AAAF Welcomes Ashna Khanna as Executive Director
Norcross, GA —The Asian American Advocacy Fund (AAAF) proudly announces Ashna Khanna as its next Executive Director, effective March 2025. Khanna will lead the organization into its next chapter, advancing its mission of building political power for Georgia’s Asian American communities through policy advocacy, electoral organizing, and grassroots movements.
Khanna brings extensive experience in political strategy, policy advocacy, and movement-building, with a deep commitment to defending democracy, protecting immigrant communities, and expanding economic opportunities for working-class Asian Americans. Since joining AAAF as Deputy Director in 2023, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s political and programmatic strategy, strengthening its impact across the state.
Prior to AAAF, Khanna served as both Legislative Director & Policy Director at the ACLU of Virginia, where she led statewide efforts to reform policing, protect voting rights, and advance racial and economic justice. She also founded the COVID-19 Justice Coalition, uniting over 40 organizations to fight for decarceration and successfully secure the release of incarcerated individuals. Before that, at the ACLU of Michigan, she fought unconstitutional ICE practices, advocated for clean water access in Flint, and worked on bail reform, helping drive systemic change to protect marginalized communities.
Her commitment to challenging oppressive systems and expanding civil rights has defined Khanna’s career. She has worked extensively on education equity, diversity and belongingness initiatives, and prison reform through art, storytelling, and advocacy, using her expertise to amplify voices and drive policy change. For her work in grassroots organizing and racial justice advocacy, she was awarded the Princeton Prize in Race Relations, recognizing her efforts to advance equity and dismantle systemic barriers.
“Ashna’s leadership has been instrumental in building AAAF’s political power and deepening our impact across Georgia,” said Aklima Khondoker, Board Chair of AAAF. “Her vision, expertise, and dedication to our communities make her the right leader to carry AAAF forward. We are thrilled to welcome her as our next Executive Director.”
In her new role, Khanna will grow AAAF’s work and amplify its impact—leading the organization forward and continuing to empower and support the teams driving change on the ground. She will focus on strengthening AAAF’s community organizing, policy advocacy, and electoral strategies while deepening powerful partnerships that build long-term power for Georgia’s Asian American communities. With her experience, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to AAAF’s mission, she will lead AAAF with the boldness and clarity needed in this critical moment for our communities. Under her leadership, AAAF will continue working toward a Georgia where just systems uphold the liberation, dignity, and prosperity of all.
“Building power means breaking barriers—our communities deserve more than a voice; they deserve to lead. As a first-generation South Asian woman, I’m honored to lead AAAF and fight for a Georgia where we don’t just have a voice—we have power.” – Ashna Khanna
With Ashna’s leadership, AAAF will continue its mission of amplifying Asian American voices and driving systemic change across the state.
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The Asian American Advocacy Fund is a grassroots organization dedicated to building power for Georgia’s Asian American communities through policy advocacy, electoral organizing, and community-led movements. The Advocacy Fund’s mission is to advocate for the civil and human rights of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians in Georgia. To learn more about AAAF, visit https://www.asianamericanadvocacyfund.org