WHO WE ARE
About the 3AF Foundation
MISSION
Our Mision
The 3AF Foundation empowers the next generation of Asian American talent and fosters authentic cultural representation by investing in students, independent researchers, and grassroots storytellers. Through dedicated scholarships, public-interest research, and strategic philanthropy, the Foundation serves the broader Asian American public — ensuring that diverse voices from all ethnic subgroups, including South Asian, Southeast Asian, East Asian, Pacific Islander, and underrepresented communities such as Hmong and Cambodian Americans, are elevated, understood, and accurately reflected in media and society.
The Foundation’s primary beneficiaries are students, researchers, communities, and the general public — those who stand to benefit most from a more equitable and authentically represented cultural landscape. This distinct mandate is what justifies a separate charitable structure and makes the Foundation eligible for tax-deductible contributions.
VISION
Our Vision
To build a future where Asian American voices are authentically represented in the marketplace and media, driven by a pipeline of empowered talent, rigorous insight, and an equitable creative economy.
“The Foundation serves the community and the next generation — using the industry’s expertise and resources to do it.”
OUR MANDATE
A Distinct Purpose
01
Talent Pipeline
Scholarships for Asian American students in marketing, advertising, and communications — with eligibility extended to community college transfer students who are often overlooked.
02
Public Research
Independent, freely available research on Asian American communities, consumer behavior, and media representation — serving businesses, policymakers, journalists, and educators.
03
Cultural Identity
Programs that combat misrepresentation and fund authentic storytelling — the most distinctly charitable dimension of the Foundation’s work and its emotional heart.
A NOTE ON OUR STATUS
As a newly established 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the 3AF Foundation is currently building its foundational programs, governance structures, and funding base. We look forward to sharing our accomplishments, financial reports, and impact metrics as our programs launch and grow. We are committed to full transparency with our donors and the communities we serve.
LEADERSHIP
Meet the Team
The 3AF Foundation is governed by a dedicated people committed to advancing the Foundation’s mission.
OFFICERS

Howard Lichtman
PRESIDENT
Partner & Co-founder, Ethnicity Matters

Sandra Lee
TREASURER
CEO, ES Advertising, Inc.

Jay Kim
SECRETARY
President, AAAZA
BOARD

Jack Schwartz
General Manager, KTSF

Michael Moon
CEO, Prime Image Media Group

Iris Yim
Principal, Sparkle Insights | 3AF Chair, Research Committee

Ajay Bansiwal
Head of Multicultural, Datawrkz

Indrajit Majumdar
Vin Media & Digital solutions LLC, President
Support Our Mission
Help us build a more equitable and authentically represented future for Asian American communities.
