Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Washington D. C
Good evening, everyone.
It is such a pleasure to join all of you this evening and to be among so many friends and leaders who have dedicated their lives to public service and to advancing the lives of those around you through your efforts in the federal government, Congress, business and nonprofit sectors.
Let me begin by expressing my appreciation to The Asian American Foundation for hosting this wonderful reception. Thank you to Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF, for your visionary leadership, and to Sam Hyun, who leads Government Affairs, for your tireless advocacy and commitment to ensuring that the voices of the Asian American communities are heard.
And to the entire TAAF board and team—thank you for your important work in strengthening civic participation and elevating AAPI leadership across the nation.
It’s truly inspiring to see how TAAF continues to build bridges between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors; working to ensure that every Asian American and Pacific Islander has the opportunity to thrive and to lead.
Many of us in this room share that same mission: to nurture the next generation of AAPI leaders and to ensure that they are prepared, confident, and inspired to serve. Over the years, I’ve been privileged to see how mentorship, opportunity, and community support can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, it’s important to remember how deeply Asian Pacific Americans have contributed to the building of this country. From the Chinese laborers who laid the tracks of the transcontinental railroad that connected America from coast to coast, to the Japanese American soldiers of the 442nd Regiment who fought bravely in World War II even as their families were unjustly interned, to the generations of scientists, doctors, educators, entrepreneurs, artists, and public servants who continue to shape America’s story—our community’s contributions are vast, diverse, and enduring.
Today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States. We represent more than 50 ethnicities and speak over 40 languages. We are leading in government, business, science, education, and the arts. We are innovators, builders, and changemakers.
And yet, for far too long, our stories have not been fully told in the broader American narrative.
That’s why I am especially proud to highlight an initiative that is deeply meaningful to our community: the effort to create a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
As many of you know, Congress established a bipartisan commission to study the feasibility of this museum. A museum that would preserve and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans across generations. The Commission has until October 2026 to submit a report to Congress and the President, outlining recommendations for funding, development, and curation—a blueprint for what could become a lasting national institution.
This evening, I am delighted to acknowledge several of the Republican nominated Commissioners who are here with us:
Former Congressman Rodney Davis,
Former Congresswoman Michelle Steel,
Chiling Tong, CEO of National ACE and Chair of the Commission, and
Tina Wei Smith, former Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Together with their counterparts nominated by Democrat leadership in Congress, they are leading an effort that is historic, long overdue, and vitally important.
This museum is about much more than bricks and mortar. It is about legacy. It is about ensuring that future generations of Americans see the faces, hear the voices, and learn the stories of Asian Pacific Americans who helped shape this country. It is a place of education and inspiration. And it is also a reminder that our story is America’s story.
In a moment, we will hear from the Commissions. Their work is to listen to communities across the country, to historians, educators, and citizens, and to weave together the tapestry of experiences that make up the AAPI journey. The final report will become the foundation for the museum’s creation: where it will be located, how it will be funded and sustained, and what stories it will tell.
But this vision cannot be realized without the support of leaders like you—public servants, advocates, and partners who understand what is at stake. Your voices and your engagement will help ensure that this museum moves from vision to reality.
As I look around this room, I see leaders who embody the very best of America—initiative, hard work, and a commitment to service. You’re not waiting for someone else to act; you’re stepping forward, taking responsibility, and lifting others as you lead.
Since its inception, organizations like the The Asian American Foundation—have been cultivating a strong leadership pipeline, mentoring young people, advancing civic engagement, and fostering entrepreneurship. You are preparing the next generation to take on challenges, to lead with purpose, and to carry our community forward.
So as we gather here tonight, let us celebrate the progress we’ve made—and also recommit ourselves to the work ahead. Together, we can preserve our past, invest in our future, and ensure that the legacy of Asian Pacific Americans is not only remembered—but celebrated as an integral part of the American story.
Thank you again for the joy of being with you tonight.
