During this year’s National Convention, 10 outstanding community leaders were acknowledged for their dedication and ongoing support for OCA and their contributions to the APA community. Although our Unsung Heroes come from different backgrounds and have different interests, they all have one thing in common - helping the Asian Pacific American community. We thank them for their dedication and leadership.

Janet Lew Carr | OCA-Wisconsin
”Central to my life is family and community activism. In both my personal and professional life, I strive to integrate holistic healing paradigms and peacemaking. I hope to bring diverse peoples together and to actualize collaborative dreamings by nurturing creativity and bridging communities. The attitude “To give is better than to receive” hopefully is reflected in my worldview and actions. I hope that I am a positive role model, seeding deep human values in my own children and others who are the next generation.”

Wanda Eng | OCA-Westchester/Hudson Valley
”I became a member of the OCA Westchester/ Hudson Valley Chapter in 1993, mainly for social reasons. But in time I became aware of many of the issues that OCA was championing. I educated myself about the injustices perpetrated against the Chinese people in American history, and was inspired to advocate for Chinese-American causes. Most recently, I was helped solicit signatures for a petition to CBS concerning the JV and Elvis incident. I was very proud of my work in that campaign.”

Christian and Pam Griffith | OCA-Sacramento
Christian and Pam have both been members of OCA-Sacramento since 2005. They have been on the Board for two years. They have successfully organized their chapter’s reception since its inception six years ago and continue to organize it annually. The Reception has become one of the most popular events for their chapter. Pam and Christian also helped organize the California API Legislative Caucus Institute’s two day APA Summit and Dinner.

Debbie Leong | OCA-Long Island
Debbie was born and raised in Burma (Myanmar). When Burma became Socialist, they came to the US through an aunt who was able to sponsor her family. They left Burma as refugees with a suitcase and a couple of dollars each. Life in the US was hard; Debbie was a part time seamstress and full time student until her mother was injured – then Debbie began working full time. Despite all this hardship she still focuses her energy into making positive change. During election time she often goes to voting centers to help with translation and clarifications. She feels that we can be the ears, mouths, and eyes of those that can not help themselves. She hopes that her experiences and contributions would help pave the way for upcoming APAs.

Vida Lin | OCA-Las Vegas
Vida founded V&J Insurance in March, 1999. Lin built an agency committed to serve and educate the Asian and other minority communities. Although Vida is very successful in business, her real passion is community service. From projects as small as membership drives to large events such as the OCA Convention, Vida always plays a key role in making an idea become a reality. Her positive attitude and passion for APA issues brought forth the young generation to be future leaders. In all that she does, Vida always promotes and ensures that the young generation has a voice at the table.

Virginia Ng | OCA-New Jersey
“I have been involved with OCA-NJ since I went to my first meeting 9 years ago and was asked to be the chapter president. I jumped in, with both feet running. My years working as chapter president, national board member and now chapter secretary with OCA-NJ has filled my life with a lot of pleasure. Don’t get me wrong, it is also a lot of hard work, but really fulfilling, as I feel that I am making an effort and impact on behalf of the Chinese and Asian American community.”

Elizabeth OuYang | OCA-New York
"I joined OCA-NY because there is a need for a civil rights organization in New York City. Because the large APA community resides in a densely populated area with multiple ethnicities, there are many opportunities as well as challenges. Despite our numbers, we are faced with hate crimes/incidents and immigrant backlash, glass ceilings in the public and private sectors, language barriers, and other forms of discrimination. Yet we also pose a formidable voting bloc, a powerful voice, and a player at the table. Using education and advocacy, I joined OCA-NY to overcome the challenges and to maximize the opportunities possible with collective action.”

Chia-Pih Shaw | OCA-Pittsburgh
“I’ve learned Chinese dance and ballet since the age of 3. Being a dancer does not mean being a good teacher. Back then, Pittsburgh had a lack of Chinese cultural resources, and in 1981, a friend asked me if I could teach a group of Chinese youth for Pittsburgh’s annual Folk Festival. Thus began my involvement with OCA. Through this program, we are able to showcase the beauty of our culture to Pittsburgh and I hoped it would not only teach young students to be proud of their culture and heritage but also to bridge the gap of understanding about the Chinese culture. I believe that only through understanding can we erase the boundaries of prejudice.”

Helen Sing | OCA-Detroit
Helen became a member soon after moving to Michigan some 28 years ago. When the Chinese Community Center opened in August of 2005, there was a great need for volunteers to establish programs for seniors, young people, and children as well as give assistance to newcomers to the community, and it was easy for Helen to become involved. Helen still volunteers weekly at the Center, regularly scheduling herself as a receptionist. She conducts tours of the Center; assists the treasurer; types, edits, and proofreads the member directory, event programs and invitations; and is always a member of the fundraising gala decoration committee.

Vicki Ta | OCA-Orange County
In 1980, Vicki and her family fled Vietnam by boat. They were rescued by the U.S. Navy and immigrated to Chicago. Vicki received the Gates Millennium Scholarship and was attended Northwestern University, graduating in 2003 with a BA in Asian Language and Civilization. Interested in helping students from circumstances similar to hers, she spearheaded the chapter’s involvement in the OCAPICA/United Way AAPI Scholarship Fund, serving low income APA college students. Vicki has continued to take initiative, single-handedly assembling the chapter’s first ever printed newsletter; organizing a networking seminar and film screenings; and personally outreaching to OCA-OC members.

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