Lani Wong, Chair and a Founding Member of the National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA) in Atlanta, has served the interests of the citizens of Georgia and the Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community for over forty years. She is a recognized leader at the local, national, and international levels, and continues to participate at the forefront of community service and leadership.
A true pioneer, Ms. Wong’s vision and foresight has led to the exponential increase of AAPI participation in the American political process and the improvement of U.S.-China relations. She has also dedicated her career to promoting excellence in education and raising the profile and importance of charitable organizations that serve the greater needs of the community.
Ms. Wong has served for decades on the Boards of dozens of influential government, healthcare, educational and non-profit organizations, including but not limited to:
- The DeKalb County Economic Development Authority, Secretary and Board of Directors
- The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Global Business Council
- Delta Air Lines Global Diversity Alliance, Board of Directors
- Coca-Cola Scholars National Selection Committee
- Atlanta Public Broadcasting, Board of Directors
- Leadership Atlanta, Board of Trustees
- Atlanta Women’s Foundation, Board of Directors
- The International Women’s Forum Georgia, Board of Directors
- Georgia Perimeter College Foundation, Board of Trustees
- Georgia Perimeter College, Presidential Search Committee
- Jude Mercy Care, Board of Directors
- Jude Medical Health System, Board of Trustees
- Joseph’s Hospital Health System, Board of Trustees
- Sheltering Arms, Board of Directors
- Emory Board of Visitors
- AAPI Victims and Education Fund Advisory Board
A pioneer in the movement to involve AAPIs in the American political process, Ms. Wong was appointed by Georgia Governor Roy Barnes to the Asian-American Commission for a New Georgia and the Georgia Human Relations Commission. She was also subsequently appointed by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to the and served as Chair of the first Georgia Commission on Asian-American Affairs. Ms. Wong also served on Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s Transition Team, and the Atlanta Advisory Commission under Mayor Shirley Franklin.
Lani’s commitment to promoting U.S.-China relations earned her the distinction of being named an Honorary Citizen of the People’s Republic of China. She served as an advisor to the 6th, 7th, and 8th National Congress of the All-China Federation of Returning Chinese and was appointed for five consecutive terms as an advisor to the International Cultural Exchange Association. She was also selected as one of only five U.S. citizens to attend the 5th Session of the 10th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. In 2008, she was invited by Delta Air Lines as a special guest to fly on its inaugural nonstop flight from Atlanta to Shanghai, serving on Governor Sonny Perdue’s China Mission.
In 2021, GA State Senates passed Resolution 327 recognizing her decades of public service and leadership in swift assistance in the fight against the COVID-19. In 2012, the Georgia House of Representatives passed Resolution 1804 recognizing the special contributions and efforts of Ms. Wong to promote peace and the development of commercial, cultural, and educational ties between the United States and China. Ms. Wong continues her work as member of the National Committee on US-China Relation, and a World Affairs Council Chairman Circle member.
Ms. Wong’s awards and recognition are legion. They include:
- 2018: National Association of Asian American Professionals NAAAP 100 Inspire Award
- 2015: Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta Community Champion Award
- 2010: Spelman College Legacy of Leadership Award
- 2008: National Organization of Black Elected Legislative/Women recognized her with a Georgia Women Pioneer Award
- 2007: She received the first ever Luminary Award from Global ExecWomen
- Recognized multiple years since 2006 as one of Georgia Asian Times’ 25 Most Influential Asian Americans
- 2005: The City of Atlanta Phoenix Award from Mayor Shirley Franklin
Ms. Wong was born in Indonesia, attended school in Taiwan, and graduated from the University of Hawaii. She has two children and lives with her beloved husband, Dr. John Wong, in Dunwoody, Georgia. As the recognized doyenne and patron of the Georgia AAPI community, she often hosts civic events at her home for community members, elected officials and candidates in her award-winning garden.
