Asian Coalition of Tallahassee (ACT) a not-for-profit corporation serving the interest of Asians in Tallahassee and Florida.

   
 

To unite the Asian Communities in the Big Bend Area and promote the Asian culture.

   
  - To solicit active participation and support from Asian communities and other interested parties in Asian affairs.
- To enhance cultural, social, and economic ties among Asians and Americans.
- To actively support charitable, educational and humanitarian causes
- To advocate for Asian issues and interests.
- To participate in community activities to promote Asian awareness.
   
 
 

Formed in December 2004, the Asian Coalition of Tallahassee (ACT) was initiated by the Big Bend Filipino-American Association, Inc (BBFAA) under the leadership of Dr Clyde Diao. It is the umbrella organization of various member organizations as well as individual members and is intended to be the voice of the Asian community. It aims to unite the various Asian communities within the Tallahassee area and promote and share our rich Asian cultural heritage with the local community through community activity involvement and cultural events. To achieve this, ACT launched "Experience Asia" which has experienced meteoric rise to become a major annual event in Tallahassee. Further, the ACT also aims to enhance social and economic ties with the community at large. Through these, the ACT hopes to raise awareness within the community of the various Asian cultures as well as foster better understanding between the Asian community and the locals.

Originally, the ACT was formed by the Big Bend Filipino American Association, India Association of Tallahassee, North Florida Chinese Association, the Tallahassee Families with Asian Children, and the Chinese Association of Tallahassee. This has grown with the inclusion of FSU International Center, Japanese Community Group, Chinese Children Adoption International, Taiwanese American Association of Tallahassee, Thai Community of Tallahassee, Persian Cultural Club, Korean community, Rossier Productions, Inc. Pakistani community, World Economic Forum and many other Student associations. Several individual members also comprise the membership of ACT. It hopes to expand as more members join the organization.

The ACT welcomes everyone who is interested in Asian affairs to join, regardless of age, sex, race, or ethnicity. Bringing in non-Asian members into the ACT is essential as it helps foster better understanding with the local community. It also helps the Asian community become part of mainstream America without losing its identity. Truly, the ACT provides a venue by which the East meets the West.

 
 
 
Executive Branch:  
Soma Sundaram Chairman
Clyde Diao Chairman-Elect
Fernando Francisco Secretary
Salim Talib Assistant Secretary
Tien-Shuenn Wu Auditor
Genzo Tanaka Treasurer
   
Board of Directors:  
Melinda Cowen Director of Public Relations
Wing Chan Director of Media Relations-Electronic & Print
Joyce Feezel Director of Media Relations-Radio & TV
Saowanee Greer Director of Educational Affairs
Aurora Hansen /
Angelina Wei
Director of Culture Affairs/
Assistant
Christina McDonald /
Ying Wang
Director of Fundraising/
Assistant
Cynthia Green /
Maryann Mina
Director of Student and International Affairs/
Assistant
Faris Syed Director of Business Affairs
Phil Shoemaker Director of Hospitality
Sol Francisco Director of Website Administration
Sophia Xu Board of Director Chinese Association of Tallahassee, President
Stephanie Gonzales Board of Director FSU Asian American Student Union, President
   
Advisors:  
Michelle Vasilinda ACT Advisor
Jackie Pons (Leon County School Superintendent) ACT Advisor for Education
Jane Marks Experience Asia Chairperson
   
Nick Baldwin, Tristin Kroening, Dan Looney, Don Pattaya, Phil Shoemaker
 
 
©2013 Asian Coalition of Tallahassee P.O.Box 15532 Tallahassee, FL 32317 Phone: 850-219-9799, 850-339-2699 Contact Us
Photographs on this site were provided by Nick Baldwin, Tristin Kroening, Dan Looney, Don Pattaya, Phil Shoemaker and Dr. Soma