Pittsburgh Review

Gov. Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf joined the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs at a ceremony that celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month while also honoring the Advancing Pennsylvania Award recipients.

“Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration is this year’s national theme for APA Heritage Month,” Commission Executive Director Stephanie Sun said in a recent press release from the governor’s office. “The theme invites us to reflect on the challenges and accomplishments we have had, recognize and advance leaders, and promote collaboration. Therefore, the Commission created the Advancing Pennsylvania Award to recognize and promote leaders in our community who have made a difference in Pennsylvania.”

One individual and three organizations were recognized at a May 25 ceremony in which they were given the Advancing Pennsylvania Award for their contributions across the state.

Christina Lu, a high school student in Philadelphia, was given an award for “Courage to Stand and Defend the Rights of Others.” 

The Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh received an award for “Unwavering Dedication, Commitment and Service to the Community.”

The Muslims of Central PA were awarded for “Extraordinary Resilience, Commitment and Dedication to the Community.”

The International Spring Festival Organization was given the award for “Unwavering Commitment, Dedication, and Contributions to Diversity and Inclusiveness.”

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs was created to make government accessible and accountable to the Asian Pacific communities in Pennsylvania.

“I am proud to join with the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs to celebrate the rich traditions of our commonwealth’s Asian Pacific American communities,” Wolf said in the release. “In Pennsylvania, we know that our diversity is our strength, and we honor the many contributions and achievements of Asian Pacific American Pennsylvanians.”

First Lady Wolf said she was “truly honored” to join the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs to recognize the award recipients, as well as celebrate their heritage.

“Pennsylvania is home to more than 600,000 residents of Asian and Pacific Islander decent,” the first lady said. “It is imperative that all of us take the time to acknowledge the strong cultural history and the accomplishments of our Asian Pacific American friends across the state.”