Meet the Planning Team & Advisors
DOI250AA Leadership & Advisory Core (Ongoing Expansion)
I – Initiator
C – Planning Committee
A – Advisor
Dr. Xiaoyan Zhang, Pennsylvania (Lead I. C.)
Dr. Xiaoyan Zhang, Ph.D., is a sociologist, entrepreneur, and civic innovator whose work bridges cultures and generations. As an initiator of DOI250AA and the National Conference Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act, he brings insight into social behavior, cultural dynamics, and community empowerment.
With experience in building and scaling businesses, advising startups, and leading both ethnic and mainstream organizations, he promotes inclusive participation with humility and focus. A former Entrepreneur of the Year and national advisor on public health policy, he has also served as Chair of UCA and Honorary Chair of ACUA. Known for connecting people across backgrounds—from dignitaries to grassroots leaders—he helps others lead and contribute with confidence. His leadership reflects respect for tradition and openness to collaboration, empowering diverse teams to build a more united and forward-looking society.
Matt Zhang, Pennsylvania (A.)
Professor Matt Xichuan Zhang is a highly respected Philadelphia-based community leader with more than two decades of sustained service across Chinese American and broader Asian American communities. He has served as Chairman of the Chinese American Chamber of Commerce since 2024, Chairman of the North American Shaanxi Fellow Association, and CEO of EAST WEST IT Services, providing long-term leadership at the intersection of business, technology, and community development.
Through his work in cybersecurity and federal contracting, Professor Zhang brings practical insight into organizational integration, compliance, and ethical operations within complex systems. His experience bridging grassroots community needs with institutional and government partnerships supports inclusive participation and responsible economic development.
In addition to his professional leadership, Professor Zhang is a martial arts grandmaster, a role that has deepened his relationships with families, youth, and cultural organizations. This discipline-based practice informs his emphasis on integrity, ethics, resilience, and respect across generations. Widely regarded for his credibility and consistency, Professor Zhang offers DOI250AA trusted guidance in planning, outreach, and meaningful engagement—helping integrate cultural understanding, professional discipline, and community responsibility into long-term civic life.
Wenbin Yuan, Wisconsin (I. C.)
Wenbin Yuan is a matured and grounded “lead from behind” leader whose love of humor, lighthearted writings, care for others, and passion for non-profit causes make him a valued initiator of DOI250AA. He expresses ideas with clarity and purpose, bringing decades of experience not only in cross-cultural and cross-generational engagement, but also in serving recognizing community needs and knowing how organize them cross ethnic and political boundaries.
After moving to the United States and obtaining environmental engineering degree, Wenbin spent 28 years as an environmental engineer and a construction contractor, managing over $100 million in environmental cleanup and building projects for government and private clients. This work honed his skill in coordinating diverse personalities, agencies, and stakeholders. Alongside his professional career, he was one of the founders of Milwaukee’s modern Chinese School, Milwaukee Chinese Community Center, Milwaukee Chinese Times, and Wisconsin Chinese Chamber of Commerce—each created to serve the community in need.
His commitment to documentation of history is reflected in his co-authorship of the book “Chinese in Milwaukee”, preserving Chinese American history in the region. Influenced by his father, a master calligrapher, and shaped by his own lifelong study of poetry, literature, and writing, Wenbin values expression in writing as a way to connect, inspire, and preserve legacies. He carries these experiences into CRCEA80 and DOI250AA, ensuring history is remembered and communities’ missions are carried for the future.
Margaret Yee, Utah (A.)
Dr. Yaoyang Yan, Florida (A.)
Dr. Yao Yan is a Florida-based community leader whose work serves the broader public through sustained collaboration with Asian American leaders nationwide. He serves as a committee planner representing the Asian Americans Leadership Coalition (AALC), contributing coordination, outreach, and relationship-building across regions, generations, and professional sectors. While rooted in South Florida, he works closely with national networks to connect local initiatives with shared learning and inclusive participation.
Dr. Yan previously served as President of the Chinese Association of Science, Education, and Culture of South Florida (CASEC) and currently chairs its Advisory Board, reflecting strong governance experience. He also serves on the Board of the Florida Asian American Justice Alliance (FAAJA), further extending his collaborative reach.
His interest in geography, Environment Sciences and GeoAI reflects the way he approaches community work—attentive to layers of history, long-term change, and how systems connect. This perspective supports patient, thoughtful intercultural relationship-building, recognizing that strong communities, like stable formations, are shaped over time through understanding, resilience, and steady coordination.
Heping Xu, California (I. A.)
He Ping Xu is a writer and deep thinker whose passion for cultural understanding shapes his role in DOI250AA. A long-timer in both business and community engagement, he brings insight to preserving important narratives, including editing and contributing to the CRCEA80 commemoration and compilation book.
Born in Wuxi, Jiangsu, and a graduate of Nanjing Normal University’s Department of Foreign Languages, he began his career as a teacher before working in tourism, where he met people connected to Pearl S. Buck’s legacy. These encounters sparked his enduring interest in America’s constructive role in China and in the history of Chinese American immigrants. His early achievements span education, translation, international relations, and tourism management. Since immigrating to the U.S., he has promoted mutual respect through good citizenship, supported the growth of community Asian American museums, and built a career in the anti-aging biotechnology field, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
Julie Xing, Pennsylvania (A.)
Wilson Wong, New York (C.)
Wilson Wong, a veteran entrepreneur and social activist of Hakka descent, has dedicated more than 30 years to advancing community development, multicultural integration, and public service in the United States. He currently serves as Chairman of the New York Community Legal Aid Center and Vice President of the Eastern U.S. Chapter of the World Hakka Association. His long-standing commitment to civic engagement and social impact was nationally recognized with the 2021 Presidential Award for Giving.
As founder of Yirui Culture Media, Wilson has led initiatives in film and television production, event planning, and full-media promotion. He has successfully hosted the CCTV Super Baby USA competition and spearheaded large-scale community events such as the New York Spring Festival Parade and the Mid-Autumn Festival Garden Party, both of which promoted cultural pride and unity within the Chinese and broader Asian American communities. He has also sponsored youth development programs, health seminars, and public interest legal aid while speaking out against anti-Asian violence.
Within DOI250AA, Wilson serves as a committee planning member, bringing his wealth of experience in organizing impactful events, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, and uniting communities. His insight strengthens DOI250AA’s mission to build trust, amplify diverse voices, and prepare for America’s 250th commemoration with vision and purpose.
Jiao Wang (A.)
Director Wang Jiao serves as an Advisor to DOI250AA, contributing her deep expertise in visual storytelling, cross-cultural communication, and large-scale production management. With over 35 years of experience in film, television, stage arts, and education across China, the United States, and Europe, she brings a creative and operational strength that supports DOI250AA’s national vision.
A filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer, Director Wang has worked with Xinjiang Tianshan Film Studio, Beijing Film Studio, CCTV Arts Department, Changchun Television, and Zhuhai Television, and later collaborated with NBC and the Discovery Channel. Her works include the award-winning Our Olympics (CCTV), Wind Carry My Tears, All About Girls, Chinese in America, and the multimedia-rich 2019 Washington D.C. Spring Festival Gala.
She holds dual bachelor’s degrees from China and Europe, an MBA from Georgetown University, and a Doctorate in Film Arts from American University. Her leadership in coordinating complex productions strengthens DOI250AA’s efforts to create meaningful, engaging, and inclusive community experiences nationwide.
Tai Vaz, Florida (C.)
As President of the Thai American Association, Tai brings extensive relationships across Thai, Indian, and broader Asian American communities. She has consistently demonstrated the ability to mobilize participation, build partnerships, and help communities engage more visibly in civic and cultural spaces. Her experience aligns strongly with DOI250AA’s mission of expanding participation, visibility, and long-term community engagement around America250.
Tai is widely respected for her continuous charitable and cultural contributions throughout South Florida, helping increase Asian American recognition through collaborations connected with Miami International Airport, public libraries, county programs, multicultural festivals, and public events. She has substantial experience organizing and producing large-scale events, including serving as a lead executive producer for county-related programs and community initiatives.
She is already enthusiastic about helping promote America250 engagement through the Asian Culture Festival and is working with established entertainment and event production professionals to create meaningful and memorable public experiences. Her ability to connect community, culture, public engagement, and operational execution makes her a valuable advisor for DOI250AA’s future national and local initiatives.
Beyond event leadership, Tai also plays an important bridge-building role for first-generation immigrants. She regularly helps immigrant-owned businesses and families better understand American systems, workplace expectations, and operational standards. Her experience working with national restaurant chains in staff training and new location development further strengthens her practical understanding of cross-cultural communication, leadership development, and community integration.
Tai’s combination of community trust, multicultural relationships, operational experience, public engagement, and long-term service mindset makes her a strong and meaningful advisor for DOI250AA as the initiative continues expanding participation and visibility leading into America250 and beyond.
Andrew Toy, Pennsylvania (A.)
Andrew (Andy) Toy is a nationally recognized community and economic development leader and currently serves as Home Appraisal Bias Program Director for the City of Philadelphia, where he addresses systemic inequities that undervalue Black- and Brown-owned properties—issues directly tied to generational wealth, housing stability, and access to capital. He has previously served as Policy Director for the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations and as Community Development Director for SEAMAAC, supporting immigrant and refugee communities across Southeast Asia.
Andy has led several transformative, community-driven projects, including the $4.2 million Mifflin Square Park improvements, the SoPhiE immigrant food truck chef incubator, and the $77 million Chinatown Community Center Crane Project, one of Philadelphia’s most significant community developments. Earlier in his career, he built minority business support models at LISC and The Enterprise Center and led Philadelphia’s Brownfields Program, unlocking millions in new investments.
A third-generation member of the Toy family, whose roots in the U.S. date back five generations with deep ties to Milwaukee, Andy brings a lived understanding of Asian American integration. His family’s history—including WWII service and features in Asian American history books—informs his belief that Asian Americans navigating transition benefit from learning American history and context alongside their own. As an advisor, he contributes strategic insight, cross-cultural perspective, and a long-term view of inclusive civic participation.
Dr. Ji Su, Virginia (I. C.)
Dr. Ji Su is an active contributor to DOI250AA and America250 initiatives, recognized for his ability to connect people, ideas, and resources across communities. Within the programming and outreach committees, he serves as a trusted sounding board and helps shape retreats that foster collaboration and clarity. He is now a member of VA-York250 Committee.
Professionally, he is a materials scientist at a NASA research center and Chair of the National Council of Chinese Americans (NCCA), where he has also served as President. He co-chaired landmark events such as the 2016 Inaugural Chinese American Conference and the 2022 Summit of Cooperation of Chinese Americans, and served as a co-chair and the program committee lead in the 2023 Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act and the congressional apology for the 1840 Act.
Dr. Su actively defends the social rights of Chinese Americans and has led local organizations, including the VA–Peninsula Chinese American Association. He co-founded the NASA–Langley AAPI Committee, led projects such as adding Chinese captions to PBS’s Asian Americans, and organized the first nationwide AAPI Month seminar series. An avid fencer and humble team player, he is deeply interested in compiling a Chinese American ancestry database to build cultural roots, trace multiracial heritage, and promote inclusion—always guided by his principle: Do the right thing, and help get it done together.
Dr. Zhida Song-James, Nevada (I. C.)
Dr. Zhida Song-James is an initiator and planning member of the DOI250AA Committee, actively serving on the Programming, Outreach, and Local Event Subcommittees. She brings not only technical expertise but also a grounded, cross-cultural vision rooted in decades of community involvement. Dr. Song-James believes true integration begins at the grassroots level—through mutual respect, shared contribution, and historical recognition. She challenges the notion of a fixed “mainstream,” affirming instead that all communities are part of the American fabric when they engage rather than isolate. A strong advocate for including Asian American history and contributions in K–12 education, she has helped lead a national movement to ensure future generations grow up with a fuller understanding of American identity. Her lifelong dedication to civic unity and cultural education strengthens DOI250AA’s mission to bring Asian American stories visibly into the America250 commemoration.
Professionally, Dr. Song-James is a seasoned hydrologist, hydraulic engineer, history researcher, and writer with over 40 years of service. She contributed to national water resource standards through federal cross-agency teams and has worked with diverse, credible institutions. Her historical writings appear in the Historical Record of Chinese Americans, amplifying underrepresented narratives.
Vivek Singhal, Illinois (C.)
Vivek Singhal is a member of the DOI250AA leadership team and the author of Dominion and Dharma, a work that reflects on civilizational values, responsibility, and how societies understand participation and belonging. His thinking closely aligns with the kind of thoughtful, community-centered dialogue being cultivated around America’s 250th anniversary.
Educated at IIT Delhi and in the United States, including advanced studies at the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago, Mr. Singhal’s background spans complex, high-responsibility environments where leaders engage as peers, balance differing perspectives, and consider both immediate realities and long-term implications. Across his work, he brings a steady focus on ethics, accountability, and systems-level understanding.
Mr. Singhal is deeply passionate about contributing wherever he can be most helpful—whether by guiding reflection, supporting constructive dialogue, or offering perspective that helps individuals and communities think more clearly about participation, responsibility, and belonging. As part of DOI250AA, he contributes as one of many experienced voices, enriching conversations with cross-cultural insight, thoughtful inquiry, and a sincere commitment to strengthening community understanding and shared civic responsibility.
Ellen Qiongzhao Schicktanz, Pennsylvania (A.)
Ellen Qiongzhao Schicktanz serves as an advisor to DOI250AA, contributing artistic vision, historical interpretation, and cultural leadership to support public engagement with America’s founding story. An internationally renowned Chinese American sculptor, painter, and curator, she brings a global perspective shaped by decades of work across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
She holds a PhD in literature and art history and serves as Director of the Goddess Art Museum, Vice Chairperson of the Rodin International Artists Foundation, and Chairperson of the World Alliance of Asian Women. Her works have been collected and exhibited by major institutions including the Fuji Art Museum, the Museum of the American Revolution, the National Constitution Center, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.
Ellen is recognized for her monumental historical reliefs depicting key moments such as Washington Crossing the Delaware and the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, reflecting a deep engagement with American history through a distinctive artistic lens.
Her honors include the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and multiple international awards for artistic excellence and cultural leadership. She has also spoken at the United Nations on the role of art in advancing social awareness and human dignity.
Parth Savla, California (A.)
Parth Shanti Savla serves as an Advisor to DOI250AA, bringing a rare combination of emotional wellness expertise, digital systems thinking, and community innovation. Born in Mumbai and raised in New Jersey, Parth is a strategic leader and nonprofit director with more than 20 years of experience advancing mental health, social impact, and tech-enabled engagement.
As Director of the Million Mask Movement, he helped expand participation from 65,000 to 81,600 people, secured $125K in funding, and received the U.S. Surgeon General’s Award for leadership in youth mental health. He also integrated AI platforms — including ChatGPT, Claude, and Bard — to scale content, operations, and national outreach.
Parth is the Founder of Coherence Consulting and creator of TheShyIndianGuy.com, coaching more than 1,500 individuals in personal growth and financial clarity. His background includes raising $337K in grassroots funding for JAINA, directing large-scale summits, and leading digital strategy across multi-organization networks.
For DOI250AA, Parth contributes strengths in youth engagement, mental wellness, digital infrastructure, and community-centered innovation — helping build inclusive, scalable pathways for participation nationwide.
Siulin Santee, Utah (A.)
Dr. Abdoulaye Mbengue, Alabama (A.)
Dr. Abdoulaye Mbengue, founder of the Xelkom Institute, is an internationally respected leadership coach specializing in cultural awareness, servant leadership, and effective leadership. Originally from Senegal, he brings the perspective of an African immigrant who understands the balance of honoring traditions while fully participating in mainstream America—a hybrid experience that resonates with Asian American communities.
He has trained business leaders, corporate professionals, and public servants, while also supporting Osiri University and Mayor John Smith Leasdership Institute in advancing leadership development. Dr. Mbengue frequently speaks at major national conferences and currently serves as the Director General for the World Conference of Mayors, where he promotes effective, ethical, sustainable, collaborative, and empowerment leadership. He has also supported numerous Asian American events, helping strengthen cross-cultural understanding.
As a DOI250AA advisor, Dr. Mbengue enriches the planning committee with wisdom and practical tools that empower communities to lead with integrity and unity in America’s 250th anniversary.
Dr. Ling Luo, Texas (A.)
Dr. Ling Luo is a seasoned national leader with more than two decades of experience in Asian American civic engagement, leadership development, and coalition building. As the founder of major Asian American leadership platforms, she has demonstrated a rare ability to design, grow, and sustain large-scale networks that bring people together around shared purpose, discipline, and long-term vision.
Over the years, Dr. Luo has advised members of Congress, worked on national campaigns, and supported numerous civic and community initiatives, earning a strong reputation for strategic thinking, humility, and collaboration. Her work extends well beyond formal leadership spaces. She is known for actively participating in cultural events organized by other communities, building genuine relationships across backgrounds, and inviting others into her social and professional circles to encourage mutual understanding.
Ling is also a scholar-practitioner, with Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, and a prolific writer whose essays have helped shape Asian American public discourse. As an advisor to DOI250AA, she contributes strategic insight, outreach expertise, and a deep commitment to inclusive leadership grounded in respect, unity, and shared civic life.
Weihaur Lau, California (C.)
Weihaur (Wayhow) Lau, a 3rd-generation Chinese Malaysian who immigrated to the U.S. in 1997, serves as planning committee member to the DOI250AA Committee, contributing expertise in cross-cultural and intergenerational collaboration, leadership, and civic dialogue. He is the founder of BeAwaken Coaching and the nonprofit Awaken Inner Voices, empowering Asian professionals to break cultural barriers and lead with authenticity and purpose.
Weihaur brings over 25 years of experience in emotional intelligence, integrative health, and coaching. He formerly led public health programs at the Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center and the San Francisco Department of Public Health, and served six years as co-chair of the San Francisco HIV Prevention Planning Council, representing diverse communities in health equity work.
A former coach with Landmark, he has led seminars of up to 300 people and coached over 5,000 individuals, including leaders at Google, Stanford, and across Silicon Valley.
Dr. Sukhwinder Lakhman, Florida (A.)
Dr. Sukhwinder Lakhman is a university professor and researcher whose perspective is shaped by deep roots in northern India near the Himalayan region, where cultural diversity, social layers, and long historical traditions coexist closely. Growing up in this environment gave him an early understanding that even within a single country—and within Asian American communities—there are many distinct cultural circles, values, and lived experiences. He consistently encourages collaboration grounded in mutual respect and genuine curiosity.
After arriving in the United States, Dr. Lakhman intentionally stepped outside his familiar cultural circle within his first six months, choosing shared housing with people from different backgrounds to accelerate cultural understanding and integration. He has since taught at multiple universities across different states, observing regional differences in American culture and student interaction.
His research background is in biopharmaceutical sciences, and he has trained numerous students who now work in pharmaceutical manufacturing, medicine, and related businesses, where ethics, discipline, and responsibility are essential. In his teaching, he deliberately designs group projects that bring international and domestic students together, creating environments for collaboration and learning across differences. As an advisor, he offers a non–Asian American lens on Asian American experiences, reminding leaders to remain open-minded, adaptable, and willing to explore beyond inherited habits and assumptions.
Dr. Chuck Li, Minnesota (I. C.)
Chuck Li is one of the initiators of DOI250AA, known for blending professionalism with a deep dedication to community and cultural heritage. The first in his family to attend college, his parents poured all their resources into sending him to Peking University—a privilege he values not only for its education, but for the network of people and opportunities it opened.
Chuck is a strong advocate for expanding Asian Americans’ access to quality education, believing that with thousands of years of cultural heritage and a tradition of moral integrity, education and responsibility go hand in hand. When given opportunity and guidance, he believes Asian Americans can contribute greatly to the strength and harmony of society. Drawing on decades of professional experience in IT, banking and finance, he works to increase public understanding of Asian American history in K-12 education and beyond.
Grounded and approachable, Chuck also enjoys framing calligraphy and paintings, gardening, and preparing hometown dishes. His insight, values, and steady leadership help DOI250AA document and share Asian American legacies for generations to come.
Dr. Yawei Liu, Georgia (A.)
Dr. Yawei Liu serves as an Advisor to DOI250AA, offering guidance on civic engagement, cross-cultural understanding, and community dialogue as we prepare for America250. His expertise helps ensure the initiative remains grounded in fairness, accuracy, and meaningful public understanding.
Dr. Liu is the Senior Advisor for China at The Carter Center, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Associate Director of the China Research Center in Atlanta, and an adjunct professor of Political Science at Emory University. Since joining The Carter Center in 1998, he has led major efforts to strengthen U.S.–China understanding, including directing the China Program and launching the U.S.–China Perception Monitor in 2014.
He earned his B.A. from Xian Foreign Languages Institute, M.A. from the University of Hawaii, and Ph.D. in American History from Emory University.
Dr. Liu’s depth of experience enhances DOI250AA’s commitment to informed leadership, respectful dialogue, and inclusive community participation.
Lewis Liu, New York (I. C.)
Lewis Liu is one of the initiators and planning members of the DOI250AA Asian American Committee, contributing historical insight, public messaging strategy, and national coordination. A civic leader and independent scholar, Lewis writes under the pen name “Hai Kuo Tian Kong”, with widely read publications on American history, politics, the Constitution, and Chinese American contributions—garnering over three million reads.
He holds an MBA in Finance from New York University and spent over 22 years as a global executive in financial services across North America, Western Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
Lewis was a lead initiator and organizing committee member of the National Conference to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Repealing the Chinese Exclusion Act, where he served as Spokesperson and Chief Editor of the official website and compilation book.
He currently works for the U.S. Census Bureau as a Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist, overseeing media relations with Asian American communities nationwide.
Hongbing Liu, Louisiana (A.)
Dr. Hongbing Liu brings exceptional depth, experience, and heart to the DOI250AA Planning Committee. As a faculty member in the School of Medicine at Tulane University and a long-serving civic leader in Louisiana, he channels more than two decades of community dedication into our national effort. Beyond his academic work, Dr. Liu serves as Chairman of both the American Chinese United Association – Louisiana Chapter and the Louisiana Chinese Chamber of Commerce. His role on this committee includes sharing DOI250AA’s mission with these organizations, activating regional networks, and ensuring Louisiana’s diverse voices are meaningfully represented.
Dr. Liu is known for putting community well-being before his own comfort and even before family — a reflection of his deep sense of duty. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he coordinated lifesaving PPE donations across Greater New Orleans and organized the city’s first outdoor Stop Asian Hate rally, uniting Asian communities during a difficult moment. His work throughout the years has focused on strengthening representation, equity, and opportunity for the Chinese community and other marginalized groups statewide. His presence strengthens our committee’s capacity, compassion, and purpose.
Steve Hugh, Illinois (I. C.)
Steve Hugh is the Founding Chairman of UCA Illinois, Founder and Chairman of the U.S. Asian American Leadership Council, and CEO of Superior Brands Corporation & All Trans Int’l Chicago Ltd. A long-time advocate for Asian American unity and civic engagement, Steve has hosted major leadership events across the Greater Chicago area and maintains strong relationships with government officials and community leaders who support Asian American advancement.
He played a key role in the CRCEA80 national commemoration, helping connect speakers, secure meeting venues, and resolve challenges with humility and grace. A faith-driven Christian, Steve leads with quiet strength and is a trusted figure in many professional and community networks nationwide.
As a DOI250AA Committee member, Steve is committed to uplifting the legacy and leadership of Asian Americans in the U.S. Constitution’s 250th commemoration—believing unity, values, and participation are essential to shaping America’s future with purpose and pride.
Joshua Ho (C.)
Joshua Ho is a dedicated Korean American community leader who has consistently demonstrated strong commitment to uplifting and connecting Asian American communities throughout South Florida. Through his work with the Miami-Dade County Asian-American Advisory Board (AAAB), he has helped build relationships between Asian American organizations, county leadership, mainstream institutions, and private-sector resources.
Joshua is actively involved in community events of different scales, both Asian and non-Asian, often several times a week including evenings and weekends. The events he supports range from cultural festivals and nonprofit programs to small business networking, government procurement, and civic engagement initiatives. He frequently brings people together so they can connect with organizations, leaders, resources, and opportunities that support long-term growth and collaboration.
He has been deeply involved in supporting the Asian Culture Festival, one of the largest Asian American cultural events in the region, helping connect community organizations with county and broader public resources. Joshua has also been supportive of DOI250AA by attending panels, encouraging participation, helping connect people with our programs, and assisting collaborative engagement and recognition efforts with county leadership and community partners.
Joshua’s ability to navigate community, county, and mainstream systems brings valuable perspective to DOI250AA. His bridge-building leadership style, stakeholder mindset, relationships, and collaborative approach help strengthen partnerships, outreach, civic participation, and long-term community engagement.
He actively promotes community initiatives through social media and remains highly accessible, regularly reviewing DOI250AA blogs, videos, meeting minutes, and organizational materials while making himself available for discussions and guidance. Joshua also serves as a pastor, hosts community-oriented talk show discussions, previously worked as a teacher, and studied and interned in event and entertainment operations, including exposure to Disney Theme Park-level project environments.
Jack Hanna, Pennsylvania (C.)
Jack Hanna, a third-generation Syrian Arab American and retired attorney with over 40 years of legal and civic experience, serves as Chair of the Outreach Subcommittee for the DOI250AA Committee. A longtime political activist and social justice advocate, Jack recently returned to his hometown in the Pittsburgh area after six years in Portland, Oregon. There, he actively supported Asian American advocacy, civic engagement, and public safety initiatives—including the 2020 Census and local candidate campaigns.
He served two years as co-chair of Portland’s Building Bridges program, collaborating with the U.S. and Oregon Justice Departments, law enforcement, and community leaders to address safety in communities of color. Jack also represented his district at seven consecutive Democratic National Conventions.
Now with DOI250AA, he is honored to help elevate and promote the often-overlooked history and impact of Asian Americans in the United States over the past 250 years through outreach and cross-community engagement.
Lisa Gray, Michigan (A.)
Celine Fang, Florida (I. C. Executive Director)
Celine Fang serves as the Executive Director and co-initiator of DOI250AA, where she contributes coordination, continuity, and creative strategy to national efforts that highlight Asian American presence and contributions in the 250th commemoration of the Declaration of Independence. She joined the initiative to support its leadership and ensure clear messaging, effective collaboration, and long-term visibility.
Born in China and raised in the U.S. since age 13—with two generations of family rooted in Southeast Asia—Celine brings a flexible cultural lens and a deep understanding of cross-community dynamics. As a graphic designer and funding advisor, she has supported countless projects across sectors, helping entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds communicate effectively, strengthen their brand presence, and access practical resources.
She is the founder of Busi-Boost, a platform that empowers business owners through funding strategies, brand development, and leadership tools. It also offers engaging and accessible learning resources that help immigrants build confidence navigating U.S. business, financial, and cultural systems—reducing misunderstandings and promoting stronger workplace and community collaboration. Topics include workplace etiquette, communication norms, professional integration, etc.
Celine also contributed to the CRCEA80 initiative by supporting its website, video production, and compilation book. She serves as a civilian contributor to the World Conference of Mayors and provides strategic guidance to local chambers and nonprofit organizations.
Mingli Chen, New York (C.)
Mr. Ming Li (Adam) Chen brings exceptional professionalism, cross-cultural legal training, and a strong sense of civic responsibility to the DOI250AA Planning Committee. With law degrees from both Peking University School of Law and New York University School of Law, along with advanced studies at Harvard Law School, he is one of the rare attorneys qualified to appear in courts across more than thirty states. His work in federal and state civil litigation, criminal defense, immigration matters, and intellectual property disputes has earned national recognition, including features in The New York Times and Reuters.
Within DOI250AA, Mr. Chen contributes a professional mindset, a deep respect for ethical standards, and a willingness to support the initiative whenever needed. He is the type of member who ensures that our work reflects integrity, clarity, and proper practice. Since learning about the initiative, he has remained actively engaged, consistently seeking ways to strengthen team cohesion, build trust, and connect the committee to broader networks.
He believes that positive impact—not financial gain—is what gives a career its true meaning. His dedication, humility, and steady presence enrich the collective strength of our national mission.
Zachary Borja, California (A.)
Zachary Borja serves as an Advisor to DOI250AA, contributing his experience in youth engagement, public education, and community-centered leadership. An elected Trustee of the San Leandro Unified School District in California and a first-generation Filipino American, he represents a new generation of civic leaders rooted in inclusion, service, and opportunity.
A product of San Leandro’s public schools and now a local business owner, Zachary has helped more than 1,000 students secure internships in technology, marketing, and entrepreneurship through his work with PilotCity. His broader civic involvement — including service on the San Leandro Human Services Commission, the Scholarship Foundation, and the Leadership San Leandro Board — reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, education access, and intergenerational collaboration.
For DOI250AA, Zachary brings practical insight into youth outreach, school-community partnerships, and workforce innovation. His ability to connect classrooms with real-world leadership aligns closely with DOI250AA’s goal of strengthening understanding, civic participation, and community presence nationwide.
Qiang Bjornbak, California (C.)
Attorney Qiang Bjornbak is a Planning Committee Member, bringing more than two decades of experience in U.S. immigration law, civil litigation, and community legal education.
Admitted to practice for over 23 years, she has handled more than 1,000 cases involving asylum, removal defense, adjustment of status, naturalization, employment-based immigration (including EB-1A and EB-1C), and federal appeals. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the American Bar Association International Law Section’s Immigration and Naturalization Committee and as President of the California Asian American Attorneys Association, where her work focuses on access to justice, professional development, and public education.
Through extensive work with immigrant and multicultural communities, Attorney Bjornbak understands what people may be accustomed to in other systems and where expectations differ in the U.S. Her long-standing passion has been serving individuals and communities by educating them on how to work effectively within the system—bridging gaps between experience, understanding, and participation.
Her role on the Planning Committee is not to provide legal advice, but to help surface real community concerns, guide thoughtful dialogue, and support planning that remains grounded, responsible, and aligned with the initiative’s civic goals.
Connect With DOI250AA
We’d love to hear from you—community members, sponsors, partners, cultural enthusiasts, educators, and friends. Your insight and support help us bridge cultures, generations, and regions. Use the contact form or email us at support@doi250aa.net. For mail: 5831 Forward Ave, Unit #918, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
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