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

ERIC VAN

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

GRAPF since 2020

ericvan@grapf.org 

JENNIFER TOMPKINS

COMMUNITY HISTORY &
EDUCATION DIRECTOR

GRAPF since 2020

jentompkins@grapf.org 

LIS BOKT

ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR

GRAPF SINCE 2023

lisbokt@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:

Support and promote our cause by sharing our social media posts.


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:

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:

Actively participate in our fundraising efforts and strive to achieve personal fundraising goals.


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:

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