Our Mission
Since its founding in 1989, the Asian American Federation (AAF) has emerged as a beacon of leadership for the 1.5 million Asian New Yorkers it serves. With a mission centered on amplifying the influence and enhancing the well-being of the pan-Asian American community, the AAF is committed to driving change through research, policy advocacy, public awareness, and support for nonprofits. This impactful work is carried out in collaboration with 70 member agencies, all of which are firmly rooted within the community, and deliver essential social services to those in need.
Representing the fastest-growing ethnic group in both the city and state, the AAF tirelessly works to ensure that Asian Americans are not only seen and heard but also have their stories shared widely. We offer a suite of programs to address community safety, mental health, economic empowerment, immigrant integration, and civic engagement. These initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between Asian New Yorkers and the vital resources they require to thrive.
Our Impact
AAF’s Hope Against Hate
campaign helped nearly
15,000
people report incidents,
get victim support services,
and receive safety trainings
AAF helped 8,000
New Yorkers access over
28,000
in-language
mental health services
AAF’s civic Engagement
efforts reached
275,000
Asian voters across
the tristate area
How We Work
IDENTIFY ISSUES
RAISE AWARENESS
RAISE MONEY
OFFER SOLUTIONS
Our Team
Lisha Luo Cai
Advocacy Coordinator
Wan Yin Lui
Operations Manager
Taeeun Kim
Grants & Contracts Coordinator
Navdeep Bains
Associate Director of Advocacy and Policy
Andrew Sta. Ana
Deputy Director of Research & Policy
Yeon Joo Kang
Commercial Corridor Revitalization Program Manager
Taewon Kim
Small Business Technical Assistance Program Coordinator
Roxanne Samson
Program Coordinator
Lucky Ho
Senior Civic Engagement Coordinator
Mamta Nyangmi
Grants & Contracts Manager
Duo Liu
Accountant
Amber Song
Senior Program Coordinator
Mia Winther-Tamaki
Program Coordinator
Andres Estrella
Controller
Erica Kaunang
Administrative Assistant
Nora Thajudeen
Senior Development Associate
Stella Aquino
AAF Board Member