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.

As the incoming president of AAUC, I would like to thank my predecessor, Angela Anand, for leading us through 2025 and, in particular, for uniting the many cultures that make up our organization. Diversity is indeed what makes us strong.

The Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC) was founded to promote unity among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, fostering civic engagement, education, and advocacy. In 2025, AAUC moved decisively from intention to action, advancing its mission in meaningful and measurable ways.

This year concluded with our annual General Membership Meeting, where Board Chair Dr. SK Lo welcomed members and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the contributions and support received throughout the year. A major highlight was the momentous 2-day Unity Summit in Washington, D.C., co-hosted with 10 partner organizations. The Summit featured 11 sessions, 40 invited speakers and panelists, and 110 participants, including executive directors, presidents, and senior leaders from nationally influential organizations. Keynote addresses from Representative Gene Wu and civil-rights advocate Helen Zia provided invaluable insights, especially for our high school and college leaders, on organizing advocacy, and protecting civil liberties.

AAUC also redesigned and enhanced the AANHPI Community Hub, equipping our communities with knowledge and tools to inspire collaboration and advocacy. The Hub now connects organizations, shares resources, and turns data into action—helping visitors discover local groups, understand political representation, and track hate crime/incident trends.

To further strengthen governance and expand leadership opportunities, the Board proposed—and the membership approved—the creation of two new Board positions: Vice Chair and Executive Director. The organization also authorized the formation of local chapters and youth leadership chapters, paving the way for broader engagement and representation.

For 2026, AAUC will prioritize key strategies:

• Increasing organizational capacity by onboarding a half-time Executive Director and launching local and youth chapters.
• Strengthening program reach through regional events, an improved News Portal, and the reactivation of our podcast.
• Building an advocacy agenda that urges legislators to support inclusive, humane immigration reform, oppose discriminatory legislation and executive overreach, protect civil liberties and property rights, and ensure refugee protections for vulnerable populations.
• Deepening collaboration with partner organizations and representing AAUC at regional and national events to amplify our collective voice.

As the incoming President of the Board, I am honored to lead AAUC into this next chapter. I look forward to working with our members, partners, and young leaders to grow our capacity, broaden our reach, and strengthen AANHPI representation and rights across the country. Together, we will build on the momentum of 2025 to create an even more inclusive, resilient, and engaged community in 2026. I invite all members to join us in this important work.

The AAUC Summit’s panel discussions this year offered attendees rich content and in-depth conversations across various sessions. Topics ranged from religious freedom and mental health issues among youth to the challenges faced by Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Some panels provided insights on advocating on Capitol Hill, mobilizing for the 2026 midterm elections, and effectively communicating their missions during congressional visits.

I had the honor of moderating a panel discussion titled “Understanding Executive Orders and Their Impacts on the AANHPI Community.”

With over 200 executive orders issued this year alone, we had much to unpack. The confusion and fears these orders generate are particularly pronounced for underserved communities. I was grateful to be joined by three esteemed leaders, who I proudly consider friends: Thu Nguyen, National Executive Director of OCA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the sociopolitical and holistic well-being of all Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders; Quyen Dinh, National Executive Director of SEARAC, a civil rights organization that empowers diverse communities from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam to create a socially just and equitable society; and Lucy Hansen, Executive Director of PAOA, a nonprofit supporting Pacific Islanders through cultural events, youth programs, employment, and volunteerism.

These leaders not only advocate for resource access on behalf of their communities but also provide innovative solutions that inspire hope and resilience. Their discussions reflected a wide range of lived experiences, showcasing creative advocacy strategies. For instance, Quyen highlighted a successful initiative where they leveraged social media to raise awareness about the deportation of 200 immigrants this past spring. Their press release went viral, securing national attention with over 30,000 views. This momentum empowered their community to speak up, frame policy responses that directly address their needs, and join coalitions against unjust policies.

The AAUC Summit served as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of our communities. Through shared narratives and strategic advocacy, we can collectively confront challenges and pave the way for a more just and equitable society for all. Together, we are not just voices in a conversation; we are catalysts for change.

We are pleased to present this year’s award winners at the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C., on September 17, 2025, as part of the 2025 Unity Summit.

Dalip Singh Saund Award for Political Involvement

Representative Gene Wu

Gene Wu is a member of the Texas House of Representatives and the Chair of the Democratic Caucus.  He distinguished himself as a fearless advocate for civil rights, leading the fight against gerrymandering, which disadvantages communities of color in Texas. He also led the opposition of SB17, which bans Chinese nationals from owning or leasing land in Texas. He argued that this bill sends an anti-immigrant message that hurts Asian individuals and businesses. Gene Wu was born in Guangzhou, China, and shortly after immigrated to Odessa and later moved to Houston with his family. In an interview with Take Texas Podcast, he said, “I have been dealing with racist comments from the public and from members for the entirety of my seven terms.” Nonetheless, he forges on. Representative Wu serves as a powerful example for the AANHPI community. His leadership demonstrates that representation is not just about visibility, it’s about action, voice, and impact. Through his work, he has inspired a new generation of AANHPI leaders to engage in civic life and advocate for the communities they serve. With a deep commitment to justice and an unshakable belief in the power of democracy, Gene Wu exemplifies the values that AAUC holds dear. It is our great privilege to present him with this award in recognition of his political leadership, his principled stand against voter suppression, and the enduring example he sets for all who strive to make a difference.

Norman Mineta Award for Public Service

Ambassador M. Osman Siddique

Ambassador M. Osman Siddique is a distinguished American diplomat, politician, entrepreneur, and author, who served as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Fiji, the Republic of Nauru, and to the Kingdom of Tonga and Tuvalu from 1999 to 2001, making history as the first American Muslim and first American of South Asian to be appointed to represent the United States abroad as an Ambassador and Chief of Mission. Following the Fijian paramilitary coup in 2000, Ambassador Siddique played a critical role in the restoration of democracy and the rehabilitation of the country. For the past 25 years, he has been a strategic advisor to Fortune 500 companies, multilateral organizations, international firms, and foreign governments. In 2024, he was appointed by President Biden to serve on the United States National Security Education Board. In his memoir, Leaps of Faith: An Immigrant’s Odyssey of Struggle, Success, and Service to His Country, Ambassador Siddique recounts his transformative journey from East Pakistan to becoming an entrepreneur and an ambassador. The foreword, written by President Bill Clinton, praises Siddique’s leadership and faith. Ambassador Siddique earned his MBA from Indiana University Bloomington.

President’s Award for Young Asian/Pacific Islander American

Oorja Munot

Inspired by her experiences of living in India, Belgium, and the United States, Oorja Munot founded Equality Through Education (ETE), a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to addressing global educational inequities. A rising senior at Richard Montgomery High School in Maryland, Oorja has led ETE’s growth to over 1,000 volunteers across 35 chapters, raising $15,000 and impacting more than 20,000 students by building SMART classrooms and developing a soft-skills app. She also serves on the PERIOD Youth Advisory Council, where she supports a global nonprofit combating period poverty, and leads county-wide initiatives as President of the Asian American Progressive Student Union to fight racial injustice. Oorja hopes to pursue business, policy and economics in the future to drive social change and deepen her impact on communities around the world.

President’s Special Award for Youth

Akhil Venkatesh

Akhil Venkatesh is a 17-year-old senior at Dublin High School, CA. As a 2025 APAPA intern working with Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert, Akhil identified a critical gap in financial literacy education for teens. In response, he developed a teen-focused financial literacy curriculum which is now featured on the Alameda County website. His presentation had previously won the 2024 CNBC Junior Achievement Award and his upcoming book, Financial Literacy for Teens by a Teen, reflects his mission to empower his peers with lifelong skills. Akhil has logged over 300 volunteer hours to help the homeless and other vulnerable populations with organizations like SEWA International and Open Heart Kitchen. For this, he earned the prestigious Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award signed by President Biden. Akhil’s CPR certification skills were utilized to help save a victim who was choking and had stopped breathing. By his quick thinking and performing the Heimlich maneuver, he sprung into action and helped dislodge the blockage in the airway and restore breathing. Akhil has co-produced podcasts on AAPI identity, is a nationally recognized youth cricket athlete and also a STEM advocate. Akhil Venkatesh is a shining example of youth excellence. AAUC is honored to recognize him with this award.

Adam Zhang

Adam Zhang is a distinguished student at St. Mark’s School of Texas, an institution consistently ranked among the top private schools in the nation. He is a multifaceted leader with a strong commitment to social impact through the arts and education. His notable achievements include Founder & President of the ACAESUSA Youth CMC Chapter and host of its Youth Ambassadors Pageant, internationally recognized pianist, winning 1st Place in the Carmel Klavier (2023 and 2025) and Charleston International (2024) competitions, Grammy Award winner as a member of the Phoenix Boys Choir, National Gold Medalist in the Scholastic Art & Writing Competition for Photography, AIME Qualifier and Top 5 finisher in Texas Mathcounts, NLE & NGE Gold Medalist (Summa Cum Laude), 1st & 2nd Place winner in State JCL Certamen, and recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (Gold) for over 275 hours of service. Adam also applies his leadership as Design Director for an award-winning literary magazine, as a Junior Varsity water polo athlete, and as the co-owner of a successful Minecraft server.

Asian American Philanthropist of the Year

Dr. Surinder M. Sehgal

Dr. Surinder M. Sehgal is an Indian‑American crop scientist turned philanthropist, renowned for his pioneering work in the global hybrid seed industry and his transformative rural development efforts in India. He earned his B.S. and Master’s degrees in botany from Punjab University before moving to the United States in 1959. He completed his Ph.D. in plant genetics at Harvard University in 1963. In 1988, together with his wife, Edda Sehgal, he founded the Proagro Group of seed companies in India, which ultimately became part of Bayer. Later, he launched Hytech Seed India in Hyderabad. Following the sale of their seed businesses, the Sehgals founded two nonprofit philanthropies: the Sehgal Foundation in the US in 1998 and SM Sehgal Foundation in India in 1999. Today, these organizations are dedicated to water security, food security, social justice, women’s empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and community-led rural governance. Dr. Sehgal’s philanthropic leadership has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Award for Leadership in Agriculture in 2022 and the American India Foundation’s Leadership in Philanthropy Award in 2011. Through decades of seed science innovation and sustained, community-led rural development, Dr. Surinder Sehgal exemplifies the power of combining expertise with compassion to create long-lasting social impact.

Dr. Ellen Qiong Schicktanz

Dr. Ellen Qiong Schicktanz is a celebrated Chinese American artist, sculptor, painter, scholar, and cultural diplomat whose body of work bridges continents, mediums, and histories. Born in China and educated in China and Japan, she earned a doctorate in literature and art history. Among her most iconic projects are the two monumental bronze reliefs, “Washington Crossing the Delaware” and “Signing of the Declaration of Independence,” which she donated to the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. These works are permanently installed near Independence Hall and were unveiled by President Biden in 2017. Beyond her artistic donations, Dr. Schicktanz philanthropically invests her time, leadership, and voice. She leverages her platforms as Director of the Goddess Art Museum, Vice Chair of the Rodin International Artists Foundation, and Chair of the World Alliance of Asian Women to champion marginalized communities. Her advocacy at the United Nations for women entrepreneurs and autistic children demonstrates a deep-seated commitment to philanthropic action that seeks to heal, empower, and create a more equitable world.

Outstanding Community Service Award

Mukta Bain

Mukta Bain’s story begins in Bangladesh in a village where clean water, access to education, and basic healthcare were scarce. At just eight years old, her aunt adopted her and brought her to the United States to pursue a better future. Today, Mukta is a health policy analyst at the Maryland Department of Health. One of her most significant contributions was to provide testimony for Maryland’s Young Adult Health Insurance Subsidies Pilot Program, which has helped over 64,000 Marylanders access health insurance, reducing disparities in coverage by age, race, and ethnicity. Her work with the Maryland Health Care for All! Coalition, the Maryland Public Health Association, and numerous grassroots efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic further reflect her leadership and service. She’s met with Presidents Obama and Biden, not as a photo op, but as a policy voice invited to the table. Mukta is also the founder of A Voice for a Village in Bangladesh, a nonprofit she established to directly address the challenges of her birth community, including access to clean drinking water and educating girls to prevent child marriage. She is a Senior Delegate for Youth for Human Rights International at the United Nations representing Bangladesh two years in a row at the UN Headquarters in NYC. Mukta has a Master’s degree in healthcare administration and is pursuing a PhD in public health. 

Dr. Junzhou Huang

Dr. Junzhou Huang from the University of Texas at Arlington is a distinguished scholar and community leader known for his commitment to mentorship and diversity. He recently received a significant $3.1 million NIH grant to employ AI in speeding up antibody design critical for rapid drug development and pandemic response efforts. Dr. Huang has significantly advanced opportunities for AAPI and underrepresented students in STEM while strengthening cultural and educational ties within the community. Dr. Huang has mentored over 50 graduate students and numerous undergraduates, many of whom hold leadership roles at top tech firms, including Google, Amazon, NVIDIA, and Facebook. He advised more than 10 female Ph.D. students and multiple female undergraduate researchers, actively promoting gender diversity in STEM. Dr. Huang is on the Advisory Board of Asian Culture and Education Society USA and sits on the Board of Directors of the  Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention Society. He is also an organizer for the annual Summer Camps for Middle School Girls, designed to close the gender gap in tech.

Vietnamese Social Services of Minnesota

Vietnamese Social Services of Minnesota was founded in 1987 to serve Minnesota’s growing Vietnamese community. Today, it is led by Executive Director Hue Pham and provides a wide range of social services to broader communities, including immigrants from Burma, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Each year, VSS of Minnesota reaches more than 12,000 participants with culturally sensitive programs, including English language training, adult basic education, financial guidance, and health education. They also excel at helping newcomers obtain IDs, apply for housing, navigate social services, and access medical assistance. AAUC is honoring the Vietnamese Social Services of Minnesota for its distinguished service in providing holistic, culturally anchored support to immigrant and refugee communities. Their long-standing reputation and adaptability continue to make them a critical resource for new Americans.

Legal and Civil Rights Backlash

The repeal of Executive Order 13166 undermines Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which ensured meaningful access for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). This change primarily affects marginalized communities, including immigrants, refugees, and elderly individuals who are Asian American and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (AANHPI). Domestic violence survivors who do not speak English are particularly at risk, as the elimination of federal mandates may reduce their access to vital resources, support services and legal protections.

Without adequate language support, reporting abuse and navigating the justice system becomes increasingly difficult for LEP individuals. Their chances of finding safety diminish, potentially leaving them in perilous situations. Organizations such as the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice have condemned this order, labeling it a detrimental attack on civil rights that marginalizes millions and dilutes access to essential services like healthcare, emergency aid, and civic engagement.

Healthcare, Education, and Public Safety Concerns

Healthcare advocates also warn that the rollback of language services can endanger lives. In California, community health programs have already faced budget cuts that threaten interpreter services, raising fears of misdiagnoses and preventable deaths, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Although federal laws like Title VI and the Affordable Care Act still mandate language services in healthcare, the uncertainty at the federal level has compelled local agencies to adapt quickly or face service gaps.

The educational landscape is also at risk, particularly for English learners (ESL). Without federal requirements, schools could eliminate translation services, isolate non-English-speaking families and hinder student performance due to miscommunication. Overall, Executive Order 14224 poses troubling implications for communities in crisis, exacerbating cycles of violence and neglect. There is an urgent need for advocacy and comprehensive support for affected individuals to mitigate these adverse effects.

For a broader look at the implications of Executive Order 14224, AAUC recommends the articles below.

Related articles recommended by AAUC

“Does the United States Need an Official Language?,” The New Yorker, May 19, 2025

“What’s Wrong with the Administration’s New Language Access Guidance?,” The Century Foundation, July 29, 2025

“Language Service Cutbacks Raise Fear of Medical Errors, Misdiagnoses, Deaths,” KFF Health News, May 29, 2025

“NCAPA Sounds Alarm on ‘Official Language’ Executive Order,” March 3, 2025

“CAPAC Leadership Slams Trump Administration for Reducing Access to Multilingual Services,” July 21, 2025