OCA ADVOCATE ~ ANNOUNCEMENT
In And Around Town
OCA-NJ 25th Annual AAPI Heritage and Scholarship Luncheon
Article by Wendy Chin Moy
This year marked the 25th anniversary of the OCA-NJ AAPI Heritage and Scholarship Luncheon. The OCA-NJ Scholarship Program was established by former OCA-NJ President Virginia Ng to support college-bound high school seniors of Asian descent residing in New Jersey. Virginia's compassion and dedication to OCA's mission of advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans continue to inspire this important initiative.
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Photos courtesy of Barbara Kee-Chen
On May 17, OCA-NJ hosted its celebratory luncheon at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). During the event, ten outstanding students were awarded scholarships to help them pursue their academic goals and future careers.
We were honored again to welcome NJIT President Dr. Teik C. Lim as our keynote speaker. Dr. Lim delivered a personal and impactful address, sharing his experiences and offering valuable advice to students. In particular, he emphasized the importance of “micro-collaborations” and encouraged students to build meaningful connections that can guide, support, and motivate them throughout their educational and professional journeys.
Through OCA-NJ's partnership with Dr. Lim and NJIT, the NJIT–OCA-NJ Scholarship Program was established in 2026 to recognize academic achievement and support continued excellence at NJIT. Through this program, OCA-NJ scholarship recipients may be eligible to receive scholarships of up to $20,000. Although none of this year’s recipients will be attending NJIT, we are confident that many deserving students in the years ahead will benefit from this generous opportunity.
The audience also heard from three inspiring college student speakers who shared their educational experiences and words of encouragement:
- Jian Kim (NJIT) encouraged students to “Ask, Connect, and Grow,” offering advice that will undoubtedly help guide them throughout their educational journeys and beyond.
- Krithika Sankar (NJIT) encouraged students to become involved in community service, emphasizing the importance of uplifting others and promoting dignity within their communities.
- Hanzla Ahmad (Rutgers University) also highlighted the value of community service and encouraged students to use their talents and experiences to make a positive impact on others.
The 25th Annual AAPI Heritage and Scholarship Luncheon was both inspiring and successful. It celebrated the achievements of outstanding students, strengthened community connections, and reaffirmed OCA-NJ’s commitment to supporting future generations of Asian American leaders.
AAPI New Jersey's 6th Annual Lantern Festival for Justice and Unity
Article by Wendy Chin Moy
On May 30, AAPI New Jersey's 6th Annual Lantern Festival for Justice and Unity at Edgemont Park in Montclair brought together thousands of people from all walks of life to celebrate our AAPI community and share a vision for a more just, inclusive, and welcoming future.
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Thousands of lanterns illuminated the park's pathways, symbolizing the many individuals who have helped light the way forward. Art installations and community partner exhibits throughout the park invited attendees to explore our histories, build solidarity across communities, and engage in meaningful social justice work.
OCA-NJ Co-Presidents Wendy Chin and Alyson Yee, along with volunteers Qing and Helen, staffed the community partners table, sharing information about OCA-NJ's 48-year history of uplifting and supporting AAPI communities throughout New Jersey.
We were also delighted to welcome our friends Tracy Ng, President of NJIT's AAPI Employee Resource Group (ERG), and Christine Li, Advisory Board Member of NJIT's AAPI ERG, who stopped by our table and joined us in this meaningful celebration of justice, unity, and hope.
The 5th Annual NYC AAPI Heritage Month Parade
Article by Henry Lee
The 5th Annual AAPI Heritage Parade in New York City on May 17th, 2026, was filled with sunshine and smiling faces. The event is organized by Stephen Tin of the Better Chinatown Society, who also brings us the Lunar New Year Parade and firecracker ceremony in NYC’s Chinatown each year.
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In this year's AAPI Heritage Parade, there were many marchers. Dragons and lions, among many other cultural dance groups. The OCA-Asian American Advocates New Jersey (OCA-NJ), and Westchester-Hudson Valley (OCA-WHV) chapters were the primary sponsors responsible for the first public debut of the Patriot Lions designed in the red, white and blue theme with fifty white five-pointed stars to represent each state of the union sewn onto the body, and thirteen Colonial Flag stars on the back of the head with two Chinese characters in the center for Asian American. The Lions were accompanied by the large 54’ Patriot Dragon handcrafted and painted in Virginia by Vinh Bui, an up-and-coming paper crafter. Decorated at AADL’s Studio with red, white, and blue silk poms, pearl beads, and butterflies by yours truly, Henry Lee. Everyone had matching event t-shirts with our sponsors’ logos, and there were plenty of Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) and Pork Buns
Such an awesome display would not be possible without the support of volunteers from Garden State Lions, Columbia University Lions, and South Jersey Lion Dance Troupe, all under the banner of Asian American Dragon and Lion Dance Association (AADL).
Confetti poppers and the year of the horse plushie dolls donated by corporate sponsor, Dragon Lion Gear, were given out to the cheering crowds flanking both sides of 6th Avenue. At the end of the day, the audience participation made the event extra special.
2026 OCA-NJ ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR BANQUET
Saturday, February 21, 2026
*** New Location This Year ***
GOLDEN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
518 Old Post Road, Edison, NJ 08817
Photos courtesy of Helen Yu & Jenny Lee
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OCA-NJ 2025 HOLIDAY BALL @ THE GRAND, TOTOWA, NJ
Photos by Joe Nunez Studio
www.joenunezphoto.com
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Monday, November 24, 2025 ~ Rutgers University Livingston Student Center
Rutgers Asian Student Council Hosts Inaugural Political and Professional Development Event - By Wendy Chin
The Rutgers Asian Student Council (ASC) successfully hosted its first-ever political and professional development event, drawing more than 85 students for an evening of dialogue, learning, and empowerment within the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) community.
The event featured an esteemed panel of leaders and advocates, including Wendy Chin, Co-President of the OCA–New Jersey; Arati Sadalge Kreibich, Program Director of the New Jersey Million Voters Project; and Catherine Tung, Adjunct Faculty at the Eagleton Institute of Politics.
Each panelist shared personal insights from their professional journeys and highlighted the importance of civic engagement, representation, and community-building in advancing Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) voices across New Jersey.
“OCA-NJ is proud to support the next generation of APIDA leaders,” said Wendy Chin. “We are committed to strengthening our relationships and uplifting our community through continued engagement and advocacy.”
Lights, Camera, Action! Rutgers HKSA Temple Street Event Delivers
A Night to Remember - By Jenny Lee
The Busch Multi-Purpose Room was alive with the vibrant energy of Hong Kong on Saturday, November 15, as the Rutgers Hong Kong Student Association (HKSA) presented its highly anticipated Temple Street Event. The night lived up to its billing, offering attendees an immersive experience that expertly blended cultural festivities with exciting entertainment. From the moment you walked in, the aroma of delicious Hong Kong street food filled the air, setting the stage for an evening packed with captivating performances, engaging games, and unique local vendors.
It was truly a night to remember. Guests had the opportunity to shop from local small businesses and artists and try their luck at a variety of HK-themed game stations. Beyond the cultural immersion, the event offered plenty of opportunities for fun and fortune. A highlight for many attendees was the chance to win delightful raffle prizes. My granddaughter won the cutest stuffed animal & my nephew and I were among four lucky winners to win a gaming bag each! The sheer joy in the room was contagious, proving the organizers had truly mastered the art of engaging their guests. The success of the evening takes on an even greater significance when considering the cause it supported. A portion of the evening’s proceeds directly benefited our chapter, the OCA-NJ Chapter! As the volunteer treasurer for the OCA-NJ Chapter, the impact of these funds is personally understood to be meaningful and impactful, supporting programs like our annual scholarship awards for NJ high school students as well as funding our various advocacy efforts such as promoting social justice.
Members Appreciation Luncheon & General Election
Sunday, November 16, 2025
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
November is our annual OCA-NJ Membership Appreciation Luncheon and General Election—and it also marks Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality rates continue to rise within the Asian American community.
At our luncheon, guest speaker Steven Merlin, a passionate advocate and long-term pancreatic cancer survivor, shared his personal journey. His presentation covered important topics, including pancreatic cancer statistics among Asian Americans, signs and symptoms, prevention and early detection, guidance on where to seek help, and resources from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. His informative and inspiring message made a significant impact on all who attended.
Wendy Chin
OCA-NJ Co-President
2025 Center for Asian Health: Chinese Wellness Day
Photos courtesy of the Center for Asian Health, John O'Boyle & Derek Lee
June 8, 2025 - This year marks the 8th annual Chinese Wellness Day hosted by the Center for Asian Health. Held at the RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Center in Livingston, NJ, the Chinese Wellness Day aims to provide health education, screenings, and resources to the Chinese community. It also emphasizes preventative care and a holistic approach to well-being in the Chinese community. There were physician presentations, a meet the physicians session, and free health screenings. Many health professionals, medical companies and organizations supported this event by sponsoring vendors' tables at the event. This year’s event was a huge success with an estimated 350 people in attendance and over 500 health screenings performed, thus emphasizing this vital community outreach effort.
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- 6/8/25 Photo by John O’Boyle
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- Photo by Center for Asian Health
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- Photo by Derek Lee
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- Photo by Derek Lee
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- 6/8/25 Photo by John O’Boyle
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- Photo by Derek Lee
AAPI Heritage & Mental Health Awareness Month Workshop Series
This 4 Workshop Series event is now over.
In recognition of AAPI Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, the OCA Long Island, New Jersey, New York, and WHV Chapters, in partnership with the Chinese Adoptee Alliance (CAA), are honored to present the Second Annual Virtual Mental Health Workshop Series.
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