Most Influential Asian Pacific Americans

Maya Lin

A Chinese-American artist who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring those who served.

Yoichiro Nambu

A physicist who won the Nobel Prize for his work in science, helping us understand how the universe works.

Yuri Kochiyama

A Japanese-American activist who stood for justice, equality, and human rights for all people.

Philip Vera Cruz

Philip Vera Cruz was a farmworker and leader who helped workers get better pay and treatment. He believed in justice for all.

Tani Cantil-Sakauye

Tani Cantil-Sakauye was the first Filipina Chief Justice of California. She worked to make sure courts were fair for everyone.

Bobby Jindal

Bobby Jindal was the first Indian American governor in the U.S. He worked in politics and helped lead his state.

Kane Tanaka

Kane Tanaka lived to be 119 years old. She showed the world the beauty of a long, happy life.

Eugene Trinh

Eugene Trinh is the first Vietnamese American astronaut. He loved science and worked to explore space.

Tyrus Wong

Tyrus Wong was an artist who designed the beautiful look of Disney’s movie “Bambi”. He helped shape movie history with his creativity.

Kiran Ahuja

Kiran Ahuja works in government to support fair hiring and equal treatment for workers. She helps make sure everyone has a fair chance.

Norah Jones

Norah is a singer and pianist with Indian roots. Her music is soft and beautiful, and she has won many Grammy Awards for her work.

Nikki Haley

Nikki Haley is the first Indian American woman to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. She worked to build peace and represent America.

Emma Gee

Emma Gee helped create the term “Asian American”. She worked to make sure Asian Americans had a voice and were treated fairly.

Gary Locke

Gary was the first Asian-American governor of Washington and later the U.S. Ambassador to China. He worked to improve education and build strong relationships.