Today, Mayor Sylvester Turner proudly announces the establishment of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advisory Board, a momentous step towards fostering stronger connections between the City of Houston and its diverse communities. This newly formed board will serve as a vital bridge, ensuring that the voices, concerns, and contributions of the AAPI community are heard and included in the city’s decision-making processes.

Houston stands tall as the most diverse city in the nation, and Mayor Turner recognizes the importance of embracing and celebrating the vibrant cultures that weave together the fabric of Houston. With the establishment of the AAPI Advisory Board, the City of Houston reaffirms its commitment to upholding the values of inclusivity, respect, and representation.

“The formation of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Advisory Board is an exciting development for our city,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Houston has a rich history of Asian immigrants contributing to our community for over 150 years. As the AAPI population has grown significantly in the past few decades, it is imperative that we continue to foster a sense of belonging and provide a platform for their voices to be heard. I am confident that this advisory board will play a pivotal role in addressing the concerns of the AAPI community and ensuring their needs are met, not just in my administration, but well into the future.”

The AAPI population in the Houston area has experienced remarkable growth, increasing from 1% to an impressive 26% in the past 50 years. With over 1.2 million AAPI residents in Harris County, Houston now ranks among the top 10 cities in the United States with the largest AAPI population.

Mayor Turner was joined by District F City Councilmember Tiffany Thomas, State Rep. Gene Wu, and AAPI Advisory Board Chair- Nomi Hussain. KHOU Anchor/Reporter, Shern- Min Chow, served as the mistress of ceremony.

“Asian-Americans are not a monolith or a silent community. Today’s announcement underscores the importance of creating space for all voices to be heard, seen, and acknowledged,” said District F Councilmember Tiffany D. Thomas.

The newly appointed Asian American and Pacific Islander Advisory Board is made up of esteemed individuals who have dedicated themselves to serving their communities. The Advisory Board includes:

(AAPI Advisory Board Chair)

o Nomaan Husain

(Members)

o Wea Lee

o Lufti Hassan

o David Kim

o Zafar Tahir

o Jagdip Ahluwalia

o Donna Cole

o Helen Chang

o Alice Lee

o Kenneth Li

o Shah Haleem

o Hasu Patel

o Muhammad Sheikh

o Loloy Reyes

o Murad Ajani

o Paul Gor

o Patsy Brown

o Nancy Li

o Bobby Singh

o Casey Youn

o Ben Chou

o Bianca Mabute-Louie

o Cindy Dinh

o Sarah Syed

o Victor Lee

o Soren Valverde

o Dieu Thao Khoa Nguyen

o Tejal Patel

o Darrien Bui

o Rufi Natarajan

o Miraj Patel

o Lindsay Gee Calvert

o Erin Orbe

o Danny Nguyen

o Glenda Joe

o MJ Khan

o Tony Ly

o Dawn Lin

o Glen Gondo

o Stephen Le Jr.

Board Chair, Nomi Husain expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead, “It is with profound respect and gratitude that I thank Mayor Sylvester Turner for his vision in creating the new Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) board. His foresight underscores our city's commitment to celebrating diversity, fostering understanding, and empowering every community. This initiative is a significant step towards a more inclusive Houston, and for that, we owe Mayor Turner our sincerest appreciation.”

Mayor Turner and the City of Houston are committed to ensuring that Houston remains a city where everyone has a seat at the table, where diversity is celebrated, and where all communities are empowered to thrive. The establishment of the AAPI Advisory Board is a testament to this commitment, further cementing Houston’s position as a model of diversity, inclusion, and progress.