Ohio’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has produced remarkable leaders across politics, healthcare, social justice, and grassroots organizing. Their contributions embody a growing momentum in representation, equity, and cultural affirmation.
Key Leaders & Their Contributions
- Aftab Pureval
Serving as the 70th Mayor of Cincinnati since January 2022, Pureval is the first Asian American to hold this office in the city—or any major Midwestern one. His leadership includes launching affordable housing funding and advancing inclusive city policies. (Wikipedia) - Tina Maharath
Ohio’s first Laotian American and Asian American woman in the State Senate (2019–2023), Maharath flipped a longtime Republican seat and held roles such as Minority Whip. She championed legislation banning conversion therapy, establishing an AAPI Affairs Commission, and recognizing maternal mortality awareness. (Wikipedia) - Anita Somani
A physician by training and longtime OB-GYN, Somani began serving in the Ohio House of Representatives in 2023. Immigrating from India as an infant, she brings both a deep understanding of healthcare needs and legislative representation for her community. (Wikipedia) - Jacqueline Nwando Olayiwola
A nationally recognized family medicine physician and public health innovator, Olayiwola holds leadership roles at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and at Humana. She’s an expert in telehealth, equity, and transformative care, with multiple awards including the Harvard Public Health Innovator Award. (Wikipedia) - Tessa Xuan & OPAWL
As co-director of Ohio Progressive Asian Women’s Leadership (OPAWL), Xuan has positioned AAPI feminist leadership at the center of social justice efforts in Ohio. Her activism prompted state-level legislation addressing anti-Asian hate, rooted in her own journey and identity-driven political awakening. (A&E, InfluenceWatch)
Overview Table: AAPI Leaders in Ohio
| Leader / Organization | Role / Field | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Aftab Pureval | Mayor (Cincinnati) | First Asian American mayor in major Midwest city; housing reform |
| Tina Maharath | State Senate (OH) | First Laotian-American senator; conversion therapy ban; AAPI commission |
| Anita Somani | State Representative | Physician-legislator advocating for healthcare and equity |
| Jacqueline N. Olayiwola | Public Health / Healthcare | Telehealth innovation; health equity leadership nationally |
| Tessa Xuan / OPAWL | Activism / Feminist Org. | Built feminist AAPI leadership; influenced anti-hate legislation |
Highlights at a Glance
- Trailblazers in politics: Aftab Pureval and Tina Maharath broke barriers—Pureval as a mayor, Maharath in the state senate—creating new representation pathways for AAPI communities.
- Healthcare leadership: Anita Somani melds medical practice with policy; Jacqueline Olayiwola advances equity through public health innovation and systemic reform.
- Grassroots feminist organizing: Tessa Xuan and OPAWL create intersectional, multigenerational communities that elevate AAPI women and nonbinary voices, and press for legislative change against anti-Asian racism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What milestones have AAPI leaders in Ohio recently achieved?
They’ve broken new ground in political representation, healthcare equity, and grassroots feminist organizing, shaping policy and public awareness.
Who is the first Asian American mayor in the Midwest, hailing from Ohio?
Aftab Pureval of Cincinnati—elected in 2021 and sworn in January 2022—holds that distinction. (Wikipedia)
How has AAPI healthcare leadership impacted Ohio policy?
Anita Somani brings medical expertise to the legislature; Jacqueline Olayiwola drives telehealth and equity-focused reform through academia and corporate health leadership.