A Note from Board Chairman Brandon Cheng

June 20, 2025

Thank you for visiting the website of the East-West Forum. I am pleased that you have taken an interest in our work. Our team is undergoing a strategic re-evaluation of our programs to ensure that we are taking effective and meaningful action toward our mission. Our initiatives, including our pen pal program, remain fully operational. Schools with inquiries about this program should contact Samuel Korman at skorman@aapiconnect.org.

On a personal note, as of July 1, 2025, I am stepping down from my role as Executive Director of the East-West Forum. It has been a remarkable privilege to have led the Forum for the last five years. Together, we have fought anti-Asian hate, launched our flagship pen pal program connecting Asia and North America, taught technological literacy to seniors and lobbied Republican and Democratic lawmakers for greater Asian American and Pacific Islander visibility in education, employment and public office.

Over the last few months it has become evident to me that the East-West Forum would benefit greatly from new perspectives in leadership. In addition, my longstanding intention has been to ensure that the executive team comprises high school students. Now that I am heading to college in the fall, it is time for me to pass the baton to a new generation. My involvement with the Forum is far from over, however; on July 1 I will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors, where I will regularly advise the Executive Team and represent the organization at events. My love for the East-West Forum runs deep, and I am delighted to remain engaged with our wonderful team.

The organization will be led by an Executive Team through July 1, 2026. This cohort will share responsibilities previously assigned to the Executive Director, including strategic planning, project execution and community outreach. This will provide valuable leadership experience to all Executive Team members, paving the way for a new Executive Director to be announced in the summer of 2026.

If I may personally be of assistance to you, please contact me via email at brandoncheng@college.harvard.edu. I look forward to working with you and thank you again for your support of our efforts.

Brandon Cheng

Board Chairman, Executive Director (2020-2025)

East-West Forum