Spotlights by HRCap: Top 12 AAPI Influencers to Follow in 2025

Published by HRCap, Inc. on May 1, 2025

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we recognize the invaluable contributions of the AAPI community to business, culture, and society. This month serves as a reminder of the rich histories, resilience, and ongoing pursuit of equity that define AAPI leaders.

We are pleased to spotlight the "Top 12 AAPI Influencers to Follow in 2025", who are not only shaping industries but are also redefining leadership with purpose and impact. Their stories exemplify the creativity, innovation, and determination that have long been central to the AAPI community.

Across industries ranging from technology and finance to media, beauty, and advocacy, these influencers bring a fresh perspective to business. As they break barriers and drive change, they inspire others to dream big, challenge the status quo, and pursue their own paths to success.

Top 12 AAPI Influencers

1. Juju Chang

A celebrated journalist and storyteller, Juju Chang has spent decades elevating diverse voices through her work as Co-anchor and Correspondent at ABC News. Her ability to communicate complex social issues with clarity and compassion makes her a trusted voice in media and business alike.

Chang’s influence extends beyond journalism, serving as a role model for emerging leaders and women of color across industries, consistently championing representation, empathy, and meaningful dialogue.

2. Tal Cohen

As President of Market Platforms at Nasdaq, Tal Cohen sits at the crossroads of finance and innovation. With a keen focus on scaling markets through technology and transparency, Cohen is recognized for his leadership in shaping the future of financial infrastructure.

Under his stewardship, Nasdaq continues to evolve as a digital powerhouse, championing the integration of data-driven solutions and sustainable investment practices. Cohen’s vision helps bridge traditional finance with the possibilities of tomorrow’s marketplace.

3. Eric Ly

A founding force behind LinkedIn, Eric Ly has continued to lead with purpose and foresight. Now, as CEO of Presdo and KarmaCheck, he’s reshaping how trust and transparency are built in the digital age.

Ly’s ventures focus on credibility and identity verification, critical elements for the future of hiring and networking. His commitment to ethical innovation and empowering people through technology has earned him widespread respect in the startup and tech communities.

4. Amanda Nguyen

Nobel Peace Prize nominee and founder of Rise, Amanda Nguyen exemplifies how business can fuel advocacy. Her work transforming sexual assault survivor rights into federal legislation demonstrates the power of resilience and strategic action.

Nguyen’s impact continues to resonate across industries, as she blends entrepreneurship, activism, and policy to drive systemic change. Her leadership inspires a generation to build ventures with heart, purpose, and global reach.

5. Ju Rhyu

Ju Rhyu, co-founder and CEO of Hero Cosmetics, has reshaped the skincare industry with a product-led, consumer-first approach. Best known for the Mighty Patch, her brand quickly became a category leader, culminating in a $630 million acquisition by Church & Dwight.

Rhyu is widely regarded as a vocal advocate for independent founders, women-led businesses, and authentic brand storytelling. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to innovation, strategic growth, and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.

6. Meli James

As co-founder of Mana Up and president of the Hawaii Venture Capital Association, Meli James plays a key role in advancing Hawaii’s innovation ecosystem. She has developed platforms that elevate local entrepreneurs, promote island-made products, and bring global visibility to regional talent.

With a background as a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, James brings deep startup experience while remaining rooted in community-focused leadership. Her approach empowers founders to grow sustainably, blending business success with cultural integrity and long-term impact.

7. Toni Ko

Best known for founding NYX Cosmetics, Toni Ko has built a beauty empire from scratch and continues to innovate through her ventures, Bespoke Beauty Brands and Thomas James LA. Known for her ability to build brands from the ground up, Ko focuses on empowering both consumers and creators.

Ko’s influence spans business and mentorship. She actively supports women founders and creatives, proving that bold ideas paired with grit can transform industries.

8. Jake Deleon

Filipino-American entrepreneur Jake Deleon is leading the charge with Fila Manila, a food brand that celebrates Filipino culture by bringing its rich flavors to a broader audience. His journey is defined by a deep connection to his heritage, a commitment to authenticity, and the drive to elevate traditional cuisine in the mainstream market.

Deleon’s work highlights the power of authenticity in brand storytelling. With Founder's Heritage and continued national exposure, including "Shark Tank," he’s building businesses that celebrate culture and community.

9. Jessica Greenwalt

Jessica Greenwalt is a creative technologist and founder behind Nice Industries and PixelKeet, where she brings powerful design solutions to complex problems. Her career fuses art, data, and user experience into compelling digital innovations.

Greenwalt's leadership in health tech and creative strategy continues to shape how companies think about design-led growth, making her a standout voice in both startup and enterprise circles.

10. Hikari Senju

AI entrepreneur and creative technologist Hikari Senju is changing the way brands scale their digital presence. As the Founder and CEO of Omneky, Senju combines generative AI with human creativity to generate hyper-personalized ad content.

Through his visionary leadership, Senju is setting new standards in the marketing industry, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to deliver personalized, impactful campaigns.

11. Vivian Chen

As the Founder and CEO of Rise (joinrise.co), Vivian Chen is revolutionizing how professionals connect, showcase their skills, and find opportunities. Her platform empowers the next generation of talent to be seen, valued, and hired on their terms.

Chen’s journey from corporate to tech founder embodies the spirit of reinvention. She’s also a prominent advocate for mental health, authenticity, and Asian American empowerment in business.

12. Kenan Saleh

Kenan Saleh is a multi-time founder with a passion for solving real-world problems through smart technology. As the co-founder and chairman of Stable Finance, and previously the co-founder of Halo Cars, which was acquired by Lyft, Saleh is focused on developing tools that enhance urban living and improve financial accessibility.

His leadership merges startup agility with long-term vision, making him a standout among young founders driving the future of mobility and fintech. Saleh continues to create solutions that drive efficiency, foster growth, and empower individuals in today's fast-paced world.

Conclusion

As we honor AAPI Heritage Month, these twelve leaders exemplify the power of innovation, resilience, and inclusive leadership. Their accomplishments extend beyond professional milestones, as they redefine industries, open doors for others, and drive meaningful change.

These distinguished individuals show that leadership is not only rooted in vision, but also in the ability to uplift others. Their contributions are a reminder that progress thrives when diverse voices are heard and celebrated.

At HRCap, we proudly spotlight and support AAPI leaders who reflect our mission as an Asian American HR firm by amplifying diverse talent, championing inclusive practices, and helping build a future where everyone can thrive.

Sources: HRCap, LinkedIn, ABC News, Nasdaq, Reuters, The Guardian, People Magazine, Allure, Glamour, Hawaii Venture Capital Association, Founders Heritage, Omneky Newsroom, WAFFA Medium

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