Our upcoming third annual Unity Summit is September 16-17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. It promises to be our most impactful yet, reflecting the increasing momentum of the AAUC. This event will be a pivotal moment for the organization, bringing together key stakeholders and community members to discuss crucial issues and chart our path forward.
A key development is the launch of our new news portal, a project conceived with the invaluable guidance of consultant Ted Fong. This online platform will be a crucial tool for amplifying the diverse voices and experiences within the Asian American community. We aim to share compelling stories of both success and challenge, fostering understanding and promoting unity. The portal’s launch is imminent, leveraging our existing domain, engaged membership, strong partnerships, and a wealth of compelling content ready for publication.
The AAUC’s success is built upon a strong foundation. From its inception, generously supported by serial entrepreneur and real estate owner Sandy Chau, and expertly structured by S.K. Lo and a dedicated team representing the breadth of our diverse community, the organization has experienced consistent growth. This growth has accelerated significantly in recent years, especially following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am incredibly grateful for the leadership and mentorship of exceptional individuals such as Maeley Tom and Mona Rogers, whose experience in both the public and private sectors has been invaluable. Their dedication and commitment to civic engagement have been instrumental in shaping our success. I have been very fortunate to work with them both in a volunteering time for outreaching our communities and recognize their relentless work to get Asian communities get its deserved recognition.
Our collaborations extend beyond our internal network. We maintain vital partnerships with organizations like APIAVote, working with Executive Director Christine Chen to enhance Asian American voter participation. This relationship, facilitated by my spouse’s long-standing collaboration with Christine, exemplifies our commitment to fostering critical alliances.
The AAUC’s influence extends across various sectors. We have forged strong connections within the Indian American community, notably with Ambassador Islam Siddiqui, renowned for his contributions to agricultural trade, and veteran journalist Aziz Haniffa, former managing editor of India Abroad, who has been a steadfast supporter of our events.
Our recent achievement of securing nearly 100 delegates for a White House briefing, facilitated by Erika Moritsugu and Krystal Ka’ai at the AANHPI Commission, underscores the growing recognition and impact of our work. This reflects our consistent engagement with elected officials at both the state and federal levels over the past two years, advocating for the interests of our members.
Finally, our annual awards ceremony remains a cornerstone of our activities, celebrating exceptional contributions within the Asian American community. The prestige of awards such as the Dalip Singh Saund Award for Political Leadership, the Norman Mineta Award for Public Service, the Asian American Philanthropist Award, and the President’s Award for Young Youth, recognizes and honors the outstanding achievements of individuals who embody the spirit of our community.
The AAUC is committed to continuing its trajectory of growth and impact, working tirelessly to uplift the Asian American community and advocate for its interests. We look forward to continued collaboration and partnership in this endeavor.
