Our Story
In 1998, Sandy Dang founded Asian American LEAD to serve Vietnamese refugees and immigrants in Washington, DC. Sandy created AALEAD after witnessing among Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth in the city the same needs and challenges she faced herself as a refugee to the United States only just a few years prior. Her vision was to create and scale an organization that truly belonged to the community.
The organization initially served a large Vietnamese population in DC. However, with demographic shifts over the years and across the Greater Washington region, AALEAD expanded and now serves a multi-ethnic community in Maryland and Virginia, as well as the District.
With a history of over 25 years, AALEAD has reached thousands of AAPI youth through mentoring, summer and after-school programs in the area. The organization’s unique focus on identity development, educational empowerment, and leadership opportunities, specifically for youth living in low-income and historically underserved circumstances, has brought national attention and support from influential figures. As the only organization of its kind within the Washington, DC metro area, AALEAD holds an impressive reputation as an organization that makes a difference for the participants it serves.
Our Mission
Asian American LEAD empowers AAPI youth in underserved communities through culturally responsive programming and advocacy.
Our Vision
Asian American LEAD envisions a United States in which all youth are supported, empowered, and celebrated within equitable, abundant, and thriving communities.