2025 AAPI Power Players

Angela Li is the president of OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates New York and the executive director of Fuzhou America, a grassroots organization dedicated to fostering Fuzhounese American history, culture, and community. Her advocacy is shaped by her own lived experiences and a deep-rooted commitment to culturally responsive community building. Li is also the community and partnerships manager for The Bridge Project, the nation’s first unconditional cash program for moms and babies.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I am because we are. My journey has been shaped by a powerful community of organizers, immigrant matriarchs, and cultural workers whose strength and vision inspire me every day. Most of all, I wouldn’t be where I am without my mom – her sacrifices and unwavering perseverance made everything possible.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I want to uplift Send Chinatown Love, a volunteer-driven initiative launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to support AAPI small businesses. Through digital fundraising, merchant spotlights, and direct community engagement, the organization has helped dozens of immigrant-owned small businesses survive and thrive. While they will be closing operations in June 2025, their lasting impact and dedication to the community will continue to resonate and inspire. 

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
My proudest moment was becoming the youngest-serving president of OCA-NY – a full-circle journey that began eight years ago when I was a high school intern in their Hate Crimes Prevention Art Contest. That experience sparked my passion for advocacy, taking me to UCLA to study Asian American studies and organize in community spaces. OCA-NY taught me to speak up, lead with purpose, and believe in the power of collective action.

Bethany Li is the new executive director of Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF). A tenacious civil rights leader, Li brings deep commitment to community lawyering and more than two decades of experience driving change for Asian and other communities of color. Under her leadership, AALDEF has secured landmark voting rights settlements, sued Florida over its anti-Chinese land law, and stopped the construction of an arena that would have threatened Philadelphia’s historic Chinatown.

John Liu is a trailblazing state senator with a proven track record of fighting for education, equal opportunity, and government accountability. As the first Asian American to win legislative office in New York and the first to win citywide office, he has always championed policies that look to strengthen public education, advocate for immigrant rights and ensure all New Yorkers have a voice.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Many centenarians in our community are a daily source of inspiration. They have witnessed profound changes throughout their lives, and it’s amazing to hear common themes among our oldest residents about how they have adapted to that change with patience, grace, and open hearts instead of fear, resentment, or bitterness. Such outlooks keep them grounded, happy, and full of life. We should all aspire to live with such wisdom and optimism.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
The REACH Coalition formed to support teaching of Asian American history in public schools. Integrating the Asian American experience into the public school curriculum would not only allow Asian American children the chance to finally see themselves reflected accurately in American history, but it is a critical step in dismantling the endless barrage of anti-Asian stereotypes that categorize Asian Americans as either the perpetual foreigners or the seemingly-benign but equally destructive model minority.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Public office affords the important opportunity to stand up for communities that have been historically overlooked or underserved. Whether fighting for education equity, immigrant rights, or economic justice, public service has always been a chance to affect real change for real people.

Dr. Luong, is the senior vice president of post-acute care, NYC Health + Hospitals, with oversight of the City’s highly-rated five nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities. Geriatric and palliative care medicine are his passions. Throughout his career with NYC Health + Hospitals, Dr. Luong increased clinical capabilities across six sites, and five post-acute and long-term care facilities have been ranked as some of the best in the nation. 

Shawn Ma is the senior director for constituency affairs in the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul, making him the youngest to hold this role. A first-generation immigrant and seasoned public servant, he leads statewide engagement efforts across Asian American, African American, Latino, Jewish, LGBTQIA+, Muslim, and Women’s communities. With prior roles in the NYS Executive Chamber and NYC Mayor’s Office, Ma brings expertise in policy development, crisis management, and bridging communities with government.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Governor Kathy Hochul is my biggest inspiration. Her unwavering commitment to advocating for all New Yorkers – especially those historically marginalized – has deeply influenced my approach to public service. She leads with compassion, courage, and a steadfast belief that government should be accessible to everyone, not just the privileged few. Watching her prioritize equity, elevate diverse voices, and tackle systemic barriers reminds me every day that leadership is about service, not status.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I would like to spotlight the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory in New York City. A family-owned institution for over 40 years, it has not only introduced generations to Asian-inspired flavors but also served as a vibrant symbol of AAPI entrepreneurship and resilience. Beyond their beloved desserts, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory represents the heart of a community – blending tradition, innovation, and pride in every scoop.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Helping to establish NY’s first-ever AAPI Commission stands out as a defining moment. It represents not only historic recognition but also the creation of a platform to help shape state policy. Another proud moment was planning Governor Hochul’s visit to Fo Guang Shan Temple, making her, to my knowledge, the first sitting NY Governor to visit a Buddhist temple and participate in its rituals – an unprecedented gesture of respect toward AAPI faith and traditions.

Zohran Kwame Mamdani was born and raised in Kampala, Uganda, moving to New York City with his family at the age of seven. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020, serving Astoria and Long Island City. As a legislator, he has won over $100M for increased subway and bus service and a successful fare-free bus pilot; led a 10-month fight alongside taxi drivers – including participating in a 15-day hunger strike – to secure $450M in transformative debt relief; and helped defeat a proposed gas power plant in his district. 

Maulin Mehta is New York director at Regional Plan Association, leading efforts to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers. He helps build coalitions and works with decision-makers to improve outcomes related to RPA’s priorities around housing, transportation and the environment. He previously worked with nonprofits in NY and NJ addressing economic development, resiliency, and real estate challenges. His work has focused on policy and place-based strategies rooted in community values.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is my mother. She moved to this country after marriage, built a family and successful career in tech, and never lost sight of what matters. For decades, she’s supported South Asian women facing domestic violence, while also nurturing her love for indie film through volunteer work and festival organizing. Now retired, she’s exploring creativity through her art. Her strength, values, and lifelong curiosity continue to shape how I move through the world.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I’d like to spotlight Sakhi for South Asian Women, a New York City-based organization supporting South Asian survivors of gender-based violence. Sakhi offers holistic, culturally competent services from crisis intervention and legal advocacy to housing support and economic empowerment. They also engage in powerful community education and policy advocacy. For decades, Sakhi has created pathways to safety, healing, and justice, uplifting survivors while building an equitable and inclusive future for South Asian communities in NYC.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I’m proud of helping build early momentum for the Triboro Line, a transit project that would better connect Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Working with local groups and elected officials, we pushed for an MTA study, saw legislation introduced, and eventually got Governor Hochul’s support. Now known as the Interborough Express, it’s moving forward with funding and momentum. It feels surreal to have helped shape something that could truly change how New Yorkers get around. 

Grace Meng represents parts of Queens in the U.S. House of Representatives. She serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and as chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Born in Elmhurst and raised in Bayside and Flushing, Grace is the first female congressmember from Queens since former vice presidential nominee Geraldine Ferraro. She has also passed many pieces of legislation into law. Grace resides in Queens with her husband and two children.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My grandma has been a huge inspiration for me. Nearly 101 years old, she was the first in my family to come to America and took care of me and my siblings while my parents worked long hours. She never went to high school or college, but she’s one of the wisest people I have ever known. So many of the values and lessons I learned from her remain with me to this day.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
It is exciting to have many bustling areas in my congressional district with lots of great establishments such as fantastic restaurants and outstanding shops and markets. There are too many to pick just one. But I encourage everybody to check out all they have to offer. It’s important to support our local small businesses. I also commend the many local groups and organizations that do tremendous work in lifting up and empowering our AAPI community.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
It’s an honor to be considered a trailblazer by becoming the very first and only Asian American Member of Congress from the entire State of New York. I’m also proud to have championed initiatives that have become law such as establishing a Lunar New Year school holiday in N.Y., combatting the rise in hate crimes and efforts to create the first national museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture, just to name a few.

Anna Mercado Clark, Esq., CIPP/E, CIPP/US, CIPM, FIP is a partner at Phillips Lytle. She serves as CISO; co-leader of the firm’s Technology Industry Team; member of the governing committee and its DEI Steering Committee. Anna is the past president of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. She is an adjunct professor of law at Fordham University. She has been appointed to leadership positions on the American Bar Association’s Science and Technology Law Section.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Sen. Mazie Hirono, a former NAPABA Board member, exemplifies the significant way that one person can make widespread impact. She consistently elevates and amplifies the AANHPI and marginalized communities. On a personal note, my mother, who moved to the U.S. from the Philippines armed only with her resolve and $75, inspires me to constantly challenge my comfort zone and my son gives me the courage to keep working towards a more inclusive future.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Gugu Room and 87 Ludlow in the LES, owned by my good friend Chef Aris Tuazon, offer Filipino-Japanese and Filipino-Spanish cuisine, respectively, do not only offer delicious dishes, but create and foster community. Boisterous laughter, spirited discussion, and even singing often waft over bowls of rice, pork belly, and wagyu. Chef Aris also supports various non-profit organizations and makes sure that his restaurants are welcoming to all.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Becoming partner, CISO, and designation to Phillips Lytle’s governing committee, as well as election as NAPABA president are significant milestones in my career. Perhaps the most rewarding, however, are the times when I am able to help clients navigate seemingly insurmountable problems, and when law students and new attorneys, including my Fordham Law students, share the ways in which my words or work has broadened their view of what is possible for their own careers.

Iman Mergen is the founder and executive director of We Belong Here NY, a leading nonprofit organization championing safety and social justice for communities in New York. With over a decade of activism in human rights and humanitarian causes, Mergen’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities shines through her work. Her advocacy has garnered attention from global platforms, reflecting her dedication to building a world where everyone has equal opportunities.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration and sources of guidance are the precedents of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). His unwavering commitment to compassion, justice, and service to others has always been my guiding light. His (pbuh) life serves as a timeless blueprint for Muslims, encouraging us to maintain and continuously work towards our values of humanitarianism, social justice, racial equality, education, women’s empowerment and collective stewardship as cornerstones of our faith.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
One of the proudest moments of my career so far was the opportunity to host the first New York Muslim Women’s Wellness Symposium – a beacon of empowerment, resilience, and holistic well-being. Inspired by our values of community and shared growth, we created a safe space for Muslim women to prioritize themselves for a change. By bringing together experts, advocates, and changemakers, we fostered meaningful conversations and strengthened bonds of sisterhood while centering dignity and wellness.