proud of his Indonesian/ Chinese heritage and enjoys meeting other Indonesian/Chinese professionals who also make a difference in the United States. Daniel has earned his associate’s degree in computer science at Dekalb Community college, and took some business marketing courses at Georgia State University.
May Gao, Ph. D Asian Studies Coordinator Kennesaw State University Dr. May Hongmei Gao started her career at Kennesaw State University in 2004 as an Assistant Professor of Communication. She is currently the Asian Studies Coordinator, and Associate Professor of Communication and Asian Studies at Kennesaw State University. Dr. Gao is the Founder and Chair of the Symposium on ASIA-USA Partnership Opportunities (SAUPO), the largest Asia business conference in the Southern United States. SAUPO brings together prominent business leaders, scholars, policy makers, non-governmental decision makers, and diplomats to Atlanta for information exchange and networking. Dr. Gao has received recognition by “the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders” and “Asian American Heritage Foundation” for her work in promoting Asian investment in the U.S. and in enhancing education on Asia for students and community members. She teaches and conducts research in communication, business, conflict resolution and Asian studies. She has
Julin Gu is currently working for the Bank of America as senior consultant with over 15 years of experience for medical claim and payment processing and related systems. Gu holds a BS from Dalian Maritime University and an MS degree in information system from Kennesaw State University. He also attended the Atlanta Regional Institute 2009 class. Devoted to the friendship between USA and China, Julin Gu contributed to promoting cooperation exchange in science and technology, economy, culture and talents. He has led and organized a series of activities which include the Sino-US science and technology, economic development, education and talents exchange seminar in 2005; the annual Suzhou Energy-Saving and Environmental Protection Forum in 2007 and 2008; three Asian Diversity Career Fairs from 2007 to 2009 in Atlanta; Beijing Olympic Sculpture Steven Gu CPA, KPMG Tax Dept. Board Member National Association of Chinese Professionals (NACA)
published in Thunderbird International Business Review, Global Business Languages, China Media Research, Journal of Chinese Culture and Management, and East West Connections. Dr. Gao holds a Ph.D. in Speech Communication from the University of South Florida, an MA in Mass Communication from Brigham Young University and a BA in English from Shanghai International Studies University. Dr. Gao worked in China as a PR Specialist and a TV Anchorwoman prior to coming to the U.S. in 1998.
Steven Gu is a CPA (Licensed in Georgia) and Attorney (Licensed in New York). He works for Mergers & Acquisition – Tax department of KPMG LLP. His practices include tax Reorganization and Restructuring, Bankruptcy workout, Basis and E&P study, Tax Carve-out (Spin off & IPOs), Due Diligence and other tax planning services. He has represented clients from different industries including Energy & Alternative Energy, Hotel Management, Aerospace, Private Equity, Financing & Banking, Healthcare, Telecommunication, etc. Steven also plays a key role in KPMG’s US China Practice which assists Chinese companies seeking to access U.S. markets – expanding operations, raising capital and/or engaging in M&A. KPMG US China Practice, in collabo-
Exhibition in 2008 at the Centennial Olympia Park; jointly organized several performances of the Art Troupe of China Federation of Returned Overseas in USA; assisted the Sichuan disaster relief charity of the Art Troupe Sister Liu show in 6 cities in the east coast of USA in 2008. Julin also organized and hosted the memorial sculpture ceremony and performances in 2009 for the commemoration of the thirtieth anniversary of China-US diplomatic relations; and assisted in the final placement of the memorial sculpture in GSU and the Carter Center. Recently, he also chaired the 2010 Sino-US Environmental Protection and Energy Summit and Expo at GSU in April 2010 which attracted close to 200 experts and scholars. Julin also leads bilateral delegation match-making several times a year to promote culture, trade, investment and technology exchanges between US and China. ration with the member firm in China, also helps U.S. companies implement crossborder investment strategies and navigate the associated risks. Steven is actively involved in the local Chinese and Asian Pacific American communities. He has been serving as a NACA board member since 2007. He served as NACA Vice President, Senior Vice President for the term of 2009 and 2010, respectively and has served as President since 2011. He was the committee chair for the Inaugural NACA US China Business Conference held in November 2010, which attracted more than 250 attendants, including many multinational corporate senior executives including the Mayor of Atlanta.
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25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia Tim Hur Chief Executive Officer, International Business Accelerator Broker/President, Point Honors and Associates
Sharon Lim Harle Assistant Vice President for Alumni Services Mercer University Atlanta Sharon Lim Harle, a Malaysian Chinese, has lived in Atlanta for more than 30 years. She holds a B.B.A. degree in Management and Marketing and an M.B.A. in Marketing and International Business from Mercer University. She currently serves as Assistant Vice President for Alumni Services and University Special Events at Mercer University in Atlanta. Additionally, Sharon also serves as a business faculty specializing in Marketing and International Business courses. Sharon was an active international student during her collegiate years; she was chosen to represent Atlanta’s international students to receive the International Student Day Proclamation from then Mayor Andrew Young. Sharon served as a student Ambassador for Mercer University and was the recipient of several outstanding student awards, including the James Baggott Award for Community Service and Academic Excellence in 1986. She was also named in Who’s Who Among
Jimmy Ho Vice President Chinese Community Center Ho is a successful entrepreneur who is actively involved with the Taiwanese American community. He is serving as Vice President of Chinese Community Center and has previously served as President of Atlanta Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce. Jimmy has previously served as executive board member in the United Way Gwinnett County, OCA Georgia Chapter, Mt. Jade Technology Association, Kwang Tung Association, and Chinese American Lions Club.
Tim Hur is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering. American Universities and Colleges in 1985. During the Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games in 1996, Ms. Harle served as a V.I.P. Host for Malaysia, and attended to her country’s royal family and contingent. She also served as a board member of the Inaugural Organizing Committee for the Atlanta Asian Film Festival. Sharon is an active member of Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Buckhead for 25 years, serving as a member in the Sanctuary Choir as well as in various community capacities. In 2000, she was ordained Deacon and thus became the first Asian deacon in the Church’s 150year history.
He currently serves as Advisor Board member of Compatriot Affair for Taiwan in Georgia; as an Executive Board Member of Asian American Community Strategic Partner for Georgia Republican Party. Jimmy runs a successful import and wholesale business with his wife.
Tim is fluent in Korean and English. His extensive experience acting as a global business consultant has assisted Asian companies launch their U.S. Headquarters in the United States. He is a founding member of the Gwinnett Chamber’s Young Professionals (hYPe), a charter member for the Gwinnett Mosaic Rotary Club, and a board member for the American Cancer Society - North Georgia and the Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful. He is also a member of the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS, having his CIPS, ABR and GREEN designations. Active in the Korean community, he served as a board member for the Korean American Coalition (20082009), the Korean American Scholarship Foundation (2009-current), the
Mika Kawana Finance Director Georgia Republican Party Mika Kawana is the Finance Director for the Georgia Republican Party, a position she has held since February of 2007. She is a current member of the Governor’s Office of Children and Families Advisory Board, the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Zeta Sorority, and the UGA Palladia Society as well as a former member of the Finance Committee of the UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors. Mika previously served as Regional Director for the Georgia Republican Party in Fulton and DeKalb counties
Vice-President of the Next Generation Division of the Overseas Korean Trade Association (OKTA) Atlanta Chapter (2010). He has been serving as the Assistant Secretary of the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District, is a 2010 graduates of the Atlanta Regional Commissions’ Regional Leadership Institute, a graduate of the 2012 class of LEAD Atlanta (a division of Leadership Atlanta), a potential graduate of the 2014 class of Leadership Gwinnett, was named one of the Top 35 Under 35 in Gwinnett County (2011), and was named one of the Top 25 Asian Americans in Georgia consecutively in both 2011 and 2012. Tim was also elected as the President of the Atlanta Chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America, a trade association with 30 chapters and over 15,000 members and most recently been appointed by the President of the National Association of REALTORSas the 2013-2014 President Liaison for South Korea on behalf of the National Association of REALTORS.
during the 2006 election. She also worked in the Finance Department for Georgia Inaugural 2007. She supports local organizations including The Linus Foundation, Foster Care Support Foundation, and Wellspring Living. Mika earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia.
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May 1-15, 2013 E Georgia Asian Times
25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia “Travis” Euisuk Kim President. Automall President, The Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta Sr. Vice President, Korean American Chamber of Commerce Travis Kim is a businessman and a community leader. As a native South Korean, he came to US in 1983 and received BS and MS from Eastern Michigan University. After working for Johnson Controls and Coca-Cola for many years, he opened AutoUSA, an automobile dealership in 2000. He currently operates two automobile dealerships in Norcross and Duluth. He is actively involved with the Korean American business community by having served as Board Member, Senior VP, President and Chairman of Korean-American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia.
Chong Loo was project manager on the team that helped UPS develop and launch the first UPS Forwarding global web-based pricing system. He was also key architect and original developer of the first UPS state-ofthe-art “activity-based costing” model for UPS package delivery.
He currently serves as the President of Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta (KAAGA), currently representing over 100,000 local Korean Americans for their civil rights and improvements through activities and programs in community service, culture, education, health, political participation, etc.
Chong Loo Financial Controller UPS International Finance & Accounting Group Chong Loo is a Financial Controller in the UPS International Finance & Accounting Group, responsible for the UPS Forwarding and Global Small Package costing systems and cost analysis. He also provides costing analysis support to the pricing system, and profit and loss measurement.
Farooq Mughal Managing Partner MS Global Partners
Made Yata CEO & Founder My International Gourmet Yata is a creative and innovative food entrepreneur who has successfully launched a series of food outlets and restaurants in Georgia and North Carolina. Made is originally from Bali, Indonesia. He started in the food and hospitality business in 1996 in Alabama. He found success in innovative food theme and cuisines ranging from Cajun to Soul food cooking. He currently operates several successful food outlets such as Bistro 7 and Cajun Tropical Cajun. His business employs over 25 individuals.
Made is committed to the welfare of his employees and community. He regularly contribute his time and funds to support community projects.
Farooq Mughal heads up MS Global Partners and maintains an active governmental affairs practice in Atlanta, Georgia, specialized in political, legislative and governmental affairs matters. A veteran political strategist and advisor, Farooq has worked on several influential state and federal political campaigns as senior political advisor and routinely advises lawmakers on legislative priorities and constituency outreach. In 2012, Farooq was invited by President Barack Obama to attend the White House Iftar Dinner to honor the leadership of Muslim Americans. He was also selected to serve on the Atlanta Steering Committee of the White House Initiatives on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Southeast Summit 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. With a
Chong began his UPS career in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1987 in the Industrial Engineering Department, holding positions in industrial engineering and operations. He was a manager in the Strategic Cost Analysis Department, and was named Domestic Product Cost Controller in 1994. In recognition of his contributions to the community Loo was the recipient of the 2012 OCA National Asian Pacific American Corporate Achievement Award, which is dedicated to celebrating and recognizing APAs in the corporate sector who exemplify not only excellence in their profession, but also leadership and commitment in their respective communities, and to the existing corporate culture of diversity
background in legislative affairs and public policy, he has received a numbers of awards: 2010 Georgia Trend Magazine “40 Under 40 Best & Brightest″ and 2011 CNN’s New Guard Member News-Makers. Farooq is the highest ranking Muslim American in Georgia politics and Asian American within the Democratic Party of Georgia. In 2013, Mr. Mughal led the legislative committee of The Georgia Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Day Steering Committee and proposed a new Asian American Commission for Georgia to give AAPIs a stronger voice in state government. Farooq’s leadership has been recognized by the White House, Congressman Mike Honda of California, Congressman Keith Ellison of Minnesota, Georgia Governor Roy Barnes, Georgia Secretary of State and Georgia state legislators.
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25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia B.J. Pak Georgia House of Representative 108th District Partner, Ballard Spahr LLP
Bryan Ramos Principal, Ramos Law Firm President, Philippines American Chamber of Commerce
In November 2010, B.J. was elected into the Georgia General Assembly. He is the first American of Korean descent to be elected into any State Legislature in the Southeastern United States. As State Representative, B.J. has served in the Health and Human Services, Judiciary Non-Civil and Code Revision committees.
Bryan Ramos is a workers’ compensation trial lawyer. He graduated from Florida State University and Mercer University’s School of Law. His career began as the staff attorney for the Houston Judicial Circuit. Thereafter, he was an associate with a large Atlanta law firm.
B.J. is a Partner at the Atlanta law office of Ballard Spahr LLP where he works to assist his clients (ranging from small business owners to Fortune 500 Corporations) solve complex business, regulatory, and criminal issues. Through his current position, he has the experience and the knowledge of how businesses are impacted by taxes and other regulatory burdens.
He has been recognized by Georgia Super Lawyers as a Rising Star, Best attorneys under 40 by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, and one of 13 attorneys to watch by the Fulton County Daily Report.
Umpon Sangmalee, MD Advisor Thai Association World Center USA Dr. Umpon Sangmalee, MD is a family practitioner for over thirtythree years in Rockmart, Georgia. Dr. Sangmalee has over the years contributed much to the health welfare of refugees and new immigrant community. He leads the effort of organizing annual free health fair for the underprivileged community. Behind the scene, Dr. Sangmalee also provided the critical financial and logistical support for the organizing effort of Asian Cultural Experience (ACE) every year. ACE is the largest annual event celebrating Asia Pacific American heritage, culture, and food in metro Atlanta.
In April 2005, he opened the Ramos Law Firm handling workers’ compensation matters exclusively. He has recovered millions of dollars for his clients and has published national and local articles on workers’ compensation law. In addition to his AV rating, Mr. Ramos was named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2010 through 2012.
In 2011 and 2012, he was selected as one of the top 25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia by the Georgia Asian Times. He also serves as a special assistant to the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Atlanta as well as the President of the PhilippineAmerican Chamber of Commerce of Georgia for 2013.
Elsie Medina Vidanes President of the FilipinoAmerican Association of Greater Atlanta
A soft spoken physician who cares about his patients and the well being of the entire community. He frequently sacrifices his time to help others without hoping for any personal gain or financial returns.
As current president of Fil-Am, Elsie aspires to continue to serve the community and to promote the mission and vision of the association through Philippine cultural and educational presentations and to keep Fil-Am’s ties with other Asian countries stronger through joint efforts by active participation and continual support of other Asian cultural celebrations in Georgia. A Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service graduate from the University of the Philippines, Elsie worked a combined total of 24 years of service at Emory Clinic Business Office and Emory University as the Main Office Branch Manager of Emory Alliance Credit Union.
In another aspect of her life, Elsie had joined in the Strong Legs fund raising campaigns to benefit Egleston Children’s Hospital and was one of the top notchers in the Annual Heart Walk fund raising campaign for the American Heart Association.
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25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia Community Spirit Award Lani Wong Chair, National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA) Lani is a recognized community leader at the local, national, and international level. She has been at the forefront of community service and community leadership for over 30 years. Lani is a true pioneer in her vision and foresight in promoting U.S.-China relations, excellence in education, participation of Asian Americans in the American political process, and the importance of charitable organizations to serve the greater needs of the community. Currently, she serves as Secretary on the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority and serves as a member on the Delta Air Lines Global Diversity Alliance Board of Directors, Georgia Perimeter College Foundation’s Board of Trustees, the Metro At-
lanta Chamber of Commerce Global Business Council; the Atlanta Women’s Foundation Board of Directors; and is a Charter Board of Directors for the Georgia Women’s Institute. She also served on Public Broadcasting of Atlanta Board of Directors. Lani has served on Mayor Kasim Reed’s Transition Team, on the Leadership Atlanta Foundation Board of Trustee for the past 3 years, she serve as a member of the Coca-Cola Scholars National Selection Committee for 3 years, a Trustee on the Saint Joseph Hospital Health System Board for 4 years, and a member of the Presidential Search Committee for the new President of Georgia Perimeter College.
Bonnie Youn Principal Youn Law Group Bonnie M. Youn is an attorney in Georgia. Ethnically Korean but born in the Philippines, she began practicing as an immigration attorney in 1997 and is principal of her own law firm, the Youn Law Group. She has worked tirelessly to provide a voice for immigrants and AAPI communities. She led teams that organized the 2013 Georgia AAPI Legislative Day, gathering the largest number of AAPIs in history at the state Capitol to meet and lobby elected officials. In 2012, she worked closely with the White House Initiative on AAPIs to organize its Southeast Regional Action Summit at Emory University in Atlanta. The Summit brought together over 500 participants to meet federal agency officials, culminating in a town hall meeting discussing con-
Kim DoHyang Reimann, PhD Associate Professor, Political Science Director, Asian Studies Center Georgia State University The daughter of Korean and German immigrants, Dr. Kim DoHyang Reimann interest in bridging cultures is informed by growing up in a multicultural household. Her research explores transnational activism in East Asia. GSU’s Asian Studies Center offers the only Bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies in the state of Georgia. Under Kim’s leadership, the Center has sponsored countless public events and collaborates with a wide range of Asian Pacific American community groups. Kim also spearheaded the expansion of the Asian studies programs and faculty in Chinese studies in 2010-2012, and is promoting Korean studies and initiatives as the current Chair of GSU’s Task Force on Korea.
Kim feels honored to support the dedicated work of the leaders in the diverse Asian American community. She has served as Director-at-Large on the board of the Asian Pacific American Council of GA (APAC) since 2011, Co-Chair of APAC’s Unity Gala in 2012 and 2013, a member of the Atlanta Asian Film Festival Organizing Committee, the Pan Asian Action Network, OCA-GA and an advisor to Thai Association World Center - USA. Kim earned her Ph.D. in Political Science from Harvard University in 2001, a Master’s degree in Regional Studies –East Asia from Harvard in 1993 and a Bachelor’s degree in Oriental Studies from Barnard College of Columbia University in 1986.
Eugene C. Yu President Federation of Korean Association of USA
cerns about immigration, healthcare and mental health issues, small business, and housing needs. Her current passions are advocating for more AAPI judges and political appointees, challenging state legislation that disenfranchises immigrants, and creating a legacy of a sustainable AAPI Commission for Georgia.
Eugene Chin Yu is the President of the Federation of Korean Associations U.S.A. as well as the President and CEO of Continental Military Services Inc., located at Augusta, Georgia since 2007. Previously, he served US army and as deputy sheriff in Richmond County, Georgia. He has funded, built, and organized a Korean War Veterans Monument in downtown Augusta, Georgia. He regarded his effort as symbol of his love for both countries: the USA and Korea. He also served as member of the Board of Trustees at Newberry College in Newberry, SC since 2008.
Yu had successfuly mediate and settle a serious dispute between the Korean and African American communities in Dallas, Texas in 2012. His skills in persuasion and meditation has resulted in peace for both parties.