Asian-American Advisory Board
In the early nineties, threatened by a set-aside program, some Asian community leaders recognized that they required a voice in the hall of government to protect the economic future of their community. This initiated the efforts, which resulted in Commissioner Pedro Reboredo sponsoring the following resolution:
- Whereas, the status of Asian Americans has long been ignored;and
- Whereas, Asian Americans have been underrepresented in our hall of government and other public and private institutions; and
- Whereas, the Board of County Commissioners desires to recognize the contributions of Americans to the cultural, political, social and economic life of Dade County.
Thus, on July 22, 1997, a 26 member Miami-Dade County Asian-American Advisory Board was created by Ordinance No. 97-128 to serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administration, the community, and all agencies and persons in Miami-Dade County, Florida, with respect to matters pertaining to the Asian community of Miami-Dade County.
After initial appointments, in January 1998, the Board met for the first time, the following were privileged to become the founding members of the Board as Commissioners sought more Asian-Americans in their districts to fill remaining vacancies:
Mr. Woo H Jacob Lee; Mr. M. Siddiq Khan; Ms. Winnie Tang; Mr. Tasnim Uddin; Billy K. Yeh, M.D., Ph.D.; Mr. Edward Deng; Dr. John J. Tsai; Bob De La Fuente Esq.; Ms. Mimi Lam Friedman; Mr. Nasir Alam; Mr. Dennis Murasaki; Vincent Chen, Esq.; Mr. Felix Lima were appointed by their respective commissioners. Laura Morilla Esq., shared the responsibility of staffing this Board, in addition to her own, the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women.
On December 28, 2000, the Board had its first full time Director - Mohammad S. Shakir was the first Asian-American to staff the Board.
In September 1998, Commissioner Reboredo was honored for his leadership in forming the Board. In May 1999, marked the beginning of APA Heritage Month celebration as Professor Paul George presented the history of Asian-Americans in Miami-Dade County. In May 2000, first Annual Award Reception was held, which were to become the signature event for the Board.
September 11, 2001 was a defining moment as much for the Asian-American Advisory Board, as it was for our nation. The Board was engaged in the cultural activities, since its inception, and now had to undertake the responsibility of educating the Asian-American community about the new directives and instructions coming from the federal, state and local agencies, as well as sensitize the society that in our society, we do not hold a group responsible for the crimes of a few individuals. We aggressively embarked on sensitivity training as well as vouch for the rights of the Asian-American community.
In November 2016, the Board welcomed Joshua Ho as new Program Director after the retirement of Mohammad S. Shakir.
- Established on July 22nd, 1997, the Asian-American Advisory Board was created to work in an advisory capacity to the Board of County Commissioners, administration, community, and all agencies in Miami-Dade County, with respect to matters pertaining to the Asian-American community. In addition, the Board and its staff routinely assist people with their grievances and intervene with the appropriate parties to seek a resolution to issues the community faces.
- The current composition of the Board reflects the diversity of Asia. Board members come from different regions of the Asian continent: Central Asia, East Asia, Middle East, the South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia. Nationals of the following Asian countries and territories currently sit on the Board: China, Hong Kong (China), India, Iran, Japan, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Türkiye and the Caribbean.
Executive Committee
- Jose Keichi Fuentes, Chairman
- Luna Adachi, 1st Vice-Chairwoman
- Josephine Gordy, 2nd Vice-Chairwoman
- Ellis Keeter, Esq., 3rd Vice-Chairman
- Phonethip "Tai" Vaz, Immediate Past Chairwoman
Joshua Ho
Directors
- Hoda Askari Pharm.D.
- Vinita Chakravarty
- Sadrul Fasihi
- Eugene Fu MD
- Li Gurau., PhD
- Taylor Haas
- Samira Khan
- Smita Kulkarni., PhD
- Anjana Mishra., PhD
- Luke Keisuke Nakano
- Subbarayan Pochi., PhD
- Stephen Lian Thang
- Adrianne Aiko Thompson., PhD
- Mehmet Ulutas
- Nick Vicera
- Jim Xuejun Yu., PhD
- AAAB Executive Committee
- AAAB Cultural Advancement Committee
- Asian Cultural Center Sub-committee
- AAHPI Heritage Month Sub-committee
- AAAB Economic Development Committee
- Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium
- AAAB Education/Civic Engagement Committee
- AAAB Community Recognition Dinner Sub-committee
- Health/Wellness Sub-committee
- I’m thrilled to accept the role of Chairman of the Miami-Dade County Asian American Advisory Board (AAAB) for the 2025-2026 term. I want to thank Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert and our amazing AAAB members for this incredible opportunity.
The Asian American community brings so much to our community with its rich heritage, diverse culture and unique experiences. We have incredible individuals who work hard to make our community thrive.
As Chairman, I know I have a big responsibility. As a Third-Generation Japanese American, I understand how important it is to protect our freedoms and make sure everyone has the right to live in peace and safety, especially our Asian American community.
I’m confident that this year will be filled with exciting events, special programs, lectures and opportunities for us to come together and celebrate our culture.
The AAAB is here to provide advice and support to the Board of County Commissioners, the administration, the community and all the agencies in Miami-Dade County. We focus on issues that affect our Asian American community.
We also work closely with several community-based non-profit Asian organizations to make a positive impact.- One of our partners is Universal Medical Clinic (UMC). UMC is dedicated to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services to those who need it most.
- Another important partner is UHI Community Care Clinic. UHI offers free preventive healthcare to people who don’t have insurance or who are on a low income, no matter who they are or what they believe in.
- APABA of South Florida makes sure the Asian Pacific American community in South Florida is heard and represented.
- COSMOS keeps the media informed about Islam-related events and activities, and helps meet the special needs of the community.
- NAAAP Miami helps Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders develop their careers and leadership skills, promotes diversity and inclusion, and organizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
- Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which happens every May, shows off the cultural richness of the community and helps the economy.
- The Asian Culture Festival, which happens every March, celebrates the community’s cultural heritage.
- Asian American Heritage Night with Professional Sports Organizations, which is held in collaboration with South Florida professional sports organizations, highlights Asian Americans’ contributions to the region’s sports scene.
Best regards,
José Keichi Fuente - The NUR Center, Inc., is a safe house for women and children in distress. In order to find culture-friendly safe housing for the growing need for women and children in distress—the victims of domestic violence, and human trafficking, the Board collaborates with the NUR Center Inc., to house women and children in distress. It is a temporary solution, the NUR Center work with the victims to resolve their needs as much and a problem. "Turn weakness into strength; strength into opportunity; and opportunity into empowerment."
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UHI Community Care Clinic, A clinic that provides free primary and specialty health care to low-income, uninsured residents of South Florida. UHI, located in Miami Gardens is a nonprofit, volunteer-based clinic dedicated to helping those in need of necessary health care services but either cannot afford or do not have health insurance. To learn more, visit the UHI Community Care Clinic website, or follow them on Facebook.
Florida Asian Services: An organization dedicated to advance the civic and political participation and empowerment among the Asian population and beyond in Florida. FAS provide citizenship - naturalization assistance and civic education services, nonpartisan voter mobilization and education, community services and outreach. To learn more, visit the Florida Asian Services website, or follow them on Facebook.
Universal Medical Clinic (UMC Free Clinic), is a non-profit organization run by volunteers whose primary goal is to serve the underserved regardless of race, religion and gender. UMC aims to provide medical care to Miami-Dade and Broward County residents by collaborating with local healthcare institutions, diagnostic, screening and testing centers. UMC improves public health, lowers healthcare costs and reduces the burden of non-emergency care placed on local hospitals’ emergency rooms. To learn more, visit the UMC Free Clinic or follow them on Facebook. This is an exceptional opportunity to gain work experience and gain a deeper understanding of the County's political system. It is anticipated that after completing this position interns will have gained practical skills. Interns will observe diversity in action and gain exposure to Miami-Dade County's unique community building model.
Eligibility and Qualifications
The intern should be a college or graduate student who is bright, excited, and motivated. The Asian-American Advisory Board under the Office of Community Advocacy is seeking a diverse group of interns who can offer fresh, multifaceted, and diverse perspectives. The position will be most applicable to students interested in communication, international affairs, ethnic studies, political science, community development, public policy, and other social sciences. We are seeking applicants with the following skills:- Computer skills
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Research skills
- Organizational skills
Duration
- 8 weeks minimum
- Part time or full time
Duties
- Research
- Working with other boards and/or local organizations and institutions
- Social Media
- Other duties to be determined based on the needs of the Board and intern interests
To apply for Internships, download and complete this application and send it along with a resume, cover letter, and an explanation of internship requirements from your internship coordinator or other school official. In your cover letter please explain your interest in the internship and the skills you are able to offer. Applications may be sent either by mail or by email to:Attn: Joshua J. Ho, Program Director
Asian-American Advisory Board
Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, Suite 1034
Miami, FL 33128
Direct: (305) 375-1570
Fax: (305) 375-5715
Email: [email protected]Application Deadline
April 30th for summer, rolling deadline for internships during the school year.The Office of Community Advocacy is looking for volunteers to serve as liaison between the Advisory Boards and the Miami-Dade County community at large.
Requirements:
All volunteer members must be permanent residents of Miami-Dade County. In addition, members should have demonstrated an interest in the field, activity or sphere covered by the board.
The primary consideration in appointing volunteer members is to provide the board with the needed technical, professional, financial, business or administrative expertise.
Please note: all volunteers must pass a background check, provided by Miami-Dade County.
- For more information, please read the Standards for Creation and Review of Boards Generally.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- To assist in programs and services, and to coordinate the activities of governmental entities and nongovernmental agencies pertaining to the Asian community.
- To recommend solutions to the social, economic, cultural and political problems in the Asian Community, as well as to serve as a liaison between the Asian community and the Miami-Dade County community at large.
- To foster relationships with the public officials and maintain formal channels of communication so that Asian concerns are effectively transmitted and heard.
For more information, please read the Asian-American Advisory Board Code of Ordinance
Board Agendas and Meetings
Asian-American Advisory Board
Joshua Ho
Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street,
Suite 1034
Miami, FL 33128
305-375-1570 | [email protected]
