Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association
About Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association
Founded in 2009 by attorneys Jessica Hew and Stephen Chong, the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association emerged from a recognized need to unify Orlando's growing Asian American legal community. Serving the Orlando, FL area, GOAABA represents the voices and interests of Asian American attorneys, law students, and legal professionals who had previously lacked a dedicated professional organization. The organization's inception followed extensive community discussions among founding members including Sunny Hillary, Glenn Leong, and Kim Nguyen, who identified significant unmet legal needs within diverse Asian American communities. These needs included addressing language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and other obstacles that prevented full legal assistance and court access for Asian Pacific Americans in the region. As the fourth affiliated chapter of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association in Florida, GOAABA operates with complete autonomy to serve its local community while maintaining broader professional connections. The organization welcomes members from all backgrounds and professions, reflecting its inclusive values and commitment to diversity. GOAABA's mission extends beyond professional networking to include advocacy for the Asian Pacific American community, promotion of member professional development, and coordination of legal services addressing community-specific needs. Through regular events, community engagement, and collaborative efforts with other bar associations and the judiciary, GOAABA has established itself as an essential resource for legal professionals and the communities they serve throughout the Orlando region.