APIAVote mourns the passing of our dear friend and former Board Chair Johnnie Dee Giles, whose decades of leadership shaped our organization and growth. Johnnie’s dedication, support and vision were instrumental in laying the foundation for and positioning AAPI organizations, candidates and leaders to be powerful voices for our communities.
Johnnie served as APIAVote’s Board Chair for a decade. During the organization’s formative years, he secured the initial funding for the Asian American Voter Survey, a partnership between APIAVote and AAAJ-AAJC that began in 2012, and which continues to provide critical insights into the AAPI electorate. With his support and connections, APIAVote launched public service announcements (PSA) that featured AAPI celebrities and aired nationally on Comcast – the first of many to come. Johnnie also ensured resources were available to launch our Norman Y. Mineta Leadership Institute (NYMLI) trainings, empowering countless young leaders to advocate for their communities.
Johnnie’s political acumen was matched by his selflessness to tirelessly champion the AAPI community. He did so not for any recognition, but because he felt it was the right thing to do. He used his access and influence among different networks to secure vital resources for the community, working behind the scenes to support organizations, aspiring leaders and position them for success.
“Johnnie was a mentor and friend who I could always count on,” shared Christine Chen, executive director of APIAVote. “Despite his stature and incredibly busy schedule, he always made time to listen and ask the right questions. His help was never transactional – it was sincere and heartfelt.”
Johnnie’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of APIAVote and the broader AAPI advocacy community. He served on numerous boards dedicated to advocacy and empowerment. He believed in the power of community and tirelessly championed inclusion and representation. His impact will be felt for generations to come.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and honor his memory by continuing the work he so passionately supported.
APIAVote is collecting photos and videos to share with Johnnie’s family. If you have any you’d like to share, please upload them here.
For Johnnie Giles’s official public obituary, please see here.
