EC Member Dr. Qin Gao Appointed Acting Director of Columbia’s Asian American Initiative
CUAFA EC member Dr. Qin Gao, Maurice V. Russell Professor of Social Policy and Social Work Practice and Associate Dean for Doctoral Education at the School of Social Work, has been appointed as Acting Director of Columbia’s Asian American Initiative (AAI).
A valued member of CUAFA’s Executive Committee, Dr. Gao brings to this role her extensive expertise in poverty, inequality, social policy, and well-being. The Asian American Initiative, launched in 2024 under Professor Jennifer Lee, aims to advance scholarship and public understanding of Asian American experiences through its guiding framework of Data, Narrative, and Action (DNA).
“It is my great honor to serve as the Acting Director of the Asian American Initiative,” said Dr. Gao. “I strongly believe in the mission of this important—and groundbreaking—initiative.”
CUAFA celebrates Dr. Gao’s leadership and her continued contributions to advancing research, representation, and belonging at Columbia and beyond.
