Most Influential Asian Pacific Americans

An Indian-American who leads Microsoft, making technology better for schools, businesses, and families everywhere.

The first Asian-born immigrant and Asian-American woman elected to the U.S. Senate. She fights for fairness, education, and healthcare.

A Thai-American model and author who shares real-life stories about motherhood and mental health to help others feel understood.

A Japanese-American actor known for “Star Trek.” He teaches others about equality and his experience in internment camps during WWII.

Born in India, he became CEO of Google and Alphabet. He helps millions of people find answers and connect with others through the internet.

An Indian actress and humanitarian who works with the United Nations to help children around the world.

An award-winning author who writes about growing up between cultures and finding where you belong.

A Taiwanese-American director who won Oscars for movies like “Life of Pi” and “Brokeback Mountain,” known for his storytelling.

A Latina astronaut with Filipino roots who flew into space and later led NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

A journalist and TV host who reports on real stories from around the world, making hard topics easier to understand.

A civil rights hero who stood up against unfair treatment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

A brain surgeon and CNN doctor who teaches families about how to stay healthy and informed.

A Korean-American comedian who uses humor to talk about race, gender, and growing up different.

An actor of Chinese-Hawaiian heritage known for his generosity, humility, and kind actions off screen.

A Cambodian-American doctor and Oscar-winning actor who brought attention to the Cambodian genocide.

The first Asian-American woman in a U.S. President’s Cabinet. She worked to improve roads, bridges, and transportation.

A Korean-American football star and Super Bowl MVP who helps kids from mixed-race families feel proud and supported.

A Japanese-American artist known for her wire sculptures. She also worked to bring art to public schools.

The first Chinese-American movie star in Hollywood, paving the way for future Asian actors.

A doctor and author who teaches people how to take care of their body, mind, and spirit.