Ambassadors

Asian/Pacific Islander Americans have served in a myriad of ambassador and federal representative roles. However, A/PIA ambassadorship is not restricted to only Asian countries. Those appointed by former and current presidents have served across international borders from Ethiopia to Belize. A/PIA leaders have also climbed the ranks as foreign policy advisers, national security experts, and other roles of diplomacy. For their work as ambassadors and representatives, Asian Pacific Islander Americans have also garnered many awards for their contributions to foreign policy and national security. Each individual highlights the growing size of A/PIA government officials who are bringing their diverse voices to foreign think tanks.

October 2020

Sung Young Kim


previously ambassador to South Korea and the Philippines, he is now the ambassador to Indonesia and U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy.

Geeta Pasi

assumed office as the United States Ambassador to Chad under both the Obama and Trump administrations. In 2018, Pasi was appointed as Deputy Assistant Secretary (African Affairs) by President Trump.

September 9, 2016
July 28, 2009

Vinai Thummalapally

assumed office as the United States Ambassador to Belize, appointed by President Obama. Thummalapally is the first Indian American ambassador in U.S. history.

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