Awesome Asian Americans: 20 Stars Who Made America Amazing

Throughout history, Asian Americans have made immense contributions to the fabric of American society. From groundbreaking achievements in science and technology to groundbreaking performances in the entertainment industry, these influential individuals have left an indelible mark on America. In this article, we will explore 20 amazing Asian American stars who have helped shape America into the diverse and vibrant nation it is today.

1. Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee, the legendary martial artist and actor, captivated audiences worldwide with his extraordinary skills and charisma. Born in San Francisco, Lee became an iconic figure in the world of martial arts, promoting the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun and developing his own style, Jeet Kune Do. He also broke barriers in Hollywood, becoming one of the first Asian actors to achieve international fame.

Awesome Asian Americans: 20 Stars who made America amazing

by Phil Amara (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	28661 KB
Print length	:	132 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

2. Dr. Maya Lin

Dr. Maya Lin, an architectural visionary, rose to prominence when she designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. at the age of 21. Her elegant and reflective design, featuring a polished black granite wall engraved with the names of those who lost their lives in the war, has become one of the most iconic memorials in the world. Dr. Lin's work emphasizes the power of art and architecture to evoke emotion and convey important messages.

3. Michelle Kwan

Michelle Kwan, a figure skating legend, dazzled audiences with her grace and skill on the ice. Born to Taiwanese immigrants, Kwan won numerous championships, including five World Championships and two Olympic medals. She became an inspiration for aspiring figure skaters around the world and played a significant role in popularizing the sport.

4. Dr. Steven Chu

Dr. Steven Chu, a Nobel laureate in Physics, made groundbreaking contributions to the field of laser cooling and trapping, which led to the development of powerful and precise atomic clocks. He also served as the United States Secretary of Energy from 2009 to 2013, playing a critical role in advancing clean energy technologies and mitigating climate change.

5. Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling, a trailblazing actress and comedian, has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Known for her roles in popular television shows like "The Office" and "The Mindy Project," Kaling has shattered stereotypes and empowered women of color through her work. She has also written several best-selling books, including her memoir "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?"

6. Dr. Michio Kaku

Dr. Michio Kaku, an eminent theoretical physicist, has made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe. Through his books, television appearances, and lectures, he simplifies complex scientific concepts, making them accessible to the general public. Dr. Kaku's passion for science and his ability to communicate it effectively have made him one of the most respected voices in the field.

7. Constance Wu

Constance Wu, a rising star in Hollywood, has garnered critical acclaim for her performances in films like "Crazy Rich Asians" and the television series "Fresh Off the Boat." Through her work, Wu has brought the stories and experiences of Asian Americans to the forefront, challenging stereotypes and advocating for greater representation in the entertainment industry.

8. Yo-Yo Ma

Yo-Yo Ma, a world-renowned cellist, has mesmerized audiences with his exceptional musical talent. Born to Chinese parents, Ma has been awarded numerous Grammy Awards and Presidential Medals of Freedom for his contributions to classical music. He has used his platform to promote cultural understanding and collaboration, emphasizing the power of music to transcend boundaries.

9. Dr. Mae Jemison

Dr. Mae Jemison, a trailblazing astronaut, shattered barriers when she became the first African American woman to travel in space. As a physician, engineer, and NASA astronaut, she has been an inspiration to countless individuals, especially young girls and women who aspire to pursue careers in STEM fields.

10. Indra Nooyi

Indra Nooyi, a visionary business leader, served as the CEO of PepsiCo for over a decade. Under her leadership, PepsiCo experienced significant growth and advancement, while also focusing on sustainability and diversity initiatives. Nooyi has been recognized for her exceptional leadership skills and her commitment to creating a positive impact on society.

11. Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, a multifaceted global icon, has made her mark in the worlds of film, television, and music. As a former Miss World, she broke barriers by becoming one of the first South Asian actresses to achieve mainstream success in Hollywood. Chopra Jonas is also an advocate for various social causes and actively participates in philanthropic efforts around the world.

12. Dr. Sanjay Gupta

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a respected medical expert, has been a trusted source of information and guidance, especially during times of crisis. As a neurosurgeon and Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN, he has covered numerous healthcare topics, providing valuable insights and expert opinions. Dr. Gupta's ability to communicate complex medical concepts has made him a household name.

13. Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu, a versatile actress and artist, has had a successful career in the entertainment industry. She gained recognition for her roles in films like "Charlie's Angels" and the television series "Elementary." Liu has also exhibited her artistic talent as a painter and photographer, showcasing her creativity in diverse forms of expression.

14. Dr. Jane Luu

Dr. Jane Luu, an accomplished astronomer, has made significant contributions to the field of planetary science. She discovered numerous asteroids and Kuiper Belt objects, shedding light on the formation and evolution of our solar system. Dr. Luu's work has expanded our understanding of the universe and highlighted the contributions of Asian American scientists.

15. Padma Lakshmi

Padma Lakshmi, a culinary icon, has become a household name with her role as the host of the popular television show "Top Chef." As an author and advocate for diverse food culture, Lakshmi has promoted the importance of representation and inclusivity in the culinary world. She has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, focusing on issues like endometriosis awareness and immigrant rights.

16. Dr. Michio Hirano

Dr. Michio Hirano, an exceptional neurologist, has made significant advancements in the treatment of neurological diseases. He is known for his expertise in neuromuscular disorders and has played a crucial role in developing therapies for conditions like mitochondrial diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Dr. Hirano's dedication to improving patients' lives has earned him immense respect in the medical community.

17. Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho, a fearless comedian, has used humor as a powerful tool to address important social issues. Her work challenges stereotypes and promotes inclusivity and body positivity. Cho's unique perspective and raw comedy have resonated with audiences worldwide, making her one of the most influential Asian American comedians.

18. Dr. Sam Wang

Dr. Sam Wang, a noted neuroscientist and political analyst, has become a trusted source of information when it comes to understanding the complexities of elections. Through his research and data analysis, he provides valuable insights into voting patterns and electoral predictions. Dr. Wang's ability to bridge the gap between neuroscience and politics has garnered widespread recognition.

19. Wong Kim Ark

Wong Kim Ark, a Chinese American civil rights activist, became a prominent figure in the fight for birthright citizenship. The landmark Supreme Court case bearing his name, United States v. Wong Kim Ark, established that individuals born on American soil are automatically granted citizenship, regardless of the nationality or immigration status of their parents. Wong Kim Ark's case had far-reaching implications for the rights of marginalized communities.

20. Jimmy Chin

Jimmy Chin, an adventuresome mountaineer and filmmaker, has embarked on daring expeditions to capture awe-inspiring landscapes and document extraordinary human achievements. His work, including the Academy Award-winning film "Free Solo," showcases the blend of athleticism, storytelling, and creativity that has earned him widespread acclaim. Chin's passion for adventure has taken him to the world's most challenging environments, inspiring audiences to push their boundaries and embrace the unknown.

In , these 20 Asian American stars have made incredible contributions to various fields, reshaping America's cultural landscape and inspiring future generations. From trailblazers in science and space exploration to pioneers in entertainment and activism, their achievements and influence have made America truly amazing.

Awesome Asian Americans: 20 Stars who made America amazing

by Phil Amara (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	28661 KB
Print length	:	132 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Enjoy the best children's anthology of noteworthy Asian Americans. This compelling collection features 20 profiles with 60 action-packed, color illustrations.

It's about time - rebel girls, rad women, little leaders, and great guys are Asian American too!
Readers will enjoy learning about 20 groundbreaking citizens who have contributed to the USA.

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  Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (actor)
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  Bruce Lee (martial artist)
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  Mindy Kaling (comedy writer)
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  Jeremy Lin (basketball player)
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  Lea Salonga (singer)
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  Steven Chu (Nobel prize winning physicist)
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  Yuri Kochiyama (activist)
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  Sammy Lee (Olympic gold medalist)
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  Helen Zia (journalist)
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  Tyrus Wong (painter)
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  Chrissy Teigen (model/entrepreneur)
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  David Chang (chef)
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  Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO)
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  Dr. Jane Luu (astronomer)
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  Daniel K. Inouye (senator/soldier)
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  Dolly Gee (lawyer/judge)
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  Shahid Khan (business owner)
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  Vicky Draves (Olympic gold medalist)
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  Sono Osato (dancer)
• 
  Flossie Wong-Staal (scientist)

These profiles of compelling personalities, men and women from diverse backgrounds and vocations, are brought to life with fantastic color illustrations.

Immigrants and their children continue to enrich America’s culture. Discover important chapters of U.S. history not covered in school textbooks, and the marvelous accomplishments of these trailblazers. Challenged by racism, prejudice, and stereotypes, these pioneers forged ahead and became role models for generations to come.

Parents and children will enjoy learning about these compelling personalities. These captivating chapters make great reading for any hour, from book reports to bedtime stories. Teachers and librarians will use this contemporary collection as a relevant resource and an accessible reference. Artist Juan Calle’s 60 dynamic color illustrations bring these fascinating and informative portraits to life.

"I really enjoyed your book, a great mix of Asian-Americans from different fields and countries, with many types of stories that should inspire young readers. I learned a lot!"

- Milton Chen, Senior Fellow, George Lucas Educational Foundation