I am humbled on this day because it reminds me of when I first came to AHS nearly 21 years ago. As a Program Planning Assistant, I joined AHS ready to be part of AHS’ larger mission of advocacy and services. I could see my own immigrant grandfather in our patients. He didn’t speak English, had a hard time finding a job, and was fortunate to have a provider who spoke his language given the health issues he faced. I saw how our teams – no matter what role- were making a significant impact in our patients’ lives… just as my own grandfather had experienced. When our patients needed us the most, you were there. To this day, you are still there, every day, for our community. This is the same bold spirit that both drives and inspires me today.

I am immensely honored to lead as AHS’ Chief Executive Officer and serve this amazing organization in partnership with Thu Quach, AHS’ President. As we step into the CEO and President roles, we are committed to build on Sherry’s legacy, and will look to you for inspiration and guidance. What we have been through and what we continue to go through is a struggle and a challenge of our lifetime. But it is your spirit of compassion and community that has given birth to a remarkable, powerful resilience and strength – one that has provided hope and compassion to our patients and community. Time and time again, you have demonstrated that despite immense uncertainties, we are firmly grounded in our belief of the dignity and worth of every human being. What this past year has taught us about anything- it’s about what is essential, and what is essential is all of you.

And that is why I am committed to serving at AHS. I believe we have an unmatched capability to create paths toward collective healing while ensuring health care in language and culture remains in reach and a human right for our patients. Together, we have the critical elements required to create meaningful change and meet the evolving needs of our community given the unprecedented impacts of COVID and anti-Asian racism – Teamwork, Talent, and Tenacity. You have proven that we have all three elements in abundance. This is AHS’ superpower.

I am excited to work with all of you as we shape the next chapter in AHS’ history. Together, we can spark innovative solutions that strengthen the health and well-being of our patients. Together, we can amplify the voices of our patients to bring the inspiration of our community’s history to the forefront.

Let’s build on AHS’ superpower and the future of health for our patients and community – together.

With gratitude,

Julia Liou, MPH
Chief Executive Officer

I hadn’t known that AHS was what I was looking for, yet it always felt like home. Beyond the cultural connections with so many different Asian groups as well as being fed by the “AHS aunties” every Asian dish imaginable, I felt an instant sense of pride in the work that we were doing, which I knew made a difference in the lives of our patients and had ripple effects throughout the community and beyond. After leaving for over a decade to pursue higher education and more experience, I returned in 2011, feeling more able to contribute in meaningful ways to the great AHS. Yet, in the 11 years that I have been back, I have come to realize that every effort that we make– from every staff in every role – contributes to the greatness of what is AHS. This is what has made this place so special; that it is made and shaped by every one of us.

The last five year have tested us beyond measure, as we faced some of the greatest threats to our community – a former Administration that cruelly targeted vulnerable communities, a relentless virus that not only spread viciously but also exposed our society’s greatest weaknesses, and the underlying hate that continues to plague our nation. In these times, I have never felt so much at-home as I did being at AHS, working alongside the most dedicated and honorable people who understood why AHS was originally established, and carried on the mission of health justice with boundless conviction and courage. Whether it was fighting the cruel public charge rule or holding COVID-19 at bay, AHS has demonstrated compassion, innovation, grit, and the power of teamwork. We have achieved incredible successes because we have always believed and invested in the “it takes the AHS village” mentality.

There is a Mexican proverb that I often think of during the darkest moments: “They tried to bury us, they didn’t know we were seeds.” After 48 years, the AHS tree bears so many fruits from those early seeds of courage. As we embark on 2022, a year of historic change and great uncertainty, I feel such powerful emotions – hope, fearlessness, pride, and mutual love – to be able to serve our patients and community alongside all of you. Whatever the future holds, I know that both Julia and I feel ready because we are facing it with all of you.

In solidarity and support,

Thu Quach, PhD
President