Our Founder
Xiaoguang (Don) Sun
Don was a veteran political strategist, consultant, and professional fundraising specialist with decades of experience and an exceptionally successful track record. He served as Chief Fundraising Manager for Andrew Yang, whom he helped propel to nationwide recognition during both Yang’s presidential and mayoral campaigns. His impact extended nationwide through the substantial funding he raised for over a hundred promising Asian American candidates, including Judy Chu (CA-28), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Grace Meng (NY-6), Ro Khanna (CA-17), and presidential candidate Dean Philips.
He served as President of the Bay Area chapter of APAPA since 2009 and as the Cupertino Planning Commissioner from 2011 to 2019. He was vocal about improving the treatment of Asian Americans, leading advocacy efforts that secured a formal apology from the U.S. House of Representatives for the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and opposing California’s SCA5. He was a visionary, known for his painstaking work to help Asian American and allied candidates obtain the resources necessary for electoral success.
Don held a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, earned in 1990. He was also a research fellow at the Stanford Hoover Institute from 1990 to 1993.
Meet Our Team
Christopher Sun, Chair
Brian Parvizshahi, Senior Advisor
Yiyan Xu, Executive Director
Chris is the president of non-profit organization California American Youth Community Leadership Institute (CAYCLI). Chris grew up observing his father and the late AAF founder, Sun XiaoGuang, with his political work, which gave him a unique perspective on the inner workings of advocacy and community organizing. Chris’s first experience w
Chris is the president of non-profit organization California American Youth Community Leadership Institute (CAYCLI). Chris grew up observing his father and the late AAF founder, Sun XiaoGuang, with his political work, which gave him a unique perspective on the inner workings of advocacy and community organizing. Chris’s first experience with elections came from participating in many small local elections as he grew up. He later went on to play a role in Ro Khanna's congressional race, and most recently served on the staff of Margaret Abe Koga's campaign for Supervisor. These experiences have instilled in him a passion for understanding how political processes impact people’s lives and sharpened his determination to further enhance different communities by supporting the right candidates through AAF.
Yiyan Xu, Executive Director
Brian Parvizshahi, Senior Advisor
Yiyan Xu, Executive Director
Yiyan is a Columbia and Harvard graduate with majors in Political Science, Applied Mathematics, and Public Policy. She started her career in polling analysis and opposition research in Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, and has worked in the lobbying arm of Squire Patton Boggs. She also served as a poll watcher for the 2017 NYC
Yiyan is a Columbia and Harvard graduate with majors in Political Science, Applied Mathematics, and Public Policy. She started her career in polling analysis and opposition research in Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, and has worked in the lobbying arm of Squire Patton Boggs. She also served as a poll watcher for the 2017 NYC Primary Election and 2017 New York General Election.
She is an investment strategist and policy analyst in Esoterica Capital/ Jirong Investment, specializing in analyzing US-China relations, assessing the impact of policies and geopolitical tensions on global markets and developing investment and trading strategies.
Brian Parvizshahi, Senior Advisor
Brian Parvizshahi, Senior Advisor
Brian Parvizshahi, Senior Advisor
Brian Parvizshahi is a seasoned political strategist and the founder of Axial Media and Communications, LLC. With a wealth of experience in managing high-stakes political campaigns, he has played pivotal roles in several notable races, including President Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign, Ro Khanna for US Congress, and Josh Becker
Brian Parvizshahi is a seasoned political strategist and the founder of Axial Media and Communications, LLC. With a wealth of experience in managing high-stakes political campaigns, he has played pivotal roles in several notable races, including President Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign, Ro Khanna for US Congress, and Josh Becker for CA State Senate. Through his company, he ran successful IE's in support of John Bel Edwards for Louisiana Governor, Buffy Wicks for CA Assembly, and both Alameda and LA/OC Counties Building Trades. He specializes in creating compelling media content, including direct mail, digital design, and video, to effectively communicate political messages in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Brian's expertise extends to comprehensive campaign strategies, emphasizing the importance of field operations alongside media and digital efforts. His work has significantly impacted federal, state, and municipal races, demonstrating the critical role of targeted voter contact and strategic communication in securing electoral victories
Yuliang (Tommy) Gu, Brand Manager
Tommy is a student at UC Berkeley double majoring in Political Science and Data Science. His journey in activism began in high school, where he served as a social media intern for the Stop AAPI Hate youth campaign. He participated in Berkeley’s student government, authoring bills to advocate on behalf of AAPI student communities. His most
Tommy is a student at UC Berkeley double majoring in Political Science and Data Science. His journey in activism began in high school, where he served as a social media intern for the Stop AAPI Hate youth campaign. He participated in Berkeley’s student government, authoring bills to advocate on behalf of AAPI student communities. His most recent work includes volunteering as a victim advocate for the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and canvassing for a Berkeley City Council candidate. He joined AAF in 2023.