Longtime AAPI community leader recognized

ALBANY, NY (TIP): Michelle Wang was honored as a Woman of Distinction last night at the State Capitol. Michelle is President of the New York Chapter of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA) and a longtime community leader in New York City’s AAPI community, serving in leadership positions on multiple community organizations and volunteering her time to promote AAPI leadership and increase civic engagement. State Senator John Liu presented her with a plaque in recognition of her service and commitment to the community in a ceremony presided over by Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins.

State Senator John Liu stated, “Michelle Wang has dedicated many years to the civic engagement and empowerment of the Asian American community. From serving on the New York State Electoral College during the 2020 presidential election to her outstanding work in creating educational and career opportunities for AAPI youth, Michelle is always the first in line to be on the front lines. For her inspiring commitment to our community, we offer our sincere gratitude and proudly name her a Woman of Distinction.”

Michelle Wang stated, “I am so honored for this recognition to be named among the state of New York’s Women of Distinction. I have always strived to do everything in my power to strengthen and uplift our community, and this reward serves as an acknowledgement of both the importance of that work and of why it is imperative that our AAPI community continue to get involved. There is always more work to be done, and with this recognition, I commit to working even harder to increase representation and participation so that together we can build a better world that is representative of all voices and communities.” Michelle Wang arrived in New York from Shanghai in 1988, at age 22, to pursue a Master’s degree. In 1993, she and her husband started a small business, and have maintained a real estate management firm for over two decades.

In 2013, Ms. Wang joined Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA), a reputable non-profit organization with 40-plus chapters nationwide. In addition to serving on the national governing board that oversees the organization’s operation, Ms. Wang serves as President of APAPA’s New York Chapter and Chair of APAPA’s Northeast Region. At APAPA, she works with people to create educational and career opportunities for the AAPI community and fight against discriminatory practices and policies. In addition, Ms. Wang has been proud to serve on the advisory board of the New York Women’s Suffrage Commission since 2016.

Since serving as a chaperone for her son’s kindergarten classroom, Ms. Wang has devoted a significant part of her time to volunteer activities. She coordinated the Huang Pu Veterans Association’s annual event and led the Huang Pu veterans in the New York City Veterans Day Parade for years. Ms. Wang is a dedicated supporter and advocate in her community. She has been a Board Director of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of New York since 2013, and a Board Director of the Junior Chamber since 2015. Working together at the Chamber, Ms. Wang has assisted many small business entities with various inquiries and hosted numerous events that served the community. Ms. Wang has managed FCBA’s Flushing Lunar New Year Parade’s stage setup since 2018. She currently serves as the Secretary of GNYTEAA, a non-profit association that has provided emergency services since 2017. Ms. Wang has been honored by Scott Stringer, the 44th New York City Comptroller, for her community service. She has also received numerous citations from various elected officials for her volunteer work, and proudly served as one of 29 electors for the New York State Electoral College in the 2020 Presidential Election. Ms. Wang is grateful for her family’s endless support, and loves her chihuahuas, Tink and Bella.