AAPI Power Players 2024

Tim Lu is a life-long Philadelphian. For more than 13 years, Lu has owned various Philadelphia venues, dedicated to providing unique customer experiences. As CEO and partner at Glu Hospitality, Lu is guided by his dedication to hospitality and operations management. Lu earned his bachelor’s degree from Penn State University. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife and three children.

Dr. Luo, J.D., Ph.D., practices intellectual property law focusing on all aspects of patent law, including patent prosecution, due diligence, opinion and litigation. He represents clients in broad technical areas such as chemistry, pharmaceuticals, material science, semiconductor and electronic devices, energy and emerging technologies. He also works on pro-bono matters in other areas. Dr. Luo had a decade of industry experience in inventing and commercializing new technologies and products in industry.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Be more open-minded and take more risks. Every experience counts.

Do you have any event/movie/music suggestions for our readers to check out in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month?
I cannot think of any now. But I have just read a webpage my daughter has just published, titled “East Wind, West Tides” on Asian Americans’ early advocacy at the University of Michigan in the 1970s. This is a history lab project she has done this semester. It is interesting to note the changes from Asian Americans considered and ignored as faraway foreigners then to an Asian American as the president of the university now.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
Life is a journey with adventures. I am an immigrant and a naturalized U.S. citizen. My learning journey and career path jumps from science to engineering and then to law while I also experienced big changes geographically and culturally. My heritage and journey help me a lot, and provide me with characters such as hard-working, commitment, loyalty, patience, and understanding, etc.

What can Philadelphia policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term?
In the short-term, provide more education and training to raise awareness of AAPI culture and their needs. In the long-term, promote more leadership in the younger generations.

Dr. Grace Ma is associate dean for health disparities, Laura H. Carnell professor and chair, department of urban health and population science, and founding director of the Center for Asian Health at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Dr. Ma has dedicated 26 years of service as a nationally recognized leader and pioneer in health disparities, cancer prevention and control, and population and community-engaged research among underserved Asian-Americans and vulnerable minority populations.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Follow your dreams. No matter how difficult it may be to get there, you will enjoy the ride.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
Being part of the Asian American community has significantly influenced my work, and through my research, I continue to learn and discover. Those qualities have always been a part of who I am, but now they feel even more important, as I dedicate so much of my career and time working to break down health disparities and to bring much-needed resources to people in underserved communities.

What can Philadelphia policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term?
In the short-term, we need to ensure that resources are in place to facilitate strong collaboration between health care professionals and community leaders. This collaboration is crucial for effective planning, development, and implementation of health initiatives for our marginalized communities. Those connections are vital to bridging the gap for longer-term efforts, including enhancing language access, expanding health insurance coverage and improving the quality of care in underserved communities.

Suresh Madhavan, Ph.D., is the dean of Temple University School of Pharmacy. Previously, as dean of the University of North Texas College of Pharmacy, he expanded academic programs, increased research funding, and helped to achieve re-accreditation. At West Virginia University School of Pharmacy, where he served as chair and faculty, he garnered multiple awards for health disparities research and scholarship. He continues to drive excellence in pharmacy education, research, and community engagement at Temple.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
To my younger self, I would emphasize embracing change and taking calculated risks, as they lead to personal and professional growth. I’d encourage being open to new opportunities, even if they seem daunting at first, staying true to values, and striving for excellence. It’s important to enjoy the journey and celebrate achievements. Additionally, I’d stress appreciating diversity, as it enriches lives and broadens perspectives.

Do you have any event/movie/music suggestions for our readers to check out in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month?
For AAPI Heritage Month, I recommend exploring the film “The Namesake,” which beautifully portrays the Indian-American experience, or “Lion,” based on a true story about a young Indian boy separated from his family. Music-wise, consider artists like A.R. Rahman, whose compositions blend Indian classical music with contemporary styles, or Norah Jones, whose music reflects her Indian heritage. Additionally, events showcasing Indian dance forms like Bharatanatyam or Kathak could offer a deeper cultural insight.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My Indian heritage has profoundly influenced my journey, especially in pharmacy education. It instilled in me a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and the importance of community. Growing up in India and spending forty years in the US has shaped my approach to leadership, research, and education, emphasizing inclusivity, innovation, and excellence. This background continues to inspire me to drive positive change and promote diversity and equity in all aspects of my work and interactions.

What can Philadelphia policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term?
In supporting the AAPI community, it’s vital to embrace and celebrate Philadelphia’s beautiful diversity. Short-term efforts should include improving access to culturally competent health care, mental health resources, and language assistance. Enhancing public safety to address discrimination is also crucial. Long-term strategies should promote diversity and inclusion in education and the workforce, address systemic inequalities, support AAPI-owned businesses, and ensure community representation in decision-making.

Rachel is responsible for Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation’s (PCDC) business operations, including staffing, resource allocation, financial and facilities management and program quality assurance. She oversees PCDC’s day-to-day operations and monitors operating procedures of various programs and projects. Rachel holds an MBA from Drexel University and is certified by HUD as a housing counselor and housing program manager.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
I would advise my younger self to develop a well-rounded set of skills and to take advantage of the resources and opportunities presented to me. In my work, I have learned to value the importance of a community-focused approach as opposed to a self-focused approach, and wish to pass this along to the next generation. Attention and care to the social and work environment are incredibly important as well.

Do you have any event/movie/music suggestions for our readers to check out in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month?
PCDC will be hosting our AAPI Heritage Month events, so please stay updated via our Facebook and Instagram pages!

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
Being raised in China has fundamentally shaped my decisions and career, as we are all products of our upbringing. Through my work at PCDC, I have made it a priority to connect with and serve those like myself who are living as Chinese immigrants in America. The impact of my upbringing has led me to value and cherish my AAPI community, and I have built my career around uplifting their voices.

What can Philadelphia policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term?
In the short-term, uplifting poverty for the most vulnerable members of our community, which include AAPI immigrants, is of utmost importance. This paves the way to success for AAPI entrepreneurs and stabilizes our community for long-term success. Equitable development is PCDC’s long-term goal for Philadelphia’s AAPI diaspora.

Jennie Nam is a Khmer American refugee and a co-founder of the SEAsian Vendors Association of FDR Park. During the rise of anti-Asian hate in 2021, she led-organized the StopAsianHate Rally in Philadelphia. She’s a selfless entrepreneur and a spirit to empower the underserved. In 2022 she joined the OBS department of commerce as a business service manager, bringing resources to businesses and advocating for marginalized communities. She is passionate about educating financial literacy. She now works for Council Member Ahmad, bringing everyone’s voice to the table and creating safe space.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Invest in yourself, I didn’t get the opportunity to complete my college degree due to lack of support from my family. It was such a cultural shock for my parents. But if I could do it over again, study hard and play harder. The amount of wisdom/education one can receive is vital.

Do you have any event/movie/music suggestions for our readers to check out in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month?
“First They Killed My Father” by Loung Ung

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
As I grow older and truly embrace my culture, I learned to accept my differences and be open minded to allow space for others to raise questions so that we can safely speak and learn from each other. Through this experience I am much more open and observant. Learning to accept, move forward and letting unnecessary energy go.

What can Philadelphia policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term?
We should continue to build and network both inside and outside of the community. The city should support by allocating a budget for community building. I would love to see the city actually hire an executive director for each coalition so there’s directions and a clear path on community engagement/ employee retention.

Carolyn Nguyen is the chef-owner of Revolution Taco, nestled in the heart of Center City. Carolyn transforms the humble taco shell into a global culinary adventure at her fast-casual haven in Rittenhouse Square. In the near future, she is set to unveil a tantalizing new concept, Carolyn’s, a pop-up full-service restaurant nestled within the walls of Revolution Taco. This venture promises a menu infused with seasonal freshness and a celebration of her culinary journey.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Everything always works out the way they are supposed to even if it’s not what you expected or thought it should be. The universe is always on your side and there will be lessons to be learned from every experience. Let things flow and be present to enjoy this precious life. Don’t be so serious, let yourself make mistakes and enjoy the process. Remember to return to gratitude. Always be yourself. Love yourself.

Do you have any event/movie/music suggestions for our readers to check out in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month?
I loved the movie “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” The movie came out in 2022. It has a great cast of Asian actors/actresses. I felt that the messages in the movie were very relevant.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My heritage has tremendously influenced the person that I am today. My maternal grandmother passed away one year ago this month at the age of 102. Through her, my parents, and the elders in my family I learned grit. They fought hard for us to be able to live a free life. They taught us resilience, strength, and perseverance in the actions they took daily. It is also through them that my entrepreneurial spirit stemmed from.

What can Philadelphia policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term?
I believe that Philadelphia policymakers can support the AAPI community by listening to our needs and taking action on it. Building a stadium next to Chinatown will be detrimental to the AAPI small business owners in the area. They have built their lives there and some of the businesses there have been there for generations.

Thoai Nguyen, CEO of SEAMAAC since 2005, is a long-time community organizer and an advocate for the civil and human rights of all people, Thoai has worked on advocacy, community organizing, and community development projects to address in many communities in Africa, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, the United States, and Mexico. Thoai has fought for the rights of Native American and Indigenous peoples, immigrant workers, and Rroma (Gypsy) civil rights in Eastern and Central Europe.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Read more, sleep more, travel more, play more futbol, eat better, and learn to play the guitar and piano.

Do you have any event/movie/music suggestions for our readers to check out in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month?
Films: “Hearts and Minds” (1974), “Who Killed Vincent Chin” (1987), “Chan is Missing” and “Blue in the Face” by Wayne Wang, “Free Chol Soo Lee” (2022), “Be Water” (2020), “The Namesake” (2006), “Blue Bayou” (2021) and “Warrior” (based on Bruce Lee’s writing). Books: “America Is in the Heart” by Carlos Bulosan, “Native Speaker” by Chang-Rae Lee, “I Hotel” by Karen Tei Yamashita, “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong and “Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri. 

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My experience as a first-generation refugee from Vietnam continues to shape how I empathize with and support communities that are economically, politically and socially marginalized.

What can Philadelphia policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term?
Invest more resources into ESL, job training, and placement into living wage jobs for new immigrants in the city. Work against disinformation targeting AAPI and the broader BIPOC communities. Take a stronger official stance against rising anti-Asian hate. Long term support includes better collection of data, and to disaggregate AAPI data to better understand the needs of different AAPI ethnic groups. Appoint more AAPI leaders who are authentically connected to communities into city government.

David Oh is the president and CEO of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia. He was a Philadelphia mayoral candidate in 2023 and served as a council member at-large from 2012 to 2023. He was the first Asian American elected to political office in Philadelphia and was the only veteran serving on the council during his 11 years of service. Oh received his bachelor’s degree from Dickinson College and his law degree from Rutgers University.

Cynthia Punsalan leads compliance, IT, business continuity, diversity equity and inclusion, and procurement strategies across Comcast Spectacor’s portfolio of businesses including the Philadelphia Flyers, Wells Fargo Center, and Philadelphia Wings. She also oversees special projects that relate to women’s sports, including the new Flyers partnership with the University of Delaware and the PWHPA Dream Gap Tour. Prior to joining Comcast Spectacor, Cynthia was a management consultant with Oracle, PwC, IBM, and Grant Thornton focusing on business optimization.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Life Advice: Enjoy every minute, it goes by fast. Personal Finance Advice: Invest early. Career Advice: It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Do you have any event/movie/music suggestions for our readers to check out in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month?
Music: “Here Lies Love” Original Cast Recording or anything involving Lea Salonga! Movie: “Yellow Rose” directed by Diane Paragas. It is about an undocumented Filipina immigrant pursuing her dream to become a country music singer.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
I got the best of both worlds in my “East meets West” upbringing. The balance of growing up as an immigrant in the United States within a Filipino Community taught me that family is not limited to blood. I carry an immense sense of pride in my Filipino community, who taught me invaluable lessons of humility and appreciation. Being raised in an immigrant household also instilled the heightened importance of education to better my life.

What can Philadelphia policymakers do to support the AAPI-community in the short-term? In the long-term?
In the short-term, policymakers must recognize the prominence the Asian community has had and will continue to have in shaping diverse communities within Philadelphia. It will be of importance in the long term to construct policies that will foster continued growth of the Asian community, casting a wider net across that community with a keen focus on the business, public, and private sectors.