Drawing from the profound insights and personal triumphs within the disability community of Asian Pacific Islander (API) heritage, "Becoming an Exceptional API Leader: Intimate Stories from 15 "Silent Voices" Changemakers" is a priceless resource for anyone seeking to understand the confluence of Asian culture, disability, and leadership. This anthology transcends the conventional, offering a collection of narratives that are as much a celebration of individuality as they are a representation of collective experience.

Each author, whether personally touched by disability or driven by a deep connection to a loved one's journey or clinical service experiences, brings forth their story with raw honesty and reflective depth. From the heart of Asia to the diverse landscapes of America, these leaders share their motivations, the hurdles they've overcome, and the wisdom gleaned from creating disability-centered initiatives. Their chapters are not just stories; they are blueprints for innovation, resilience, and courageous spirit in the face of unique challenges.

This book is a call to action for individuals, parents of Deaf or hard-of-hearing children or children with autism and other disabilities, entrepreneurs, educators, speech-language pathologists, and advocates within the disability sector, to harness their talents and passions. It's an intimate guide through the nuanced world of disability and culture, offering a lens to view the intricate dance of maintaining 'face' and family fidelity while pushing forward the boundaries of what it means to lead and serve.

We invite you to immerse yourself in the richness of diverse perspectives, find your place within the narrative of progress, and, contribute your voice to the ever-evolving story of the API disability community. Here, you will discover the historical value of our collective strides in advocacy and communication and the personal potential that lies within the intersection of culture, disability advocacy, and unwavering determination.

Join us on this journey of enlightenment and empowerment, and carve out your path, make your mark, and enrich the global movement of disability leadership.

Foreword by:

Li-Rong Lilly Cheng, PhD

San Diego State University

Founding Director

Chinese Cultural Center SDSU

CoAuthors:

Anthony Pak-Hin Kong, Ph.D., ASHA Fellow, Giang T. Pham, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Hua-Hsuan Chung (CookBaron), Kimberly Oanh Vuong, Li-Rong Lilly Cheng, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Lou Sio Ha, Ruby, Meena Kalyanasundaram, Nadhiya Ito, CCC-SLP, Phương Liên Palafox, CCC-SLP, Shin Ying Chu, Ph.D., Sumalai Maroonroge, Ph.D., CCC-A, Tina Lorenzana, Tony Ching-Hsien Chang, Un, Ho Man