Empowering the Future: Asian Pacific Islander American Scholars (APIA Scholars) Shares Leadership Updates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–Washington, D.C. (January 6, 2025)— APIA Scholars, the nation’s largest non-profit organization supporting Asian and Pacific Islander American students, is pleased to announce key updates to its board and staff leadership.

Board Leadership Updates

APIA Scholars is excited to welcome Felicia Turrentine Wasson to the Board of Directors. Wasson is a well-rounded public affairs professional with over 30 years of experience in the public, non-profit, and private sectors. She currently serves as a Managing Director at The Penta Group, the world’s first comprehensive stakeholder solutions firm based in Washington, D.C. She previously served as the Director of  Social & Community Impact at NIKE, Inc. Her extensive career includes roles such as Community & Stakeholder Relations Director for The Coca-Cola Company, State Government Affairs Director for AARP Michigan, Public Policy Director for the Michigan Ministries of Ascension Health, and Michigan State Senate Chief of Staff. Wasson’s ability to create, develop, and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, coupled with her passion for inspiring positive change, makes her a valuable addition to the Board. 

Jeff Luong, previously serving as Interim Chair of the Board, has been confirmed as Chair of the Board of Directors. His dedication and leadership have been instrumental in advancing APIA Scholars’ mission, and we are thrilled to have him continue in this pivotal role. Luong currently serves as Vice President of Network Engineering at AT&T.

Nancy Lee, who has been serving as Interim Vice Chair, has been confirmed as Vice Chair of the Board. Her strategic vision and commitment to the organization have made a lasting impact, and we look forward to her continued contributions. Lee currently serves as EVP, International Business Operations, and Chief of Staff to the CEO at The Walt Disney Company.

Staff Leadership Updates

Christina Lambert has been promoted to Vice President of Student Success, Scholarships and Programs. Lambert’s leadership and dedication to supporting scholars have been integral to the success of APIA Scholars’ initiatives. In her new role, she will oversee the Scholarships team as well as continue to drive innovation and excellence in programs that empower students.

Courtney Arguello has been promoted to Director of Student Success. Arguello’s expertise and commitment to spearheading programs and fostering student achievement have made a significant impact, and we look forward to her continued leadership in this expanded capacity.

Reflections from APIA Scholars President, Noël Harmon

“We are incredibly excited about these updates to our leadership team,” said Noël Harmon, President of APIA Scholars. “The addition of Felicia Wasson’s invaluable expertise, the confirmation of Jeff Luong and Nancy Lee as Chair and Vice Chair of the Board, respectively, and the well-deserved promotions of Christina Lambert and Courtney Arguello showcase our commitment to building a team that will propel our mission forward. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of our scholars and the communities we serve.”

These updates reflect APIA Scholars’ commitment to excellence and its mission of creating opportunities and lowering financial barriers for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students seeking higher education.

About APIA Scholars

Based in Washington, D.C. and founded in 2003, Asian Pacific Islander American Scholars (APIA Scholars) is the nation’s leading non-profit organization devoted to the academic, personal, and professional success of Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students. Through scholarships, higher education research and policy, student programs, and institutional partnerships, APIA Scholars carries out its mission to educate, elevate, and empower a diverse community of 25 million strong and growing.

For more information about APIA Scholars, please visit www.apiascholars.org.

CONTACT
Wendy Wong
VP of Marketing and Communications
wwong@apiascholars.org