By Yen Marshall, President of AAUC
Happy New Year! As we enter 2026, I am grateful to our fearless leader, Chair SK Lo, and to our past president and current Vice Chair, Angela Anand, for their steady leadership throughout 2025 and for strengthening the spirit of unity that defines AAUC. In a year when national conversations often reflected uncertainty and division, our coalition chose a different path, one rooted in collaboration, civic engagement, and the belief that our diversity is our greatest source of strength.
In 2025, AAUC advanced from intention to action. Our annual Unity Summit in Washington, D.C. brought together 10 partner organizations, 40 speakers, and more than 100 leaders from across the country. Their insights, especially those shared with our youth leaders, reinforced the importance of advocacy, civil liberties, and community resilience at a time when many Americans were navigating rapid policy shifts and social change.
We also launched a news portal and a redesigned AANHPI Community Hub, transforming them into living resources that connect organizations, elevate local voices, and turn data into meaningful action. Coupled with the arrival of our incoming Executive Director, Ted Fong, and the support of our dedicated Board of Directors, AAUC is poised for broader representation, stronger partnerships, and deeper impact in the years ahead.
Looking ahead, 2026 will be a year of building: expanding our leadership capacity, strengthening regional programming, reactivating our podcast, and shaping an advocacy agenda that champions inclusion, fairness, and opportunity.
As I step into the role of President, I am inspired by the momentum we have created together. Let us continue to lift one another, amplify our collective voice, and ensure that AANHPI communities are seen, heard, and empowered across the nation.
