More than 30 years of experiences in the non-profit sector has galvanized Cynthia Choi’s determination to steward social justice causes. Born to Chinese immigrants, she is a single mother of three daughters, “committed to creating a world that is just and equitable.” Choi is the co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition addressing anti-Asian racism across the country. As the co-executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), she fosters the mandate “to protect the dignity and fair treatment of immigrants while fulfilling the promise of a multi-racial democracy.” She was previously vice president of Philanthropic Partnerships at Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy.
Choi has led local, state, and national programs and initiatives. Her life’s work to give a voice to those who need it most has spanned the gamut: reproductive justice, gender violence, violence prevention, environmental justice, immigrant rights, youth development, and more. Thanks to her organizational and leadership skills, she has spearheaded a range of successful initiatives from fundraising campaigns to partnership cultivation. Says Choi: "Despite the challenges we face, I am very hopeful about the future because our collective history reminds us of our resiliency and strength. Progressive change is possible."