J. Frederick Miller Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service

Yingman Tang is the President of the Chinese American Association of Central Illinois (CAACI). Her volunteer leadership reflects a deep commitment to cultural engagement, community empowerment, and building meaningful connections across the Champaign-Urbana community - values central to the mission of the University YMCA.

As CAACI President, Yingman has guided one of the region’s oldest cultural organizations into a new phase of visibility, outreach, and service. Under her leadership,  the association has expanded its capacity to offer inclusive, arts-based community programming. Her efforts have broadened cultural access and created shared spaces where community members can celebrate heritage and build mutual understanding. She has also strengthened CAACI’s civic partnerships, co-organizing volunteer teams with the Illinois Department of Public Health, area schools, and the Independence Day Parade.

Beyond CAACI, Yingman has served on the Community Advisory Board for the School of Social Work’s project Mental Health of Chinese Immigrants in Rural Illinois, ensuring immigrant communities are represented in regional health research and outreach efforts. And her participation in BIPOC Artist Collective Design Charrette, helped shape sustainable frameworks to support underrepresented local artists.

Through her vision, compassion, and service, Yingman has made a lasting impact on the Champaign-Urbana community, and amplified Asian American visibility. Her leadership through volunteer service continues to foster a more inclusive, connected, and culturally vibrant community.

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