ABOUT US
History
The Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation started as an idea in 2016. We kicked off our first Festival in 2017 and we have since evolved into a multi-faceted organization.
Mission
Our mission is to shape a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving community where cultural awareness, economic empowerment, individual growth, and community education intersect seamlessly.
Let's Be Friends
GRAND RAPIDS ASIAN-PACIFIC FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KAVY LENON
FOUNDATION BOARD
CO-PRESIDENT
FOUNDING MEMBER 2017
Business Development, Community Impact, and People Business
kavylenon@grapf.org
MANOJ MULKI
FOUNDATION BOARD
CO-PRESIDENT
GRAPF SINCE 2017
Community Affairs and Business Development
manojmulki@grapf.org
ACE MARASIGAN
FOUNDER AND
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BOARD OF DIRECTOR
Family Focus, Community Advocacy, Connector, Public Speaker, Business Leader.
ace@grapf.org
MAY THAO
FOUNDATION BOARD TREASURER
GRAPF SINCE 2017
Finance and Marketing
maythao@grapf.org
MAI THAO
EVENTS DIRECTOR
FOUNDING MEMBER SINCE 2017
maithao@grapf.org
JILL BONT
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
GRAPF SINCE 2020
jillbont@grapf.org
ERIC VAN
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
GRAPF since 2020
ericvan@grapf.org
LIS BOKT
ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR
GRAPF SINCE 2023
lisbokt@grapf.org
JENNIFER TOMPKINS
COMMUNITY HISTORY &
EDUCATION DIRECTOR
GRAPF since 2020
jentompkins@grapf.org
Interested in joining our board? This is what we're looking for:
Commitment as a Volunteer:
New board members are required to serve as volunteers for a minimum of one year. This serves as the most effective way for them to gain a deep understanding of our work.
Event Engagement:
Actively participate and volunteer during most of our events. A special emphasis is placed on attendance and volunteering at the summer Asian-Pacific Festival.
Social Media Advocacy:
Social Media Advocacy:
Support and promote our cause by sharing our social media posts.
Partnership and Sponsorship Support:
Partnership and Sponsorship Support:
Show your support for our organization by endorsing and collaborating with our business partners and sponsors, who play a vital role in funding our initiatives.
Community-Centric Approach:
Community-Centric Approach:
Acknowledge that this is community work, and prioritize the community's needs.
Team Support:
Provide assistance and encouragement to volunteers, team members, and the board of directors.
Fundraising Commitment:
Fundraising Commitment:
Actively participate in our fundraising efforts and strive to achieve personal fundraising goals.
Meeting Attendance:
Meeting Attendance:
Attend and actively participate in most meetings. While we understand that life happens, excusable absences are acceptable. However, non-participation may lead to a dismissal vote by the board.
Board Candidacy Process:
Board Candidacy Process:
New board candidates will undergo a special vote by the existing board to determine acceptance or decline.
Contact a current board member to apply to be on the board of directors.