Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP)Thank you Don and Tanuja
Don Chen has been on AAPIP's board for six years. Six years of showing up and moving things forward by connecting people and opening doors. He hosted us in New York, not once but twice, and brought his entire network into the room showing leaders in philanthropy what AAPIP is and what we're doing. That kind of generosity of relationship is rare and valuable. Don understood that and used it on our behalf.
He also chaired our Strategic Planning Committee, a process that started years ago, went through a leadership transition, got paused, and came back to life. Don was there from the beginning and he stayed through to the finish line. The 2026–2031 Strategic Plan that we are now carrying into implementation is a testament to Don's steady stewardship. He cared enough to see it through. That matters enormously to me.
Tanuja Dehne brought something essential: deep expertise in law, finance, and executive strategy, and a willingness to share it. She served on our finance committee and helped shape policies and practices that will hold up over time. She gave input into the strategic plan and made clear from early in my tenure that she was available as a sounding board whenever I needed one. For a new CEO who was learning the ropes, that kind of genuine standing offer meant more than I can say and I took her up on it.
Both Don and Tanuja came to the board with CEO-level experience at foundations. That perspective is hard to find and hard to replace. They knew the sector from the inside, and they shared that knowledge generously and we are better for it.
Welcome Helen and Sophy
I am so glad to introduce two new board members who I believe are perfect for this moment at AAPIP and are going to make us stronger in the ways we need.
Helen Wong, Vice President of Programs at Borealis Philanthropy, is a regional chapter co-chair in Seattle and brings a PNW perspective and a depth of chapter knowledge that will keep us grounded in what's happening locally. Sophy Yem, Senior Program Officer at Surdna Foundation, is based in Boston and brings experience spanning both the infrastructure and programmatic sides of philanthropy which means we get two regions for one with her, New York and Boston.
Helen and Sophy are already in it. They've demonstrated over time that they care about AAPIP's success by showing up and rolling up their sleeves. In a sector that runs on relationships, they have networks and knowledge that they are genuinely committed to putting in service of this work.
I'll be honest with you: I am still new to philanthropy. I came from the community-based side. I know how to fight for communities, and I'm still building my fluency in the specific relationship networks and institutional dynamics of the philanthropic sector. Having board members like Helen and Sophy who understand this world deeply and are willing to open doors, make introductions, and help us find the right strategic partners is going to shape what's possible for AAPIP in the years ahead.
We are entering a five-year strategic plan with a board that is ready to work. Thank you, Don and Tanuja, for everything you gave. And thank you, Helen and Sophy, for what you're stepping into. And to Doua, John, Rochelle, James, Priscilla, and Paurvi - our returning board members who’ve been showing up for years and will continue to do so in this next chapter under our new strategic plan - I’m so grateful to be learning from you and to have your support.
We're just getting started.
— Connie