SPRINGFIELD — In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today kicked off a virtual campaign to highlight and celebrate the achievements and positive impact Asian and Pacific Islanders have made in Illinois and around the world.
This year’s national theme for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is “Advancing Leaders Through Purpose-Driven Service.” “We are grateful for these leaders who continue to give their time, share their talents, and use their voices to improve our communities,” Frerichs said. “This is an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ and commemorate the great work Asian and Pacific Islanders are doing to help our country thrive.” Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is each May. Frerichs will honor the following individuals for their outstanding commitment to their Illinois communities:
Outstanding Commitment in Arts and Humanity Moki Tantoco Education and Programs Manager | National Veterans Art Museum Outstanding Service in Business Patty Neumson Business Owner | Herb Restaurant Outstanding Commitment in Community Service Kyungnan Yu Community Activist | National Unification Advisory Council Founding Member | KAN-WIN
Outstanding Commitment in Education Sendhil Revuluri Vice President | Chicago Board of Education Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official Ram Villivalam Illinois State Senate Outstanding Commitment in Leadership Rajesh G. Govindaiah Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer | Memorial Health System Outstanding Commitment in Sportsmanship Laura Zeng Gymnast | Olympian Throughout the month of May, Frerichs will share recorded video conversations with each awardee via his Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. These videos also will be hosted online at