Allan Seid, M.D.

Allan brought tremendous vision, leadership, courage, and inspiration to create AACI and launch culturally sensitive and therapeutic services for Asian Americans.

Connie Young Yu

An eloquent and popular speaker at AACI’s numerous conferences and programs, Connie raised the consciousness of AACI members on the power of media in reporting on Asian communities. Her expertise as a historian has been instrumental in documenting the history of the Asian American movement in Santa Clara County.

Edward Kawazoe

A visionary who understood power dynamics, Ed helped structure AACI as a powerhouse organization. Gifted with uncommon writing skills, Ed wrote AACI’s original grant proposals, driving AACI’s financial stability in its early years. He also advocated for mental health services for Asian and other residents.

Eimi Okano

In partnership with Jeanette Arakawa, Eimi led statewide advocacy to establish landmark California Education Code that requires all public school instructional material to be free of racist and sexist content and portrayals.

Jeanette Arakawa

In partnership with Eimi Okano, Jeanette led statewide advocacy to establish landmark California Education Code that requires all public school instructional material to be free of racist and sexist content and portrayals.

Leo Lowe

Leo provided invaluable credibility, protecting AACI in its infancy during a time when many grassroots minority groups advocating for social change were undermined as being subversive organizations.

Mary Chan Seid

Mary was key in the conception and establishment of AACI, and AACI’s first 22 years of service. She founded AACI’s Asian Women’s Home for survivors of domestic violence.

Nilo Sarmiento

Nilo served on AACI’s Affirmative Action Committee and contributed critically important human resources and affirmative action expertise, helping others navigate race-related issues in the workplace.

Paul Sakamoto, Ph.D.

As a renowned superintendent in K-12 public education, and later an associate dean at San Jose State University, Paul brought credibility, gravitas, and deep educational experience to AACI.

Paul Wong

A veteran community organizer from San Francisco’s Chinatown, Paul provided knowledgeable consultation on mobilizing community members and helped recruit program participants.

Robert “Bob” Kam

Robert led efforts to support Asian Americans wrongfully treated in their employment, chairing the Affirmative Action/Employment Standing Committee in AACI’s early days.

Victor Wong

A veteran community organizer from San Francisco’s Chinatown, Victor provided advice on AACI’s advocacy strategies and remained a dedicated volunteer for AACI’s seniors for many years.

Emory Lee

Bio forthcoming

Alice Kawazoe

Bio forthcoming

Josephine “Jo” Gampon

Jo is a mental health provider and licensed clinical social worker who served as Director of the County of Santa Clara Psychiatric Services until her retirement in 1999. Between 1976 and 1981, Jo served on AACI’s Board of Directors while overseeing its mental health team.

Lucretia Lee

Lucretia was a career elementary school teacher who was active in multiple roles that advocated for multiculturalism and Asian American visibility in public school textbooks and curricula. Between 1975 and 1980, Lucretia served on AACI’s Education Committee and was project director for AACI’s Refugee Social Adjustment Program.

Mike Honda

Mike Honda, who served in Congress from 2001 to 2017, was the second Asian American elected to the California Legislature. Mike Honda was a member of AACI’s Honorary Council and a member of the Founding Board. Mike was also a recipient of AACI’s Gordon N. Chan Community Leadership Award in 2010.

Paul Fong

Paul is a distinguished political science professor and community leader with a career spanning nearly five decades, notable for his contributions to the Asian American Movement, Labor Movement, and California Government. Known as the “Asian American Godfather of Politics” in Santa Clara County, his extensive volunteer work and leadership roles highlight his profound impact on local and state communities.

Ron Lee

Alongside his wife Lucretia, Ron was active in AACI from 1975 to the early 1980s. He served 4 years on the Palo Alto Human Relations Commission as well as the Palo Alto P.T.A. Council Textbook Evaluation Committee, and the State Board of Education Legal Compliance Committee for Evaluating Textbooks.

Victoria “Vickie” Taketa

Vickie is a lifelong educator, administrator, author, and regional pioneer in the field of Asian and Asian American Studies. While working with AACI soon after it was founded in the early 1970s, Vickie organized and led some of the first courses on the subject in Santa Clara County, where Asian Americans could learn about their own history in the United States.