WASHINGTON, D.C. - OCA, a national organization dedicated to advancing the political, social, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs), is proud to announce its 2010-2011 OCA Unsung Heroes presented by the Buick Division of General Motors Company.
"We are honored to give the Unsung Heroes Award to six exceptional OCA individuals who diligently work behind the scenes, but have stories that deserve to be shared,?said OCA National President Ken Lee, "the Award recognizes our volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to advancing the many causes on behalf of OCA and their local community.?
The awardees were recognized during the OCA Gala Awards held on Saturday, August 6, 2011, during OCA's annual National Convention in New York, NY. OCA members learned about the contributions each Unsung Hero made in 2010 and help celebrate the spirit of volunteerism while promoting OCA's mission.
"GM and the Buick Division highly values volunteerism, and are committed to sponsoring organizations and programs that support the Asian Pacific American community," said Eric Peterson, vice president - GM Corporate Diversity and director - GM Industry Dealer Affairs. "We are proud of being a long time supporter of the OCA Unsung Heroes Award, and partnering with an organization who recognizes deserving individuals working for the betterment of the Asian Pacific American community".
The 2010-2011 Unsung Heroes Awardees are as follows:
Astria Wong (OCA-Greater Phoenix) has been a member of OCA-Greater Phoenix for 10 years and has formerly served as the chapter president. Astria remains dedicated to the community, working with the 2010 US Census and recently reviving the chapter by hosting gatherings and organizing a fundraiser. She also organized the new board and reached out to young leaders from different ethnic groups, inspiring them to work with local business and establish future relations.
Kwong Eng (OCA-New York) has been a member of OCA-New York for 13 years, serving on the chapter board for the past 3 years and the advisory board for a year. He is currently the Vice President of Membership and Layout Editor for the chapter's newsletter, "The Big Apple.?A dedicated worker, Kwong marched with the OCA-NY contingency in the Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, joined in the OCA-NY fundraiser/celebration of Qing Wu's release, and tirelessly recruited new members at chapter events.
Nancy Woo (OCA-Greater Sacramento) has been a member of OCA-Greater Sacramento for 8 years and currently serves as the chapter Treasurer. Her dedication to maintaining the chapter's financial records and organizing chapter events has been accredited as the reason for the chapter's accolades for her. Nancy and the rest of the Woo family firmly believe in community outreach and provide an annual Woo Family Scholarship to a deserving APA student.
Peggy Chen (OCA-Westchester & Hudson Valley) has been a member of OCA-Westchester & Hudson Valley for four years and currently serves as the chapter's Vice President of Public Relations. As the co-chair of OCA-WHV's annual event, the Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival, Peggy helped raise over $8,000 and oversaw all details to ensure the festival's success. A proponent of social justice, Peggy dutifully gives her time to networking with businesses, governmental agencies, and other non-profit organizations to benefit the local community and the global Asian community.
Rita Chu (OCA-St. Louis) has been a member of OCA-St. Louis for three years and served as Chapter Board Secretary in 2010. She organized the chapter's participation in the Missouri Adopt A Highway program and co-led the OCA-STL's first Asian Career Networking event, which attracted 15 companies and over 200 participants. Rita's commitment to OCA extends to nationwide programs, as seen by her contribution to the Census Assistance Event and OCA Reads.
Sam Luk (OCA-Greater Los Angeles) has been a member of OCA-Greater Los Angeles for 20 years and serves on the chapter's Community Executive Committee. He has continuously helped with the chapter's annual Image Awards, their largest fundraiser, by volunteering as the official greeter and managing the silent auction. An assiduous worker, Sam has helped organize numerous OCA-GLA events, including the chapter's Dim Sum Census event and OCA-GLA's picnic with Families with Children from China, where he organized games and events for parents and children. |
