OUR MISSION
The mission of the North East Wisconsin Chinese Association is to serve and support our local Chinese American population and the people who are friends of Chinese Americans in Northeast Wisconsin. NEWCA also strives to promote cultural exchange, building mutual trust and respect in our community.
OUR STORY
The North East Wisconsin Chinese Association is a non-profit organization founded by a small community of Chinese immigrants families who had arrived to the U.S. from Taiwan in the 1980s. Since then, NEWCA has grown into an organization with membership at about 100 families strong. Each family has origins from many different countries. We are proud of the diversity of our membership from multi-generation Chinese Americans to first-generation Chinese immigrants, foreign exchange students and families with adopted Chinese children. We consider ourselves an extended family of diverse backgrounds, proud to no longer fit the stereotypical image of Chinese Americans from the early 1900s. Our members contribute to the Northeast Wisconsin region as doctors, professors, engineers, restaurant owners, private entrepreneurs and business professionals.
MEET OUR BOARD
Fanni Xie, President
As a first-generation immigrant, U.S. Army combat veteran, and small business owner, Fanni brings a unique perspective and passion to her role as President of NEWCA. With a background in social work, Fanni has a deep understanding of the challenges and obstacles faced by minority groups in society, and is motivated to make positive change. Her personal goal is to promote diversity, culture, and inclusion in the Northeast Wisconsin area. In addition to her leadership role at NEWCA, Fanni owns a popular Asian pop culture-themed bubble tea shop in Appleton, Uni Uni Bubble Tea. She holds a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Applied Behavioral Analysis.
Lindsay Roake, Vice President
Lindsay Roake serves as the Vice President of the Northeast Wisconsin Chinese Association. She joined the organization in January 2023 and brings a strong passion and commitment to her role. Lindsay is driven by her love and compassion for nonprofit work and is dedicated to promoting peace and connection between all communities, particularly minority communities. She strongly believes that cultural diversity enriches our society and brings benefits to everyone. With a background in education, Lindsay began her career as an elementary school English teacher in China. After immigrating to the United States, she pursued further education in business management, marketing, and accounting while working at Starbucks and an international boarding school under the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. In addition to her professional achievements, Lindsay is also an accomplished children's book author and environmentalist. Her first book, along with her eco-friendly products, raises awareness about endangered species. Lindsay's goal is to dedicate her future to promoting Asian community and culture, building bridges between all communities, and spreading love and peace. She lives in Oshkosh, WI with her husband, Matt, and their two children, Ember and Ezran. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys cooking, camping, traveling, and listening to classical music.
Lu Zhang, Culture Ambassador
Lu Zhang is a dedicated cultural ambassador of Northeast Wisconsin Chinese Association and an accomplished Chinese classical dance performer, passionate about promoting Asian aesthetics and fostering cross-cultural understanding. With extensive experience in Chinese classical dance, Lu Zhang has successfully captivated audiences through performances, presentations, and workshops. Born and raised in China, Lu Zhang discovered a deep love for Chinese classical dance. After years of training and honing skills, Lu Zhang has mastered the art of expressing emotions and telling stories through graceful movements, intricate gestures, and elaborate costumes. In her role as a cultural ambassador, Lu Zhang has showcased the rich history and beauty of Chinese classical dance. Through engaging presentations and interactive workshops, Lu Zhang has helped dispel stereotypes and bridge cultural gaps by educating audiences about the nuances of Asian aesthetics and the significance of traditional art forms.