2025 AAPI Power Players

Rohit T. “Rit” Aggarwala is commissioner of environmental protection and chief climate officer for the City of New York. Previously, he was a founding executive at Sidewalk Labs; started Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Environmental Grantmaking program; led the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group; and led the development and implementation of PlaNYC, NYC’s sustainability plan. Aggarwala holds a Ph.D., MBA, and B.A. from Columbia University and an M.A. from Queen’s University in Ontario.

Saima is a seasoned organizer with a strong background in social justice advocacy, helping shape policies in New York to protect its most vulnerable residents. She currently represents labor, civil rights, and other progressive groups working toward a fairer state. Saima has helped pass key legislation improving wages, working conditions, and protections against sexual coercion. She also applies her environmental policy expertise to safeguard natural resources and promote sustainable, equitable solutions for all New Yorkers.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I draw inspiration from people who speak truth to power and uplift each other despite being silenced or pushed aside. Our communities have long resisted, organized, and reimagined power, turning marginalization into movement building. It’s courageous to confront silence. We do it by challenging threats to free speech, naming anti-Asian racism, and standing with other marginalized groups. I’m inspired by our collective refusal to accept injustice as normal and our will to thrive.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I want to acknowledge the rise of third spaces where people gather to organize, celebrate, and exist while embracing our culture, language, and values. As public space becomes more privatized and exclusionary, places across NYC offer a great cup of chai and community care and movement building. Whether hosting mutual aid events, sharing accessible resources, or simply offering judgment-free gathering spots, these spaces embody what it means to build inclusive, uplifting communities.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I’m proud of many campaigns in my career – from removing plastics from personal care products to ending child marriage in New York to expanding protections for immigrants. One of my proudest moments is launching the Timbuctoo Climate and Careers Institute, which connects NYC high school students with green spaces and career opportunities. It honors the historic Timbuctoo settlement, reminding students that these spaces belong to all of us, rooted in a powerful legacy.

Diya Basu-Sen is a Bengali American gender and social justice advocate working to foster wellness in vulnerable communities by developing culturally attuned, linguistically accessible holistic services that center women. She is the executive director of Sapna NYC, a community-based organization that works with South Asian immigrant women addressing health inequities, fostering women’s empowerment, and building community power. Her work ranges from fighting food insecurity to increasing mental health access to supporting survivors of gender-based violence.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
It may sound cliche, but #1 is definitely my mother. I come from a long line of strong women who inspire me. They taught me that true strength isn’t dominance or wielding power, but in kindness and empathy, in lifting up those around you, and in doing what is right and good even when it is the harder path. I inherited that conviction that helping others is not simply a duty, but also a privilege.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Check out TAGMO (tigress in Bhutanese), a sweets and catering company, led by Chef Surbhi Sahni, who I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with in my work at Sapna NYC. Through TAGMO she works to support other brown, immigrant, queer, and women of color-led organizations. Her handmade sweets are unique and beautifully packaged. Chef Sahni’s food is also incredible, expanding Western perceptions of “authentic” Indian cuisine by centering homestyle regional cooking of all kinds.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
One of my proudest moments came during the COVID pandemic, a time that challenged us all to do more. Within weeks I was able to expand and pivot Sapna’s work significantly to address the enormous need we were seeing on the ground. During the pandemic I started a food pantry that provided 200,000 pounds of food, launched our mental health initiative, and connected our community to over $150,000 in relief funds.

Anil Beephan Jr. is a New York State assemblyman representing the 105th District in Dutchess County. Elected in 2022, he is the first Republican of Indian descent to serve in the Assembly. A Hopewell Junction native, Beephan holds degrees from Arcadia University and Harvard Extension School. Formerly an East Fishkill councilman and firefighter, he also worked in public relations and legislative roles. Outside politics, he’s a private pilot passionate about service, leadership, and community impact.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is my parents. Both immigrated from Trinidad, chasing the hope of a better life in America. Through hard work, sacrifice, and resilience, they built a future from the ground up – earning citizenship, raising a family, and showing me the value of grit and gratitude. Their journey reminds me daily that perseverance and purpose can overcome any obstacle. Everything I strive for is rooted in the foundation they laid with courage.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
The proudest moment of my career so far is the passage of Melanie’s Law, a bipartisan bill I introduced with my friend and colleague Brian Cunningham. Inspired by a tragic domestic violence case in my district, the law strengthens protections for victims and honors the life of Melanie. Turning pain into policy and working across the aisle to create meaningful change reminded me why I serve – and what’s possible when we lead with compassion and purpose.

Lila Benayoun is COO of MetroPlusHealth leading transformation initiatives fostering growth, innovation, and operational excellence. She oversees plan operations, member retention, provider relations, project management office, organizational process improvement, and OneX, MetroPlusHealth’s Management Service Organization. She has 20+ years of industry leadership experience spearheading product launches, advancing operational excellence, and outstanding service experiences. She holds a B.S. in health information management from Temple University and completed post-graduate studies at Columbia University, focusing on strategic growth.

Justin Chae, a first-generation Korean American, bootstrapped his way to becoming one of New York’s top public affairs/political consultants while attending NYU fulltime. He just turned 26 and made Forbes 30Under30, but developers, unions, and politicians have been calling him since he was 19. Justin’s firm grossed ~$25,000,000 from door-to-door canvassing, digital marketing, opposition research and more. His award-winning creative production and mobilization campaigns have won labor negotiations, influenced rezonings, and swung congressional races. 

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Getting hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers tested and vaccinated for COVID-19 before I graduated college remains the highlight of my career. We served on the frontlines in our own unique way, educating and persuading New York’s at-risk communities before we could even get ourselves vaccinated. Also being able to still serve our real estate, union, and political clients concurrently was a huge privilege.

Wai Yee Chan began her career in 2006 at the Chinese-American Planning Council and later worked for NYC Council Member Justin Brannan, supporting AAPI families and local nonprofits. Since 2022, she has led Homecrest Community Services as president and CEO, overseeing strategy, programs, and operations. With over 25 years of community service, Wai Yee remains a dedicated advocate for underserved communities. She also serves on the board of directors at NYU Langone Family Health Center.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
People in the community are truly inspiring. There’s something powerful about witnessing everyday acts of kindness, resilience, and collaboration. These are the people who are often working quietly behind the scenes, making a difference, whether they’re supporting others, advocating for change, or just lending a hand when it’s needed. For me, it’s about those unsung heroes who make the world more connected and compassionate.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I’d like to spotlight Homecrest Community Services (HCS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the Southern Brooklyn community. HCS provides programs for older adults, youth, and families, along with a variety of social services that support the community. With a strong focus on meeting community needs and improving quality of life, HCS remains a trusted resource and advocate for the AAPI community, helping individuals and families stay connected, supported, and engaged.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
One of the proudest moments of my career has been helping Homecrest Community Services successfully open two community centers within just two years in southern Brooklyn. These centers have allowed us to expand our reach and better serve the diverse needs of the local community, providing vital resources and support to those who need it most. Being part of this effort and seeing the direct, positive impact on people’s lives has been incredibly rewarding. 

Lester Chang was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 8, 2022. He was born in America to Chinese immigrant parents who came in pursuit of the American dream and grew up on Eldridge Street in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Chang is the proud product of the New York public education system and attended public school through his master’s degree. In March of 2020, Chang volunteered to return to active duty in support of COVID operations, where he helped convert the Jacob Javits Convention Center into a field hospital that treated more than 1,000 patients.

Bing Chen is an impact founder and investor. He is the chief executive officer, and co-founder of Gold House, a home of collective power that unites leaders to forge culture. Previously, he was a principal architect of YouTube’s multi-billion dollar global creator ecosystem. A proud Tennessee Squire which becomes obvious at $11.99 buffets, Bing is a third culture kid across North America and Asia, finally graduating from the University of Pennsylvania.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My mother, who showed me what it was like to be the economic and emotional center of gravity everywhere.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Pokemon is the greatest game of all time (and largest creative franchise in the world).

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Seeing the kidlike joy on so many adults’ faces through our work. Feeling young again is too rare these days.

Dr. Henry Chen is president of SOMOS Community Care, a physician-led network serving over 1 million Medicaid patients in New York City’s most vulnerable communities. A board-certified internist and geriatrician, he is widely recognized for advancing culturally responsive, value-based care. During the pandemic, Dr. Chen led targeted response efforts in immigrant neighborhoods. He was awarded the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long commitment to health equity and groundbreaking care for underserved Asian populations.