Jo-Ann Yoo has accomplished so much as the executive director of the Asian American Federation. Although she stepped down from this position at the end of 2024, her 13 years of dedication to the AAF will never be forgotten. The AAF organization works with over 70 non-profit organizations dedicated to bringing awareness and assistance to the Asian community. Under Jo-Ann Yoo’s leadership, the AAF has become a stronger supporter for empowering the Asian community, advocacy for mentally health, and fighting against Asian hate in New York. In 2020, Yoo played a role in starting the Hope Against Hate campaign, which was a way of trying to provide safety to Asians in New York during the height of the Anti- Asian hate crimes. This campaign provided safe zones for impacted Asians, safety training, victim support services, and more. The campaign raised and regranted three million dollars from City and State funding to support 34 Asian organizations to help provide safety services. (AAF, Hope Against Hate Campaign) Aside from the AAF, Yoo is also a part of NYC’s Racial Justice Commission and the Racial Justice Advisory Board, which guides the NYC Mayor’s office to make choices based on racial equity, while also offering insights and advice. Jo-Ann Yoo is an inspiration to many people and through her hard work changes are being made to help the Asian community in New York.