Board of Directors
Rupal Thanawala
President
Rupal is from Mumbai (Bombay) India and she is fluent in four Indian languages. Rupal has 25 years of business and technology consulting experience. She is the Managing Director of Trident Systems She is Tech Editor of Indianapolis Recorder and serves as the board of director for the American Lung Association, Black Data Processor Association and Techpoint Foundation for Youth. She is on the Dean’s Advisory Council for Luddy School of Informatics and Computer Engineering.
She is a Bio-Medical Engineer from Mumbai University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. Rupal has lived in Indianapolis since 1998 with her husband Amit and their two sons, Ninad and Rahil. She is the recipient of the Torchbearer Award by the Indiana Commission for Women, Rosa Parks Champion Diversity Award by Indianapolis Recorder, Trailblazer Award by NAWBO and Leading Lights Award by Women & Hitech.
Glen Kwok
A native of Washington, D.C., violinist Glen Kwok has been the Executive Director of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis since 2000. Prior to moving to Indianapolis, Mr. Kwok was Director of the D’Angelo School of Music at Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Kwok was privileged to serve as the first American President of the Board of the World Federation of International Music Competitions based in Geneva, Switzerland from 2010-2015. The Federation is the international governing body of the world’s foremost competitions in all disciplines. In Indianapolis, he previously served as President of the Indianapolis Consortium of Arts Administrators and the Asian American Alliance boards and currently serves on the Stanley K. Lacy Advisory Council.
Mr. Kwok received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Indiana University and continues to remain active as a violinist outside of his administrative duties by performing as a substitute violinist with local orchestras.
Kanwal Prakash (KP) Singh
Kanwal Prakash (KP) Singh is owner and founder of KP Singh Designs, since 1972, which specializes in fine architectural drawings. KP was educated in India and at the University of Michigan in Liberal Arts, Architecture, and City Planning.
KP has been a resident of Indianapolis since 1967. He is one of the founding members and past President of the International Center of Indianapolis. He actively supports many international, cultural, interfaith, and race relations activities in Indiana.
KP is the author of a recently published book, The Art and Spirit of KP Singh~ Selected Drawings & Writings (2003 Guild Press- Emmis Publishing). KP is a regular contributing writer for The Indianapolis Star and other ethnic national publications.
KP’s APA VISION: To see Indianapolis become a world-class city: “Where all cultures, faiths, and diverse spectrums of thought, offerings, and programs are encouraged and prosper. Where new immigrants step forward and build their communities with all their talents, gifts, and spirit and help dispel some of the stereotype perceptions about their ethnic origin, cultures, traditions, and their commitments to the new nation: United States of America.”
Ralph Taylor
Ralph Taylor is an independent youth development consultant and an employee of Purdue Sports Properties, in which he is the Radio Color Analyst for Purdue Men’s Basketball. Ralph is currently Purdue University’s representative on the Big Ten Advisory Commission.
Current boards/committees involvement: Teachers’ Treasures, IUPUI Board of Advisors, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Executive Committee and YMCA of Greater Indianapolis DIG committee.
Past boards/ committees involvement include: Purdue University HHS Alumni Board, Purdue University Athletic Advisory Committee, Arts Council of Indianapolis, Planned Parenthood of Central Indiana, Social Health Association of Central Indiana, Indiana Multi-Ethnic Conferences Planning Committee, American Indian Center of Indiana, Indiana Council on Adolescent Pregnancy, Assistance League of Indianapolis Community Advisory Committee and Grantmakers Concerned With Immigrants and Refugees.
He is Past President of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis and Past President of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Directors.
During his career, he served in the Mayor’s Office (Indianapolis) of International & Cultural Affairs; Co-Director, Welcoming Indianapolis; Grant Officer for the Central Indiana Community Foundation; Director of Community Service for The Indiana Youth Institute; Recreation Administrator for Indy Parks; an Extension Educator for the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service and Indianapolis Public Schools educator.
He resides in Indianapolis and is a graduate of Purdue University.
David Wong
David A. W. Wong is a partner at the law firm of Barnes & Thornburg LLP where serves a member of the Intellectual Property department and Chair of the Internet & Technology Group. David regularly advises a range of clients from start-ups to multinational corporations, including Internet businesses, software developers, computer hardware and device manufacturers, toy manufacturers, media and publishing companies, automotive companies, clothing retailers, and financial institutions. David enjoys providing seminars and workshops, both locally and around the country, to attorneys and non-attorneys alike on the topics of intellectual property and Internet law.
Before becoming an attorney, he earned an undergraduate degree in music and then received a Juris Doctor Degree from Indiana University School of Law. His civic and community involvement includes serving as a Board Member for Classical Music Indy f/k/a Fine Arts Society, Heartland Film, and Techpoint Foundation.
Yige Li
With the opportunity to live in three different continents, Yige has learned and believes that success should never define one’s happiness. Rather, success should flow from purpose-driven happiness. Not only will this continue to guide him into the future, he wishes to help others in the community to find true, and purpose driven happiness.
While proudly serving on the board for Asian American Alliance, he also served as a co-lead for Asian Business Resource Group at Roche Diagnostics and Genesys Women in Tech.
Marlon Alfonso
My parents together with my 4 brothers and sister migrated in the U.S. in 1970 from Manila, Philippines. I became a U.S. citizen in 1984.
I am a Business Analyst Senior, Anthem’s Corporate Clinical Quality Management, working on Medicaid and Medicare health plans, membership, providers and claims. I graduated from Indiana University and Purdue University with a degree in Business (Accounting) and Computer Technology.
Currently, a board member of Asia American Alliance. I am also the Indiana State Lead for Anthem’s ACE (Asians Committed to Excellence). Involved with the following organizations: Philippine Barangay Club of Indiana, currently a board member and previous President 1989 and 2019; Circle City Toastmasters, President 2006; Nationalities Council of Indiana board member and previous President 2005 and 2007.
Ellie Sisler
Ellie Sisler is currently a Creative Design Manager for OneAmerica in the city of Indianapolis. Previously based in New York City, where she has designed for Tory Burch, Coach, Lafayette 148 and other corporate luxury businesses. Ellie is the founder & owner of Ellie + Olive Cakes, a woman-owned local business, where she has perfected the recipes for healthy Olive Oil alternatives to baking for events & parties. While she is not multi-tasking being a Creative Design Manager, Freelance Art Director, Web Designer, Painter, Community Volunteer and Baker, she spends her time with her family and friends finding inspiration in her daily life and the lovely people and places in it.
Ellie believes that staying curious about the world and always building knowledge and relationships is the key to a great and fulfilling life.
Jim Yedinak
Jim Yedinak is currently the President of Lake Hampton Investments, a real estate investment company, since 2008. Prior to that he owned an international chemical trading company sourcing primarily from Asia. Jim has been involved in the Asian Community for over 25 years, working with the Korean American Association of Indiana, as well as the Asian American Alliance, Inc. He is currently a member of the Chinese Dragon Dance Team. In addition, he is passionate about continuing the legacy of Young-Hee Yedinak's commitment to bringing a renewed awareness of the richness of the contributions of the Asian Culture to Indiana.
Kate Lustig
Kate Lustig is a Project Manager in the Community Relations and Economic Development Department for the City of Carmel, a resident of Carmel and a Korean immigrant by way of adoption. Kate has been on staff in Carmel since 2014 and in her current role working on print projects, newsletters and promoting the city’s numerous events and amenities since 2021.
In addition to her full-time work, a desire to learn, help and further a culture of inclusivity has led Kate to serve as a member of Carmel Clay Schools Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Parent Advisory team and participate on adult adoptee panels supporting young, transcultural adoptees and their parents. Most importantly, parenthood and her daughter Kaiya, a junior at Carmel High School, remains Kate’s favorite and greatest accomplishment to date.
Lucia Mar
As the Senior Vice President and Market Executive for Global Commercial Banking at Bank of America (BofA), Lucia Mar leads the bank’s efforts in expanding its industry-leading market share among public and private companies with more than $50 million annual revenue in the state of Indiana. She is responsible for revenue and profitability, developing and executing the market strategy, talent acquisition and development, and being the bank’s brand ambassador to the business community in Indiana. Lucia is an advocate for the business community and support economic development efforts across the state of Indiana through her work and strategic board membership. Lucia is also a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. As a mentor, she helps equip women and girls with the tools they need to advance their careers and achieve economic self-sufficiency. As a community leader, she serves on many non-profit boards to help them further their missions. Lucia has been recognized for her professional and civic achievements by the Indianapolis Business Journal with the Indiana 250 award (two-time recipient) and the Women of Influence award. Lucia is a proud Asian American, who grew up in China and moved to the United States in 1999. She is an avid reader and enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Yoon Lee
Yoon Lee serves as the Risk Manager for the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA), which owns and operates Indiana’s largest airport system in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, including the award- winning Indianapolis International Airport (IND). Previously, she served as IAA’s Senior Internal Auditor and has worked in the aviation industry in Indianapolis for nearly two decades.
At the IAA, Yoon oversees the Enterprise Risk Management program, where she is responsible for risk management metrics, strategic risk mitigation planning, and the coordination of business continuity and disaster recovery initiatives.
Yoon is passionate about serving the community and bringing people from all backgrounds together. She serves on the IAA’s Diversity and Inclusion Council, helping to plan employee events that promote education, awareness, and respect for the diverse cultures in the Indianapolis community. She is an avid volunteer in Indianapolis Urban League programming. After being involved in the Asian American Alliance, Inc. for many years, Yoon recently joined its Board of Directors. She is a pastoral council member of her church, assists with the youth group, and is a Girl Scout troop leader.
Originally from South Korea, Yoon came to the United States in 2001 to attend the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, where she obtained her master’s degree in accounting. During this time, she met her now husband, and over the years, they welcomed two daughters together.
In her free time, Yoon enjoys baking and spending time with her family.