Across Chicago and Illinois, a new generation of women leaders is helping shape that future. They are advocating for immigrants, empowering underrepresented communities, expanding civic participation, and challenging systems that were not designed with their communities in mind. We spoke with Amanda Hwu, Vân Huynh, Danae Kovac, Amina Barhumi, and Rhea Yap. Together, their stories reveal not only how they arrived at leadership, but also what they believe it takes to build lasting change.

If you want to see what true community resilience looks like, you only need to look at the Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA).

On March 6 and 7, the Filipino grocery chain hosted “Late Night Madness,” a sold-out pop-up that kept its doors open until midnight. What unfolded was not just a dance party tucked between shelves of pantry staples, but a reimagining of what a community space can look like.

AACC’s 43rd Annual Lunar New Year Gala drew more than 1,100 attendees for an evening of cultural celebration, community recognition, and political visibility. From heartfelt tributes and awards to a standout performance by Shin Lim, the event highlighted the strength, unity, and growing influence of Chicago’s Asian American community.

According to a recent application filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation on February 24, 2026, Philippine Airlines is seeking approval to launch the first nonstop flight between Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport in time for Summer 2026.

The Asian Giving Circle (AGC) is a grassroots philanthropic initiative under The Chicago Community Trust, and this year, they are showing the true power of collective generosity.

Michael was, at his core, a community builder. His footprints may end here, but we will make certain that the trail he blazed remains. The paths he forged will go further and create space for future generations of leaders, advocates, and community builders to walk through.

From its humble origins as a haven for Chinese immigrants, the area that is now known as Chicago’s Chinatown is a testament to the unyielding ingenuity of Chinese-Americans in the Midwest.‍