AAPI Power Players 2024

Shaily Dadiala is a choreographer and dancer based in Philadelphia. Born and raised in India where she acquired her dance education, she creates original works rooted in the dance style Bharatanatyam as a soloist and with Usiloquy, the dance company she founded in 2008. As a multi-hyphenate Punjabi-American immigrant, her strategies delve into points of intersection with/in the South Asian diaspora, interpreting the grid formed by migration, race, and gender.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
The visibility might be low and grainy at the moment; however, you cannot predict everything and customize the world. Life paths can be complex, be kind to yourself. Learn from history and facts, but do not feel discouraged if you cannot find apt role models. Forcing yourself to conform and ignoring instincts may find you gaining mass support at the cost of abandoning your agency and heeding your wisdom.

Do you have any event/movie/music suggestions for our readers to check out in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month?
First, MILFADELPHIA: The Fashion Show, Asian Arts Initiative (AAI) Annual Benefit: Located in Philadelphia’s Chinatown North, AAI is a multidisciplinary arts center offering exhibitions, performances, artist residencies, youth workshops, and a community gathering space. Second, South Asian music performances on May 17th and 18th presented by the Aga Khan Museum and Small World Music in Toronto, Canada. 

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
I carry multiple strands of South Asian ethnicities, religions, and languages in a harmonious, complex mix within me; and the added American fragment is constantly discovering modalities of ancient and future connections.

What can Philadelphia policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term?
Now is an exciting time, with a record number of AAPI folks in leadership in the city and national government. It would be great to see public-private partnerships leveraged to create a global-minded, AAPI-focused arts event and expand Philadelphia’s brand. Our fates are interlinked when it comes to public schools. Increased funding and resource dedication toward decreasing disparities is a long-term goal that needs consistent support.

Yi Deng serves as dean and Isaac L. Auerbach professor at the College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) at Drexel University. At Drexel, he has led the transformation of CCI into a program at the forefront of reshaping computing and informatics education and research. Deng earned his master’s of science and Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s of engineering degree in computer science and technology from the University of Science and Technology of China.

Sin Gogolak is the director of PR and communications and oversees public relations, communications, and events that help build the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) brand. She works to ensure PHS is consistently highlighted in all forms of editorial content and creates buzz that moves people to action. She has placed tens of thousands of editorial stories, won numerous awards, and established a thought leadership channel whereby PHS is invited to speak at conferences and events around the nation.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Life is long and the path is winding so be flexible and stay focused. Things won’t always go your way and that is ok, but make sure to learn from it.

Do you have any event/movie/music suggestions for our readers to check out in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month?
“In the Mood for Love” by Wong Kar-Wai is an artistic masterpiece of a movie and celebrates Asian culture and art.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My heritage helps me navigate the world with a quiet strength. I was raised on Confucian ideals of respect for order, family, and harmony, which helps me excel at building bridges to connect people and ideas. My heritage has influenced me through its manifestation in how I value forming deep relationships. The blend of cultural influences helps me foster collaboration and navigate complex landscapes both personally and professionally.

What can Philadelphia policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term?
Policymakers can make more of a concerted effort to do outreach and source community input from the AAPI community. Since culturally, AAPI members tend to shy away from being extremely vocal on hot-button topics, it’s important to allow them space to contribute their thoughts.

Jane Guo immigrated from China in 1983 to New York. She opened her first restaurant in 1990 in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Since then Jane has owned and operated six restaurants in Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia area. She has three kids, Jackson, Kevin, and Corinna and one grandchild, Sydney. Jane currently operates two locations in Philadelphia serving authentic dim sum at Dim Sum House, located at 20th and Chestnut and 40th and Chestnut.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Work hard and dedicate your time towards your dreams. Learn and study as much as possible when you’re young, even if things are not comfortable or seem too difficult, never give up on your dreams.

Do you have any event/movie/music suggestions for our readers to check out in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month?
Jane is a big fan of sports and an avid Philadelphia sports team supporter.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My culture has taught me to never give, work hard, and treat others kindly. Keep your friends, family, and customers close to your heart. Always respect the elderly.

What can Philadelphia policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term?
Short term – increase the amount of law enforcement to keep the city safe and lower the crime rate. Keep the city clean, fix the potholes! Improve the permitting process from the City. Long term – the government needs to improve the school program in Philadelphia. Learning different languages, cultures and skills will help the diverse community in Philadelphia better live together.

Michelle Hong is a financial services executive and civic leader. She co-leads the Philadelphia office of Northern Trust and serves on the board of PECO Energy, Main Line Health, WHYY, Committee of Seventy, and the National Association of Corporate Directors (Philadelphia). She is a former board chair of Philabundance and a member of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Philadelphia.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
“Understand that what makes you different can be a source of strength and power.” Earlier in my career, I was frequently the only woman or the only Asian-American at the table. It took a while for me to learn that I didn’t need to be like everyone else. I had a seat at the table precisely because I had had different experiences and a different way of thinking, and there was great value in that.

Do you have any event/movie/music suggestions for our readers to check out in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month?
Yes! The world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma is receiving WHYY’s prestigious Lifetime Learning Award, and the award program – in which he is interviewed by the great Terry Gross – will be broadcast on WHYY-TV on Tuesday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. WHYY-TV is airing a full calendar of AAPI-related programs this month, and PBS has more online, including “Lucky Chow,” which explores the influence of Asian cuisines on American culture.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My parents always said, “Outside of our house may be America, but inside our house it’s Korea.” They insisted that my siblings and I learn to read, write and speak Korean. In addition, we all have certain Korean mindsets such as “palli palli,” meaning “quick quick”; I have a strong drive to finish things quickly and to maximize every minute of every day. My family can attest that I rarely veg out and do nothing.

What can Philadelphia policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term?
Language access is a hurdle for many in the AAPI community, which includes around 50 distinct ethnicities and 100 different languages. It can be overwhelming for Philadelphians with limited English proficiency to access services and resources that are already available to them, let alone navigate the complexities of starting a new business, registering to vote, or advocating for a loved one. Ensuring access for all Philadelphians will reap benefits in both the short- and long-term.

Anne Ishii is a writer and the executive director of Asian Arts Initiative, which has operated with a mission to “create community through the power of art” in Philadelphia since 1993. Anne is also the co-founder of MASSIVE GOODS—a clearinghouse of queer and feminist art from Japan. She has translated and rewritten over twenty four books and is regularly published in a variety of places, sometimes anonymously.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Start now.

Do you have any event/movie/music suggestions for our readers to check out in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month?
My recommendation is to check out arts and culture from the Asian diaspora outside of the Heritage Month! But because May is such a beautiful month to be outside in this region, I also fully recommend going to the Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park when they reopen for the year.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
I would literally not be who I am without it. One’s relationship to their heritage says everything one needs to know about dignity.

What can Philadelphia policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term?
In both the short and long term, policymakers would do well to pay attention to us, not just because we are a large and growing constituency but simply because we are here. Our issues are so prescient, and we move toward justice by weaving the experiences of communities of color together, with dignity and integrity. That’s how you make positive change.

Jesse Ito is the chef and co-owner of Royal Sushi & Izakaya in Philadelphia. The restaurant, opened in 2016, is a lively, unfussy hub for Japanese comfort food and punchy cocktails. Tucked behind a curtain is Ito’s eight-seat sushi counter where he prepares the full 16-course omakase menu himself, nightly. Ito has received seven award nominations from the James Beard Foundation, most recently as a finalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic in 2024.

Raymond John is the CEO and co-founder of 12 Plus, an education nonprofit whose mission is to partner with schools in underserved communities to build cultures that empower every student to pursue education and careers beyond twelfth grade. During his tenure, Raymond has led the organization to serve over 3000 students annually across Philadelphia and Camden, gaining recognition both locally and nationally. In 2023, Raymond was selected as one of Philadelphia Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
First, do not be afraid to explore the path less taken, especially when tackling a complex problem. Simply because it has always been done a certain way, does not actually mean it is the best solution. Second, there are few things more precious than the gift of believing in another. Cherish the people who believe in you at every stage of your life.

Do you have any event/movie/music suggestions for our readers to check out in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month?
The film “Minari” directed by Lee Isaac Chung is one of the most powerful and poignant depictions of the Korean immigrant experience in America. The film is heartbreaking yet beautiful, closely mirroring my own story, and I imagine, so many other Korean-Americans. It can often be difficult to unpack the experience of growing up the child of immigrants – “Minari” does so with great care and empathy.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My parents moved across the world from Korea to Virginia for the same reason many other immigrants have: to seek a better life for their children. They fought tirelessly to realize this dream and ensure that I had access to an education that unlocked my full potential. My work today is in honor of their love, and driven by a belief that all students regardless of their background should have access to a quality education.

What can Philadelphia policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term?
The AAPI population continues to steadily grow each year in Philadelphia – up by nearly a third since 2000. In order to ensure AAPI communities remain invested, policymakers must ensure our voices are included and carry weight when making important decisions for the future of the city. They must also aim to understand both the shared and distinct cultural experiences of each AAPI community and construct thoughtful policies in consideration of these realities.

Representative Tarik Khan is a Ph.D.-prepared nurse practitioner who is the first Pakistani-American to be elected to the PA House. In his first term in Harrisburg, Khan has already passed eight bills through the house including supporting hospital patient safety, affordable housing, protecting free speech, security grants for vulnerable non-profits, and Eid-al-Fitr as a state holiday. Other legislation he co-wrote and passed will set up a task force to connect veterans to disability benefits.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Work hard, be yourself, and don’t worry.

Do you have any event/movie/music suggestions for our readers to check out in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month?
Search Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson motivational speech on YouTube when you need a boost.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My father emigrated from Pakistan in the 1960’s and he ingrained the same principles that his parents instilled in him – work hard, take care of others, don’t accept excuses for yourself. That gritty, blue-collar ethic is very much aligned with the values of the Philadelphia community that I serve.

What can Philadelphia policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term?
Public schools are a top-priority for the AAPI community and are for me. Our schools have been ruled unconstitutionally inadequate, and I am working with our local lawmakers to get our schools the resources that they need to be great. First off is the $1.1+ billion in extra funding this year’s budget, and then getting the rest of the $8 billion or so of extra funding that we need by the end of the decade.

Dr. Felix Kim is a molecular pharmacologist and cancer biologist. He is the principal Investigator at the cancer research lab at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, and faculty in the department of cancer biology at Thomas Jefferson University. Kim is also the co-founder of Context Therapeutics, an emerging biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel agents to treat resistant-cancers. He is a leading authority on Sigma1 biology and is the author of some of the seminal works in the field.