Asian American – Like Her

Pamela K. Chen

Pamela Ki Mai Chen, born on March 30, 1961, in Chicago, United States, is a highly esteemed United States district judge known for her dedication to ensuring justice and upholding civil rights. Chen’s remarkable career includes working at prestigious law firms, the United States Department of Justice, and the United States Attorney’s office. She was appointed as a United States district judge for the Eastern District of New York, making history as the first openly LGBTQ+ Asian-American person to serve on the federal bench. Chen’s appointment exemplifies the importance of diversity and representation in the justice system.

TaiwanUnited StatesArchaeologist

Agnes Hsu-Tang

Agnes Hsin Mei Hsu-Tang, an archaeologist and art historian, was born in Taiwan and later became an American citizen. She has made significant contributions to the field of cultural heritage protection and rescue, advocating for the preservation of precious artifacts and historical sites.

United StatesActivistAsian American

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also known as AOC, is an American politician and activist. Born on October 13, 1989, she has made significant contributions to American society since taking office as the U.S. representative for New York’s 14th congressional district in 2019. As a member of the Democratic Party, Ocasio-Cortez’s impact on politics and her dedication to public service have made her a prominent figure in modern American history.

TaiwanActivistAsian American

Liu Huang A-tao

Liu Huang A-tao (1923 – 2011) was a Taiwanese activist and key figure in the movement for justice and reparations for comfort women. Liu Huang was forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II. Despite years of suffering and keeping her experiences a secret, she found inspiration from survivors in South Korea and became the first Taiwanese woman to sue the Japanese government for compensation and a public apology in 1999. Her bravery and dedication brought attention to the plight of comfort women and initiated a national conversation about historical injustices.

JapanSingaporeArtist

Emiko Iwasaki

Emiko Iwasaki, a Japanese video game artist, made significant contributions to the industry and left a lasting impact. She gained recognition for her work with Arc System Works’s Guilty Gear series and became one of the few women in the Japanese game industry to hold the position of general director. Iwasaki’s involvement in developing Battle Fantasia, which pioneered the use of 2.5D techniques, was also noteworthy. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in gaming and has empowered young girls to pursue STEM fields.

United StatesAsian AmericanFigure Skater

Kristi Yamaguchi

Kristine Tsuya Yamaguchi, born on July 12, 1971, is an American former competitive figure skater and author. A true trailblazer in the sport, Yamaguchi made history as the first Asian American to win a gold medal in a Winter Olympic competition. Her exceptional skills and dedication to her craft earned her recognition as the 1992 Olympic champion, a two-time World champion (1991 and 1992), and the 1992 U.S. champion.

United StatesActivistAsian American

Mari Matsuda

Mari J. Matsuda is an American lawyer, activist, and law professor known for her influential work in critical race theory. Born in 1956, she has made significant contributions to the field of law and has been a strong advocate for social justice and civil rights.

United StatesAsian AmericanAviation

Maggie Gee

Maggie Gee, a pioneering American aviator, served in World War II as part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Born in Berkeley, California, Gee’s diverse cultural background shaped her perspective. She trained rigorously to become a WASP pilot, playing a crucial role in training male pilots and ferrying military aircraft. Beyond her military service, Gee was an active member of the Democratic Party, advocating for women’s rights and Asian American representation. Her invaluable service and dedication were recognized through numerous awards and honors, leaving a lasting impact on society.

PhilippinesUnited StatesAsian American

Victoria “Vicki” Manalo Draves

Victoria Manalo Draves, a Filipino American competitive diver, made history at the 1948 Summer Olympics by becoming the first woman to win gold medals in both platform and springboard diving. Despite facing racial discrimination and financial challenges, she overcame obstacles with determination and hard work. Her achievements paved the way for future generations of female divers, inspiring others to break down societal barriers.

United StatesAsian AmericanSkateboarder

Judi Oyama

Judi Oyama is a professional skateboarder and a pioneer in the sport. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, Oyama developed a passion for skateboarding at a young age. At just 13 years old, she started skating in her driveway on a homemade board built by her brother in woodshop. Little did she know that this would be the beginning of an extraordinary career.

ChinaUnited StatesActivist

Mabel Ping-Hua Lee

Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, born in 1896 in Guangzhou, China, was a pioneering Chinese-American women’s rights activist and minister. Raised in New York City, Lee became the first Chinese woman in the United States to earn a doctorate in economics from Columbia University. She made her mark as a prominent figure in the suffrage movement and later dedicated her life to advocating for Chinese immigrants and women in her role as a minister. Lee’s dedication and resilience continue to inspire generations fighting for equality and justice.

United StatesAsian AmericanBaseball

Susan Ahn Cuddy

Susan Ahn Cuddy was a remarkable trailblazer and the first female gunnery officer in the United States Navy. Born in 1915 in Los Angeles, California, she made lasting contributions to the military, defying societal expectations and breaking through barriers to serve her country with courage and distinction. Her legacy as a pioneer in the Navy and her advocacy for women’s rights continue to inspire generations of women.

United StatesVietnamAsian American

Le Ly Hayslip

Le Ly Hayslip, a Vietnamese-American writer, memoirist, and humanitarian, has dedicated her life to rebuilding cultural bridges between Vietnam and America after the Vietnam War. Her powerful memoirs, such as “When Heaven and Earth Changed Places,” provide profound insights into her experiences and journey towards finding inner peace. Through her foundations, Hayslip continues to work tirelessly to promote understanding and peace between the two nations.

United StatesActivistAsian American

Linda Sarsour

Linda Sarsour, born in 1980, is an American political activist who has made significant contributions to the advancement of civil rights and social justice. As co-chair of the 2017 Women’s March, the 2017 Day Without a Woman, and the 2019 Women’s March, she has played a pivotal role in mobilizing women across the country to stand up for their rights. She has also served as the former executive director of the Arab American Association of New York, where she worked tirelessly to empower and uplift marginalized communities.

TaiwanUnited StatesAsian American

Fang-Yi Sheu

Fang-Yi Sheu (born 1971) is a Taiwanese-American dancer and choreographer. She has made significant contributions to the world of dance, both as a performer and as a creator.

TaiwanUnited StatesAsian American

PeiJu Chien-Pott

PeiJu Chien-Pott, a Taiwanese-American dance artist, has become one of the greatest modern dancers of her generation. Through her exceptional talent and dedication, she has made a significant impact in the world of dance. As a principal dancer in the Martha Graham Dance Company, Chien-Pott has interpreted iconic roles in Graham’s repertoire, captivating audiences with her dramatic prowess and physical versatility. Her contributions to the art form have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Bessie Award. Chien-Pott’s passion for dance extends beyond performing, as she also takes on the roles of choreographer, director, educator, and founder of PJ Performing Arts in Taiwan. Through her work, she continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of dancers.

United StatesAsian AmericanBallet

Georgina Pazcoguin

Georgina Pazcoguin is an American ballerina who has made a significant impact in the dance world. Born and raised in Altoona, Pennsylvania, she possesses a unique background as a biracial individual with an Italian mother and a father who immigrated from the Philippines after completing medical school. Growing up in a family of six siblings, Pazcoguin began her ballet training at the Allegheny Ballet Academy at the age of four. Additionally, she studied African, tap, and jazz dance, showcasing her versatility even from an early age.

United StatesAsian AmericanBaseball

Kim Ng

Kim Ng, born in 1968, made history as the general manager of the Miami Marlins, becoming the highest-ranking female baseball executive to date. She is the first woman to hold the position of general manager in any of the Big Four leagues in North America and the first person of East Asian descent to serve as a general manager in Major League Baseball.

PhilippinesUnited StatesAsian American

Cristeta Comerford

Cristeta Pasia Comerford, born on October 27, 1962, is a Filipino-American chef who has made history as the White House executive chef since 2005. Hailing from Sampaloc, Manila, in the Philippines, she is the first woman and the first person of Asian origin to hold this prestigious position.

United StatesAsian AmericanSinger

Norah Jones

Norah Jones, the American singer, songwriter, and pianist, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. With her unique blend of jazz, country, blues, folk, and pop, she has captivated audiences around the world. Jones’s remarkable vocal abilities and heartfelt lyrics have earned her numerous accolades, including nine Grammy Awards. Her music serves as a testament to the power of artistic expression and its ability to transcend boundaries.

United StatesActorAsian American

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling, born Vera Mindy Chokalingam on June 24, 1979, is an American actress, comedian, screenwriter, and producer. She has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and has received numerous accolades for her work. Kaling’s impact and influence extend beyond her impressive resume, as she has become an inspiration and role model for many.

United StatesActorAsian American

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu, born in 1968 in Queens, New York City, is an influential American actress known for her versatile talent and captivating performances. Her remarkable contributions to film and television, as well as her dedication to advocacy, have made her a trailblazer in the entertainment industry and a symbol of empowerment for Asian-American actresses.

United StatesActorAsian American

Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Isabel Rodrigo (born February 20, 2003) is an American singer-songwriter and actress. She gained recognition in the late 2010s with her lead roles on the Disney television programs Bizaardvark and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. After signing with Geffen and Interscope Records in 2020, Rodrigo released her debut single “Drivers License”, which broke various records and became one of the best-selling songs of 2021, propelling her to mainstream fame.

United StatesAsian AmericanBroadcaster

Connie Chung

Constance Yu-Hwa Chung, an American journalist born in 1946, has had an impressive career in broadcast news. From conducting famous interviews with influential figures to sharing her own experiences of sexual harassment, Chung’s impact on the industry has been significant. Her dedication to reporting the truth and ability to connect with her audience make her an influential figure in American media.

JapanUnited StatesActivist

Yuri Kochiyama

Yuri Kochiyama was a civil rights activist known for her tireless advocacy and commitment to social justice. Influenced by her family’s experience in an American internment camp, her association with figures like Malcolm X, and her beliefs, Kochiyama fought for the rights of marginalized communities. Her lifelong dedication to social justice continues to inspire activists worldwide.

United StatesAsian AmericanJournalist

Michiko Kakutani

Michiko Kakutani, born in 1955 in New Haven, Connecticut, is an influential American writer and retired literary critic. Her insightful reviews and analytical abilities during her time as a book reviewer for The New York Times earned her widespread praise and established her as a major voice in the literary world. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1998 for her outstanding contributions to literary criticism.

JapanUnited StatesAsian American

Iva Toguri D’Aquino

Iva Ikuko Toguri D’Aquino, also known as “Tokyo Rose,” was a Japanese-American disc jockey and radio personality who played a unique role in World War II. Despite being stranded in Japan during the war, she was forced to work for Radio Tokyo and became misidentified as “Tokyo Rose” by Allied soldiers. After facing trial and serving time in prison, she finally received a pardon from President Gerald Ford in 1977, ending her long battle for justice.

CanadaUnited StatesActor

Sandra Oh

Sandra Oh is a Canadian and American actress known for her roles in television series such as Grey’s Anatomy, Arliss, and Killing Eve. She has received numerous awards for her performances, including two Golden Globe Awards and four Screen Actors Guild Awards. Oh has also made history as the first woman of Asian descent to host the Golden Globe Awards and be nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Her talent, perseverance, and boundary-breaking achievements have made her a trailblazer in women’s history.

United StatesActivistAsian American

Katherine Chon

Katherine Chon, a South Korean immigrant, has become a prominent figure in the fight against human trafficking. Co-founding the Polaris Project in 2002, Chon has made significant strides in raising awareness about human trafficking and providing crucial services to survivors. Her dedication to the cause has earned her numerous awards and recognition, solidifying her status as a trailblazer and advocate for change. Chon continues her work today at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, leaving an indelible mark on society and women’s history.

United StatesAsian AmericanMartial Artist

Diana Lee Inosanto

Diana Lee Inosanto, an American actress, director, stuntwoman, and martial artist, comes from a martial arts family. Her father, Dan Inosanto, was a renowned martial artist and student of Bruce Lee. Inosanto has made significant contributions to the martial arts, film and television, and literary worlds, solidifying her place as a respected figure in these industries. Her skills and dedication have earned her recognition, including being named Woman of the Year by Black Belt Magazine in 2009.

South KoreaUnited StatesAsian American

Chloe Kim

Chloe Kim, the American snowboarder, has become a trailblazer in her sport. Starting her snowboarding journey at a young age, she quickly rose to prominence, winning her first Olympic gold medal at just 17 years old. With her remarkable skills and fearless approach, Kim has inspired many and shattered stereotypes, making her a true role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.