Category Current Events

At the OCA-NJ table, we engaged with attendees and shared information on community resources, programs, and ways to stay connected with our chapter’s mission of advancing the well-being of Asian American communities.

We are grateful to be part of an event that brings together healthcare providers, volunteers, and community organizations in support of improved health outcomes. We look forward to continuing our community partnerships and seeing everyone again at future events, including Wellness Day 2027.

Photos courtesy of John O'Boyle Photography, Gloria Yee & Derek Lee

On May 17, OCA-NJ hosted its celebratory luncheon at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). In recognition of the organization's ongoing contributions, OCA-NJ received a proclamation, “Recognizing OCA-NJ Annual AAPI Heritage Month Celebration and Scholarship Awards Luncheon, ”presented by Franklin Township Councilwoman Sherpa Uddin. The event celebrated achievement, resilience, and cultural heritage while honoring ten outstanding students with scholarships to support their academic and career aspirations.

OCA-NJ was honored to once again welcome NJIT President Dr. Teik C. Lim as the keynote speaker. Dr. Lim delivered a personal and impactful address, sharing lessons from his own journey and offering valuable guidance to students. He emphasized the importance of “micro-collaborations,” encouraging students to build meaningful relationships that can provide mentorship, support, and inspiration throughout their educational and professional lives.

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. With this initiative, eligible OCA-NJ scholarship recipients may receive scholarships of up to $20,000. While none of this year's recipients will be attending NJIT, OCA-NJ looks forward to seeing future scholars benefit from this generous opportunity.

The audience also heard from three inspiring college student speakers who shared their experiences and offered words of encouragement:

• Jian Kim (NJIT) encouraged students to “Ask, Connect, and Grow,” emphasizing the value of curiosity, networking, and personal development.
• Krithika Sankar (NJIT) highlighted the importance of community service and encouraged students to uplift others while promoting dignity and inclusion within their communities.
• Hanzla Ahmad (Rutgers University) reinforced the value of service and inspired students to use their talents and experiences to create positive change.

The 25th Annual AAPI Heritage and Scholarship Luncheon was both inspiring and successful. It celebrated the accomplishments of exceptional students, strengthened community connections, and reaffirmed OCA-NJ's commitment to supporting future generations of Asian American leaders.

This year marked the first time our banquet was held at Golden Seafood Restaurant in Edison, and it certainly will not be the last. Many of our members live, work, travel, and shop in Edison because of its rich diversity and vibrant community.

A highlight of the evening was the traditional Lion Dance performance by Asian American Lion Dance (AADL). The Lion Dance is performed to bring good luck, prosperity, and joy while driving away negative energy for the coming year. During the ceremony, the lion is “fed” lettuce, a symbol of prosperity and wealth, as the Cantonese word for lettuce sounds similar to the phrase “generating wealth.” The lion then shreds and scatters the lettuce among the crowd, spreading blessings and good fortune to all. Mayor Joshi had the honor of feeding the lions, helping us welcome prosperity and success in the new year.

Guests also enjoyed a delicious traditional 10-course Chinese banquet, exciting raffle prizes, and cultural entertainment throughout the evening. Most importantly, the banquet provided an opportunity for friends, families, and community leaders to come together in celebration and fellowship.

OCA-NJ wishes everyone good health, happiness, and prosperity in the Year of the Fire Horse!

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.”