Celebrating AAPI Women

March is Women’s History Month, and in honor of that, we wanted to take a moment to spotlight some amazing women in the AAPI community, past and present. Similar to trying to choose just ten to highlight, it’s near impossible to sum up the impact and identities of these dynamic figures in just a few words…but we tried! Here’s ten incredible, diverse AAPI women who have or continue to do incredible things:

• Alysa Liu: A trailblazing figure skater and the first American woman to land a quadruple jump in competition, she has also been open about prioritizing her mental health, stepping back from the sport on her own terms and advocating for balance, identity, and well-being beyond achievement. She recently won not one, but TWO gold medals in the 2026 Winter Olympics!
• Patsy Mink: A groundbreaking politician and the first woman of color elected to the U.S. Congress, she co-authored Title IX and spent her career fighting for gender equity, education access, and civil rights.
• Kalpana Chawla: An astronaut and engineer who became the first woman of Indian origin in space, her legacy continues to inspire future generations—especially young women—to pursue careers in STEM and dream beyond boundaries.
• Celeste Ng: A bestselling author whose work explores identity, family, and belonging, she uses storytelling to amplify Asian American voices and challenge stereotypes through deeply human narratives.
• Ai-jen Poo: A nationally recognized labor organizer and activist who has dedicated her career to advocating for domestic workers and caregivers, pushing for dignity, protections, and systemic change.
• Auli’i Cravalho: An actress and singer best known for voicing Moana, she has championed authentic representation, recently passing the baton to a new actress for the live-action adaptation. She uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ communities and Indigenous women.
• Tye Leung Schulze: A pioneering figure who became the first Chinese American woman to vote in the U.S., she also worked as an immigration inspector, advocating for fairness and representation within a restrictive system.
• Amanda Nguyen: A civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee who founded Rise, she has been instrumental in passing landmark legislation for survivors’ rights while empowering others to turn pain into advocacy. Last year, she became the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman to go to space!
• Michelle Li: A journalist and advocate who sparked a global conversation on cultural identity through her “Very Asian” movement, creating space for dialogue, visibility, and pride in heritage. She co-founded The Very Asian Foundation and is featured in the documentary film, Silent War!
• Geena Rocero: A model, filmmaker, and transgender rights advocate who uses her platform to uplift trans voices, challenge norms, and push for greater visibility, safety, and equality worldwide.

Looking to learn more about AAPI women and their hand in history? Check out this page from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum by clicking on the button below. Happy Women’s History Month!