This year marks 60 years since the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 legislation changed who could come to America.

Now, local leaders gathered in Indianapolis to celebrate its impact, especially on Indiana’s growing Asian American and Pacific Islander population.

Before 1965, immigration from Asia was almost entirely banned, but during the civil rights era, the new Act replaced a quota system and opened the door for families to build their lives in Indiana.

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May is a time to recognize the rich history, culture and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Thursday was the start Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Dr. Albert Chen is not only a successful entrepreneur, he’s also a community builder. “You just have a determination and passion, and don’t be afraid to fail. During that period of 20 to 30 years, I probably failed several times. Fail just to get back up,” he told News 8.

Chen founded Carmel-based Telamon Corp., a provider of solutions for telecommunications networks, in 1985. At the time, Asian American leadership in Indiana’s corporate space was rare. That’s something he set out to change by just giving entrepreneurship a try.

Chen also founded Indiana’s Asian American Alliance Inc. in 1999. Since then, he’s seen the Asian population grow, especially in suburban neighborhoods like Carmel. “You don’t see any leadership for Asian Americans, so I thought there should be an organization that trains Asian American’s how to be a leader in this community.”

The nonprofit alliance offers leadership development programs and events designed to develop those skills, promote cultural heritage, and build a more cohesive community. He’s excited to see how the organization grows in the future and hopes to expand on volunteer services. “Train the younger generation to have the ambition to become a leader, particularly in public service.”

Nowadays, Chen is focused on the future. He has written a book hoping to inspire young Asian American leaders to build their own foundations. “I want them to become financially independent, and maybe this is a good route to become an entrepreneur, and establish your long-term reward.”

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