is a 2nd generation American of  Chinese descent, born and raised in Chicago, IL. A former programmer/analyst, she became active in community organizations whose work authentically embraces and reflects our shared humanity. They include the Pacific Arts Movement, the IRC, Project CHOP (now MAKE), KPBS Radio, and today, OCA San Diego. At San Diego Mesa College, she was part of a research team that supported program development for AAPI students through an AANAPISI grant from the Department of Education. In her spare time, she enjoys watching old Hollywood films, documentaries, British murder mysteries, listening to live stories on The Moth podcast, and hanging out with her three amazing daughters who are always teaching her something new.

was born and raised in Taiwan, she obtained a PhD degree in Human Genetics at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and has been a biomedical researcher at the University of Michigan as a junior faculty member, then Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Company and Pfizer. In May 2021, after witnessing the devastating Atlanta spa shooting incident, with a passion to empower and advocate for Asian and Pacific Islander communities, she and friends founded the OCA San Diego Chapter and served as the president. At the ceremony of the San Diego Business Journal Association and San Diego Asian Business Association Annual Reception on May 24, 2023, she was recognized as one of the Top 50 Leaders of Influence.

has been a resident of Carlsbad since 2004. He serves as the President of a Democratic Club, Carlsbad Democrats to promote Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI.)  He considers himself a community activist. He is committed to fighting against racism, Anti-Asian Hate, bigotry, and xenophobia. He is a member of many charitable and political organizations, including ACLU, NAACP, ASPIRE, OCA, and Sierra Club. He is also committed to helping underserved individuals and communities. He participates in food distribution services regularly and is a volunteer at Meals on Wheels. He was a Finalist for the 2013 Top IT Executive Awards, San Diego. He has successfully implemented numerous projects in different scopes with different scales. Chih-Wu has a Master's Degree in Medicinal Chemistry and MBA and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®.) He is married to Pei-Tei Chang, and their family includes two children, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, and a Shih-Tzu named Gizmo. https://linktr.ee/CWChang

was born in Beijing, China.  She was a former lead engineer working at Lucent Technologies in the telecommunication industry. She is a published author of a novel, Wings of Silk (www.llundquist.com). She holds a BA in Applied Math and Statistics from SUNY Stony Brook as well as an MS in Computer Science from University of Illinois. She joined OCA Chicago Chapter in 1996 and served as the vice president.  OCA has strengthened her American Chinese identity.

Is a second generation Korean-American. She grew up on the East Coast and obtained a business degree (B.S.), from Lehigh University, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. While living in London, England, she obtained an M.B.A. Her work experience, in N.Y. and London, includes jobs in marketing and management consulting. Then, after living in London for 21 years, she moved to San Diego with her husband and two children.During the time her children were attending school in the U.S., she became concerned about the public education system. Thus, she became focused on determining the best solutions for ensuring that all K-12 students have the help they need to succeed.

Lauren Balcita Garces is a city-wide event producer and artist currently based in San Diego, California focusing on diverse community empowerment and sustainable, inclusive economic development. Currently, she directs the marketing, outreach, and events with the Asian Business Association San Diego representing over 30,000 Asian Pacific Islander owned businesses. Her work is bridged as the Special Events Director of the Convoy District, one of Southern California's largest pan-Asian economic hubs named the "Convoy Pan Asian Cultural and Business Innovation District" in 2020. A leader and advocate in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, she serves as Vice President of the National Association of Asian American Professionals - San Diego and as the Co-Chair of the San Diego Asian Pacific Islander Coalition.Her event production passion and engagements are dedicated to providing platforms and connections for diverse communities and cultures to be highlighted, bridged, and empowered. A few of the signature projects she has worked on include: Filipino Sun Festival, Kinda Kamayan, Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair, Asian Cultural Festival, San Diego Night Market, San Diego Ramen Festival, Asian Pacific Islander Festival Day at the San Diego County Fair, San Diego Padres Filipino Heritage Night, Seaworld Lunar New Year, Convoy Nights, and Balboa Park December Nights. Recently, she was the Curator of Global Shapers in San Diego, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, leading highly accomplished young professionals to launch community projects that promote education, equality, and civic participation.

Karina is currently a high school senior who has been Editor-in-Chief of her school's yearbook publication three years in the running. Karina learned to delve into the nitty-gritty details of ad campaigning by maintaining an active presence on social media to engage and increase followers of the yearbook production, which also led to a marked increase in sales revenue. Through hands-on experience and trial and error, she built upon these lessons, continuously fascinated by how every aspect of an ad campaign could significantly impact its reach and overall results. Karina aspires to major in marketing and business in college next Fall.