2025 AAPI Power Players

David Do has been commissioner and chair of the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission since May 19, 2022. Do has helped secure millions in relief to taxi medallion owners and spearheaded driver-pay raises, among other key policies. Previously, he served as the director of the Washington, D.C. Department of For-Hire Vehicles. Do also served as the director of the Washington, D.C. Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I am the son of immigrants who came to the United States from Vietnam in the early 1980s after the war. Growing up my parents were not wealthy, and my mom worked at a Vietnamese deli while my dad delivered pizzas. As the years have gone by, I have come to understand that my parents did this all for me – just as many of our drivers are doing this for their own children.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I am proud of our many AAPI drivers, both small medallion owners and for-hire licensees, who wake up every day to pursue the American Dream as they keep NYC moving. We like to make sure that drivers always have a path forward to the middle class by being able to become their own small business, which was helped by the Green Rides Initiative. About 90% of those EV licenses went to individuals.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
My focus has always been on equity and access, especially since most taxi drivers in NYC are immigrants who come here looking for a better life, so many of our programs focus on helping drivers economically. The Medallion Relief Program was a critical, collaborative program that has granted about $472 million in debt relief to 2,376 small-medallion owners. It has been essential to the recovery we are seeing in the taxi industry.

Jeehae Fischer returned to the Korean American Family Service Center (KAFSC) in 2019 as the executive director. During her tenure as the executive director, Jeehae successfully led KAFSC in doubling its budget and expanding its capacity to serve immigrant survivors of gender-based violence. Jeehae is also currently a NYS Governor appointed member of the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Council.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Our survivors of gender-based violence who thrive everyday through their resilience.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
During the KAFSC’s recent gala, one of the clients finally broke out of her comfort zone and gave an inspiring speech in front of 700+ guests to speak out against gender-based violence.

Laura Garcia is a dedicated educator, nurse, and community advocate with a passion for empowering future health care leaders. She champions equity, mentorship, and excellence in nursing education; currently serves as president of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, Northeast Region. Known for her compassion, integrity, and service, Laura bridges classrooms and communities to create lasting impact. She leads with intention, nurtures growth, and honors those who paved the way through her work and advocacy.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I’m inspired by the countless remarkable women who lead with purpose – as teachers, health care advocates, and community builders. Their resilience fuels my drive to serve and lead with care. If I had to name one, it would be Dr. Fe del Mundo, a pioneering pediatrician whose life of service uplifted generations. She reminds me that leadership isn’t always loud – it’s consistent, courageous, and rooted in compassion. Her legacy lives in action, impact, and hope.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Purple Yam in Flatbush deserves the spotlight for its vibrant celebration of Filipino and Asian cuisine. As a food lover and proud supporter of small, AAPI-owned businesses, I admire how Purple Yam builds community through shared meals, heritage, and heart. Their commitment to authentic flavors and cultural storytelling nourishes more than appetites – it uplifts voices and honors tradition. Recognizing them means honoring the richness AAPI entrepreneurs bring to our neighborhoods and tables.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
My proudest moment was seeing a former student I once mentored return as a colleague – leading with integrity, confidence, and care. Knowing I helped shape not just a career but a compassionate professional reminded me that success isn’t always measured by titles, but by the lives we impact. Moments like that affirm why I teach, advocate, and lead: to invest in others and watch them rise.

Jeffrey Gu is the co-founder and policy director at Make Us Visible, a grassroots nonprofit spearheading the nationwide movement to integrate Asian American history into K-12 classrooms. MUV has passed seven bipartisan laws across five states and comprises 25 state chapters. Gu is the youngest member of New York State’s inaugural AAPI Commission and serves on the Board of Directors for CUNY’s Guttman Community College Foundation and the Advisory Board of the National APA Museum.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I am continuously inspired by my parents, who immigrated to the United States to build their American dream. They enabled me to do the work I’ve done and are the reason I’ve found success in life. My parents nurtured the best parts of me, lifted me up when my confidence faltered, and taught me to live with grit, faith, and perseverance. I love them very much. Mom and Dad, thank you for driving me forward.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Over the last few years, I’ve worked closely with ADMERASIA, an agile, full-service cultural agency, on creating accessible K-5 Asian American history coloring books, including one edition in partnership with the National Park Service. Through their storytelling expertise, ADMERASIA has grown our brand and shaped our work to make stronger, more durable connections with Asian Americans across the country. Their authentic relationships with communities make them one of the best at what they do.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
In 2020, I volunteered as the legislative director for the Every Voice Coalition in my home state. In that role, I spearheaded an effort to pass legislation that lowered the barriers to reporting for student survivors of sexual misconduct on college campuses. The bill, which garnered 89 bipartisan co-sponsors and passed unanimously in the legislature, established an amnesty or “Good Samaritan” policy related to underage drinking when reporting in good faith.

Joo Han is the deputy director at the Asian American Federation, a leadership organization representing the collective voice of 70 community-based organizations serving 1.5 million Asian New Yorkers. Since 2014, Joo has launched campaigns to address the most urgent needs of Asian Americans. During COVID, she spearheaded the Hope Against Hate Campaign to bring safety to vulnerable community members. She has also overseen AAF’s Mental Health Program to increase access to culturally responsive services.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Jo-Ann Yoo, a long-time advocate for the Asian American community and the former executive director of the Asian American Federation, taught me that there is always a way to fight for the communities that you love, that you have to do it in close friendship with other communities of color, and that there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. Her life is an act of fierce love for the Asian American community.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
The Asian American Federation is one of the strongest leadership voices advocating for better policies, services, and funding that lead to more justice and opportunity for Asian immigrants, one of New York City’s poorest and most underserved communities. Our research and advocacy have created pathways for justice, and our special initiatives have created lasting solutions in times of crisis, bringing safety, mental health support, and economic empowerment to Asian New Yorkers.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
It has been an honor of a lifetime to design and run the Asian American Federation’s Mental Health Program and Hope Against Hate Campaign to address the mental health and anti-Asian violence crises that the Asian American community has been facing. Being able to work alongside community leaders to bring culturally responsive solutions to those suffering in silence has shown me that so many New Yorkers love and support the most vulnerable among us.

Lawrence Han is a partner at Rivkin Radler and a jack of all trades, making him an invaluable asset at the firm. He defends against claims of malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and mismanagement, etc., and has substantial experience in title insurance litigation. He also has extensive experience working on cases that span international borders, involving the U.S., Korea, and New Zealand. Han is president of the Korean-American Lawyers Association of Greater New York.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is my father, who helped found NewBank, a New York state-chartered commercial bank that has six full-service retail branches. My father’s work ethic, determination, and quiet strength have shaped who I am today. He led by example – never asking for recognition and always doing the right thing. Watching him overcome obstacles with resilience has been the foundation for how I approach challenges in my personal and professional life. 

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I would like to spotlight KISS PRODUCTS INC. (KISS), which has been supportive of me throughout my career. Founded by Korean-American entrepreneurs in New York, KISS is a global leader in fashion nails and eyelashes. Powered by a proud heritage and a commitment to excellence, KISS’ mission is to create exceptional solutions that make beauty effortless for everyone. KISS’ innovative, easy-to-use products are available at major U.S. retailers and in over 90 countries.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I have experienced many proud moments in my legal career, but the one that stands out the most is being elected as the president of Korean-American Lawyers Association of Greater New York. It has been a privilege to lead this bar association, which has over 500 members, for the past two years. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the legal community that has played a significant role in my professional growth.

Council Member Shahana Hanif represents Brooklyn’s 39th District, where she was born and raised. The first Bangladeshi and Muslim woman elected to the NYC Council, she is also the first woman to represent her district. Diagnosed with Lupus at 17, her experience shaped her dedication to justice. Co-chairing the Progressive Caucus and Task Force to Combat Hate, she has championed affordable housing, reproductive rights, and the Workers’ Bill of Rights.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I’m inspired by community leaders in my district like Allison Lew, organizing for universal childcare, and Maria Torres-Springer, with whom I’ve worked on housing priorities. Kathy Park Price advocates for street safety, and the women of Good Neighbors of Park Slope exemplify grassroots leadership. I’m also inspired by artists like Annie Ferdous and interfaith work with Sophie Ellman Golan. These leaders share a vested interest in ensuring New Yorkers thrive in safety, joy, and opportunity.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
WomanKind is an incredible organization that provides Home+ services for survivors of domestic violence, which I helped expand. A favorite fashion brand of mine is Mixed by Nasrin, founded by a Japanese-Iranian-American designer. In my district, I love dining at Shan Szechuan and Hungry Thirsty. Sonia Cafe in Kensington serves the best Bangladeshi-style Fushka! Outside my district, Monkey King offers creative and delicious fusion cuisine, run by a Bangladeshi-Chinese couple.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
One of my proudest moments was when we passed the FARE Act, a bill I prioritized as co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. This law bans forced broker fees for tenants, making housing more equitable. Another key moment was securing a housing proposal in Windsor Terrace, ensuring 250 units, with 100 of them designated as affordable – an unprecedented victory. This will provide working-class families with the opportunity to live in a community they love without financial strain.

Wayne Ho is the president and CEO of the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), the nation’s largest Asian American social services agency. Born in Singapore and raised in California, Wayne started his career in education in the San Francisco Bay Area and has led racial and economic justice organizations in New York City. He received his bachelor’s from U.C. Berkeley and his master’s in public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I am inspired by my wife, Eda Chao. She is a generous, kind, and humble person who gives so much of herself to family, friends, and the community. Eda is a pediatrician at a community health clinic, loves Latin dancing, and trains in hapkido. She is also fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Spanish. 

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (CAPACD) is an advocacy organization representing over 160 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander organizations throughout the US. For 25 years, National CAPACD has been a national leader advancing comprehensive community development and advocating against gentrification in and displacement of low-income AA and NHPI neighborhoods and communities.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
While I could say the creation of our mixed-use building with CPC’s community center/headquarters/affordable housing and the inclusion of $100+ million over four fiscal years in State and City budgets for the AAPI community, I am proud of the moments where community members have achieved their goals – the child who learns the alphabet, the immigrant who becomes a naturalized citizen, the parent who learns English, the older adult who gets affordable housing, and more.

Executive director of the Department of City Planning, Edith Hsu-Chen is responsible for implementing the agency’s planning and development agenda, including transformative initiatives like City of Yes, the most pro-housing zoning plan in New York City history. A dedicated urban planner, Hsu-Chen has spent her career at City Planning, holding a variety of roles, including Manhattan office director, before stepping into executive leadership.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I’ll be the zillionth person to say it: my immigrant parents. I am in awe of their leap of faith to leave for a faraway land. They invested in me, my education, and expanded my opportunities. They also let me be me. It was okay to be vocal, to take risks, to pursue a career based on passion. I can’t thank them enough for all they’ve done for me.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I’d like to recognize the amazing camaraderie – both formal and informal (Golden Comb Lunch Club, you know who you are) – among AAPI leaders throughout New York City. At all levels of government, and across the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, the last 20 years has seen an inspiring expansion of AAPI voices shaping our city. I’m honored to be part of such an illustrious group that’s dedicated to improving life for all New Yorkers.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
The City of Yes initiative. What made this effort so special was the amount of stakeholder input that went into all three aspects: Carbon Neutrality, Economic Opportunity, and Housing Opportunity. We held over 400 meetings with New Yorkers in every community over two years. I’m immensely proud of that. This level of input helped shape these proposals and get them across the finish line. The results will mean a more sustainable, prosperous, and affordable city.

As REBNY’s chief legal officer, Carl supports the organization with its compliance, legislative, corporate and legal needs. He also administers REBNY’s arbitration services, complaint tribunals, and oversees the organization’s litigation efforts. Prior to joining REBNY, Carl led voting rights and immigration reform policy on behalf of a national Asian-American civil rights organization, held senior policy and legal positions in the Bloomberg Administration, and was an assistant district attorney in New York County.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My parents continue to be my inspiration. My father is probably the brightest scholar I know who has never finished grade school. At 90, he still studies English composition every day and will debate anyone on any topic. My mother was creative and crafty, able to fashion a few school outfits for my sisters and me out of scrap fabrics from the garment factory where she worked.  I have them to thank for my work ethic. 

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) – an outstanding organization with great new leadership.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the NYC Council enacted laws that stripped personal guaranties in commercial leases forced to shut down by the Governor’s EO. Working with outside counsel, Hum sought and recruited small commercial property owners to bring a Constitutional challenge to the law in Federal court, alleging a violation of the Contracts Clause. After nearly three years of litigation, a federal judge ruled that the local law violated the U.S. Constitution