Meet Our Incredible Volunteers

Phonethip “Tai” Vaz is the Executive Producer of the annual Asian Culture Festival at Tropical Park, leading the celebration of Asian heritage and diversity for over eight years. She also serves as Chairwoman of the Miami-Dade County Asian American Advisory Board and Vice-President of the Thai-American Association of Florida, passionately promoting cultural advancement, civic engagement, and small business support. Additionally, Tai organizes charitable initiatives through the Gummakonda Reddy Foundation and manages two corporations, embodying leadership and community empowerment.

Joshua Ho, Program Director for the Miami-Dade County Asian-American Advisory Board, plays a vital role in the Asian Culture Festival as a liaison with government agencies, ensuring compliance with county guidelines and securing essential support. Drawing on his experience as a teacher and pastor, Joshua helps students and non-profit service organizations gain exposure and connect with the festival, fostering mutual awareness and collaboration. His dedication to education, civic engagement, and cultural advancement strengthens the festival’s ties to the community.

Podchara Jittaleela, a skilled computer technician, is the go-to problem solver for the Asian Culture Festival’s technical needs. From handling updates and setups for the ticketing system to creating forms and ensuring smooth front- and back-end operations, Art’s expertise guarantees a seamless experience for attendees and organizers alike. In addition to managing and documenting finances and ticketing, he provides invaluable support wherever needed, drawing on years of experience with the festival. Art’s adaptability, attention to detail, and commitment make him an indispensable part of the team.

Mae Phikulthong, a former restaurant owner with a keen sense of customer service and hospitality, plays a vital role in managing food for the festival volunteers. This demanding task involves careful preparation, accommodating allergies and dietary restrictions, and striving to meet personal preferences whenever possible. As a devoted mother, Mae transitioned from the restaurant business to a career as a childcare worker, where her nurturing reputation continues to shine. Over the years, she has also contributed to the Asian Culture Festival through graphic design, event planning, and unwavering dedication wherever help was needed. Mae’s kindness, attention to detail, and commitment make her an essential part of the team.

Kai Whitcomb, founder of the Thai Dance Troupe of Ottawa, brings decades of expertise in Thai classical and folk performing arts to the Asian Culture Festival. A leader in preserving and promoting Thai culture, Kai trains local dancers in Miami each year, ensuring authentic and captivating performances. Her contributions extend beyond the stage, as she assists with performer selection, lineups, festival organization, and parade coordination. Kai’s dedication and deep cultural knowledge make her an integral part of the festival’s success and its celebration of Thai heritage.

Fareida Rajkumar is a key contributor to the Asian Culture Festival, serving as the Emcee and actively promoting the event. She works tirelessly to ensure performances are well-coordinated, balanced, and reflective of diverse cultural representations. A dedicated advocate for the South Florida Hindu community, Fareida brings 28 years of experience as a teacher, youth camp coordinator, and cultural leader to her role. Her efforts also extend to engaging the Indian community and raising awareness, including her successful advocacy for Broward County Public Schools to recognize “Diwali Day Off” starting October 2025.

Miles Leelayuwattanakul, an emerging architect, contributes her design and planning expertise to the Asian Culture Festival, focusing on logistics for traffic, parking, and the kids’ play zone. Moving to the U.S. at a young age, she gained independence, resilience, and an appreciation for community and interpersonal connections. As a martial artist, Miles brings a calm and collected approach to handling complex tasks, making her a valuable part of the festival team.

Tippy Lewis has been instrumental in managing food vendors for the Asian Culture Festival, overseeing this critical aspect for several years before the team expanded. With her experience working at a veterinarian office, Tippy brings kindness, attention to detail, and a friendly yet firm approach to ensure protocols and compliance are met. She personally recruits vendors, maintains open communication to help them prepare effectively, and carefully balances vendor selection to avoid competition while maximizing their success.

Jessi, a skilled craft vendor, brings invaluable insight into the needs of vendors and the importance of a diverse retail selection in creating an exceptional customer experience at the Asian Culture Festival. Her dedication extends beyond her role as a vendor, with her children volunteering and performing at the festival each year. Jessi works tirelessly to recruit and support arts and crafts vendors, ensuring they are well-prepared and their offerings contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the event. Her expertise and commitment make her an essential part of the festival’s success.

Celine Fang, Director of Busi-Boost, brings her expertise in marketing, business development, financial resources, and community empowerment to the Asian Culture Festival. As the festival’s lead marketer, she manages its website and develops impactful digital presentations, including videos, posters, and social media posts, that not only advertise but resonate meaningfully with the audience. Celine also strategizes to enhance online and offline reputation and engagement while fostering strong community connections. Collaborating closely with the main organizers, she serves as a trusted sounding board, contributing to the festival’s success and lasting impact.

Amanda Gonzalez, a recent university graduate, has been actively involved with Asian American organizations through internships, cultural collaborations, and student clubs. Now embarking on a career in this field, Amanda brings a unique perspective as a Cuban descendant with a passion for Asian culture. She uses her skills to bridge generational and cultural gaps, contributing to Spanish communications, marketing, and social media. Amanda also plays a crucial role in managing the festival stage, coordinating performers, guest speakers, MCs, and other essential components to ensure a seamless and vibrant event. Her energy and dedication reflect the festival’s mission of cultural celebration and connection.

Bell Pansap, a psychology student at Florida International University (FIU) and future immigration attorney, plays a vital role in the Asian Culture Festival by collaborating closely with food vendors and assisting organizers across various festival operations. Drawing on his background in customer service, cultural awareness from managing his family’s Thai restaurant, and his diligence as a psychology student, Bell ensures seamless communication and a positive experience for all participants. His passion for helping others extends to his career aspirations, where he aims to support immigrants through a multifaceted approach informed by his education and cultural insight.

William Tsang, Philanthropy Chair of Sigma Phi Epsilon at FIU, brings dedication, leadership, and a keen eye for detail to the Asian Culture Festival. With experience as a vendor helper at the past two festivals, William steps into a vital role this year, coordinating volunteers to ensure a smooth and successful event. Beyond his fraternity work, William runs a car detailing business, showcasing his ability to manage multiple tasks and processes over several hours to deliver polished results. His strong work ethic and organizational skills make him an invaluable asset to the festival and its community-focused mission.

Mimi, a dedicated mother of twin boys, brings her passion for education and motivation to help children thrive into her work with the Asian Culture Festival. A detailed and loving individual, Mimi excels in filling sponsorship gaps by engaging corporate sponsors and exploring grant opportunities. Her patience and persistence allow her to navigate complex processes with ease, building meaningful connections and securing valuable support for the festival. Mimi’s nurturing and driven personality makes her perfectly suited for this role, ensuring the festival’s continued growth and success while fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.