Philadelphia – Today, the city announced the newly reconstituted Mayor’s Commission on Asian American Affairs, comprised of 25 professionals and community leaders that represent the diversity of Asian American Communities in Philadelphia. The Commission will advise the Mayor on issues and policies pertinent to Asian communities in the city, ensure diversity and inclusion for Asian communities within city policies, and also assist Asian American community organizations in developing strategies and programs to enhance the social, cultural, and economic status of the Asian American community.
The Mayor has appointed John Chin, Executive Director of Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation as the Chair of the Commission and Grace Rustia, Associate State Director, AARP Pennsylvania State Office as the Vice Chair.
“I’m honored to serve on Mayor Kenney’s Commission, as he shares my commitment to supporting and growing Asian-American, as well as immigrant, communities and businesses,” said John Chin.
This Commission will be housed within the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement (OPE).
“This Advisory Commission will play an important role as a conduit to the community and its government, and make recommendations to the Mayor regarding policies and programs that impact the Asian American community of Philadelphia,” says Dr. Nina Ahmad, Deputy Mayor for Public Engagement.
Commissioners listed below:
• Cliff Akiyama, Pediatric Behavioral Specialist, Community Council Health Systems of Philadelphia
• Judi Rhee Alloway, CPC, Leadership Coach and Business Consultant, Imagine Leadership, LLC
• Nadeem A. Bezar, partner, Kline & Specter
• Kenneth Naroen Chhin, Co-Director with 1Love Movement, part of the Southeast Asian Freedom Network (SEAFN)
• John Chin, Executive Director, Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC)
• Aowtad Chowdhury, President, Bangladesh Welfare Association of America, Inc.
• Sokmala Chy, Executive Director of Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia
• Ruben D. David, PE, M.ASCE, ECP, Liaison Director in Pennsylvania, Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia
• Geemon George, Charity Coordinator, Ecumenical Fellowship of Indian Churches in Philadelphia
• Gayle Isa, Executive Director, Asian Arts Initiative
• Akanksha Kalra, Esquire has a law practice
• Aisha Khan, Co-founder, Twelve Gates Arts (12G)
• Leela N. Kuikel, Founding Executive Director, Bhutanese American Organization-Philadelphia
• Mehrin (“Mir”) Masud-Elias, Director of Legal Affairs, Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania
• Nancy Dung Nguyen, Executive Director and Co-Founder, VietLEAD
• Thoai Nguyen, CEO of SEAMAAC, Inc.
• Grace Rustia, Associate State Director, AARP Pennsylvania State Office
• Mathew Tharakan, Senior manager, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Manager, SEPTA
• Andrew Toy, Development and Communications Director, SEAMAAC (Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Associations Coalition)
• Catzie Vilayphonh, Award-winning writer and spoken word poet
• Alix Mariko Webb, Executive Director, Asian Americans United
• Grace Wu Kong, Director of the Chinese unit, Voorhees Care and Rehabilitation Center
• Cecilia Moy Yep, Founder, Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC)
• James Zhang, President, Sino American Business & Travel association
The first convening of the Commission takes place today in City Hall.