Asian American nonprofit announces new leadership

People

Jan 16

Yilin Wendland-Liu
Photo courtesy of West Michigan Asian American Association

The West Michigan Asian American Association (WMAAA) has announced the appointment of Charles Elwood and Yilin Wendland-Liu as the organization's new co-presidents, along with Rona Das as the new secretary for 2025. Their one-year terms will focus on advancing the association’s mission to bring together AAPI economic and cultural resources to enrich and support the community through engagement, service coordination, and advocacy efforts.

Elwood is an entrepreneur and Microsoft AI MVP. Wendland-Liu is the director at the Literacy Center of West Michigan and a WK Kellogg Foundation Fellow. Das is the director of student programs at Grand Rapids Christian High School. The newly elected co-presidents succeed Claire Horlings, the previous president, while Rona Das takes on the secretary role previously held by Wendland-Liu.

The WMAAA leadership team remains committed to empowering the AAPI community in West Michigan, ensuring their voices are heard and celebrated in meaningful ways.

Upcoming events and initiatives include the Noodle Cookoff in Holland on February 1 in partnership with Rotary International District 6290, the second annual Asian International Leadership Summit on March 28, and the annual Gala in October, celebrating Asian culture through food and festivities.

Elwood, a biracial, half-Thai, half-Danish American, shared personal insights on his journey to belonging and cultural connection. Recently gaining Thai citizenship and revisiting his childhood home in Borneo, he emphasized how shared experiences, language, and cultural exchange can bridge gaps and strengthen community bonds.

“I think my parents knew that being biracial, speaking multiple languages and spending my childhood overseas would eventually be my superpower,” said Elwood. “It took me 40 plus years for me to wear and own the superpowers.”