The United States Asia Center (USAC) is a welcome addition to the think tanks in the nation’s capital. Its focus: US-Asia and Asian American issues. Angela An is the Center’s first Executive Director.

USAC aims to disseminate up-to-the minute data, views and analysis to lawmakers, the media, and Asian American community leaders who can use it to shape or influence policy on issues affecting the community and US-Asia relations. 

It focuses primarily on economic and political policies, both domestic and international, including empowerment, education, Asian American health, trade and other Asian and Asian American issues.

“Because domestic and international policies are increasingly becoming interrelated, it’s important that we show this link and promote its positive relationship,” said Ms. An.

Ms. An, recently recognized at the White House for her civic work, and a University of Virginia graduate with a dual degree in Anthropology and Sociology, has hit the ground running since occupying the post about four months ago.

She told Asian Fortune: “One of the challenges for a think tank is evolving with changes in how information is disseminated and exchanged. With the electronic age, information is not only changing rapidly, but it is being exchanged faster than ever before. It’s not only a matter of having the most up-to-date and credible information, but it’s also a matter of getting it out there quickly.”

A distinguished panel, which chose her from a field of candidates, knows she’s equal to the huge task before her. She herself recognizes the major challenge. “My main goal is to build a solid foundation for the organization to grow upon,” she told Asian Fortune. “I aim to develop strong relationships with the community here and abroad.”

“We need to create more exposure on the issues which affect the over 14 million Asian Americans here in the U.S., and also disseminate accurate and credible information to foster stronger relations between the U.S. and Asia,” she stressed.

Symposium series

Currently, USAC is co-sponsoring a symposium series with United States Asian Business Council and local partners in the city where it is taking place. The focus is on the economic potential of Asian Americans. A previous symposium was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Another is scheduled on November 15 in Tampa, Florida. USAC has published a paper on the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement. Others will be released in the coming months.

Ms. An leads the Center’s day-to-day operations. She’s responsible for coordinating programs, organizing symposiums, overseeing content at its newly-operational website, www.usasiacenter.org, and working with its partners on new research and programs relating to Asian American and US-Asia policy. 

She works closely with the think tank’s advisors, among them Rudy Pamintuan, former Chairman of the President’s Advisory Committee on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, former U.S. Transportation Secretary and former U.S. Commerce Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, Ambassador Sichan Siv, and Joe Melookaran, a former commissioner on the President’s Advisory Committee.

During the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month last May, Ms. An was one of six individuals who received the Volunteer Service Award at the White House from President George W. Bush.

The award by the USA Freedom Corps is the highest level of commendation for individuals who have volunteered 4,000 hours or more. Before joining USAC, Ms. An worked as Recruitment Coordinator for SAP America, a software company for enterprise software. She also previously worked for the U.S. Peace Corps, serving as an education specialist in Bulgaria.

Q & A Excerpts

Here are excerpts from phone and email interviews with USAC Executive Director Angela An.

What is your typical day?

It varies, but it can consist of meeting with colleagues, partners and organizations with whom we are building partnerships. I also spend a lot of time coordinating with partners on programs and symposiums sponsored by USAC, writing and researching on Asian issues, and staying up-to-date with current affairs in Asia.

What do you do for relaxation?

I enjoy reading, watching movies and TV, and spending time with family and friends.  And of course, enjoying D.C. and all the things it has to offer. You can never get bored here.

Who are the people who have influenced you in your life, and why?

My parents have really been the best role models in my life. They came to America with the goal of a better life for themselves and their family. I have learned from them that hard work is the best way to success, but that you must always maintain your integrity and stay true to yourself. My brother is severely handicapped. From watching my parents care for him every day, I learned the importance of helping others and treating each person you meet with respect. Hard work, integrity, compassion and respect are all essential to being successful in work and in life.

What are your plans for the future?

The future is an open door. Right now, I’ve been focusing on USAC and getting this initiative off the ground. No matter what direction my life takes me, I do know that I want to do what I am doing now, educating and increasing awareness of groups that many times may be ignored, and advocating for them.

Based on your experience, and that of your family, what three things are great about America?

1) The ability to truly live the American dream.  With hard work and integrity, anyone can create a life for themselves; 2) The freedom to hold your beliefs and express them.  We should be thankful for our right to freely voice our views opinions because there are so many people in this world who do not have that privilege; 3) America’s beauty. We talk about beautiful places around the world but we cannot forget the natural beauty that is right here in our own backyard. It is our duty to protect these places for future generations, so they may also feel connected to its history and understand why people have worked so hard to build and protect this country.