Through his mastery of Indonesian flavors and spices, Chef Purnomo has become a leading advocate for Indonesian cuisine worldwide, collaborating with Indonesian embassies globally to promote cultural exchange through food.

Chef Purnomo is the co-founder of the award-winning Yono’s Restaurant in Albany, New York, and a Founding Director of Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts. He has received numerous national and international honors, including an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the State University of New York and recognition from the American Culinary Federation and France’s Académie Brillat-Savarin. Together, Yono and his wife Donna have dedicated their lives to promoting culinary excellence, cultural understanding, education, and community service, leaving a lasting impact on both the Capital Region and the international culinary community.

She is a small business owner, independent educational consultant, and adjunct professor at Russell Sage College. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the International Center of the Capital Region and as a lead engineer at GE Global Research. Jennifer has served on the boards of the Niskayuna School District, YWCA of Northeastern NY, APAPA, and the Chinese Community Center. She is also an active parent in the WLWV school district and a member of the Bolton PTA.

As founder and primary contributor of the Blessing Box, a New American food pantry, which consistently feeds over 100 families each week, Tai has been able to put his money where his heart is. Blessing Box serves families from a broad range of backgrounds, including many from Burma, Bhutan, Nepali, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Cuba, Iraq, Sudan, Congolese, Somalia, Sierra Leone, and Ukraine. He has also organized bike, clothing, furniture, and phone giveaways, as well as health fairs.

Tai has applied his boundless energy and lifelong commitment to service by serving on the board of directors for the Empire State Development Council, the United Way of CNY, the Upstate Minority Alliance, the Syracuse Onondaga County NAACP, Molina Healthcare, Northside Business Partners, and the Syracuse Police Department. He is a member of a dozen other organizations like Rotary, Masons, 100 Black Men, etc. where he leads by example as well as being a sought-after speaker and advisor. Tai is also a successful entrepreneur, actor, and public speaker in NY, and serves as an inaugural NY State AAPI Commission Member, NY State Fair Asian Village Superintendent, APAPA Syracuse Chairman, and a proud father. His singular mission is to be the type of person his two amazing children will forever be proud of.

With a strong background in accounting and financial management, she provides valuable expertise in supporting the fiscal stewardship and growth of Asian Arts New York.

Deeply passionate about Asian culture, Sue is committed to promoting cultural understanding and engagement throughout Upstate New York. She hopes to help more people experience, appreciate, and embrace the richness and diversity of Asian traditions and arts.

Since joining Asian Arts New York (AANY) in 2025, he has played a vital role in nearly every major AANY music-related event and public performance throughout New York's Capital Region.

As Music Director, Renjie leads AANY's Eastern Ensemble, contributing his expertise in musical composition, notation, artistic collaboration, and program development. His leadership and versatility have helped shape the ensemble's distinctive sound while supporting performances, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives.

Through his commitment to both music traditions, Renjie continues to advance AANY's mission of promoting cultural understanding and celebrating Asian heritage arts.

A native of New York's Capital Region and a graduate of Bennington College, he recently returned to the area after many years in New York City.

As the founder and artistic leader of the Bargain Basement Players, Moore combines creative vision with strong organizational and production expertise. His work spans performance, directing, community engagement, and event coordination, bringing together artists and audiences through innovative storytelling and collaborative programming.

At Asian Arts New York (AANY), Eben serves as Event Manager, supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of cultural programs, performances, and community events. His passion for the arts and community engagement supports AANY's mission of connecting cultures through artistic expression.