Ton-Quinlivan and Minh Dang - two American women with Vietnamese origin - have been named by the White House as Champions of Change in recognition of their significant contribution to their communities.

They will be honored along with 13 other Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women at an event in Washington, D.C. on May 6 where they will speak on about the challenges and opportunities they’ve encountered.

The fifteen AAPI women are honored in recognition of their extraordinary work to create a more equal, safe, and prosperous future for their communities, the White House said on its blog. 

“These fifteen women represent the strength and diversity of the AAPI community.  These leaders — in business, advocacy, philanthropy, sports, the arts, and academia — are wonderful examples for young women across the country,” said senior advisor to the president and chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls Valerie Jarrett in a statement.

According to information released on the website of the White House, Van Ton-Quinlivan is currently vice chancellor of the California Community Colleges and director of workforce development at Pacific Gas & Electric, where she created PowerPathway, a nationally recognized program in workforce development.

“She is leading our system’s drive to work more collaboratively on a regional basis to address California’s workforce needs. Our economy needs a nimble and highly strategic approach to labor market changes, and Vice Chancellor Ton-Quinlivan is steering us in the right direction,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Brice W. Harris.

Ton-Quinlivan said she is honored by this recognition from the White House.

Meanwhile, Minh Dang, a UC Berkeley graduate in social welfare, said she is honored to receive this recognition, but more importantly, she is honored to serve as a Champion of Change.

“The sexual enslavement of children is not just another social issue to be addressed… it is the social issue to be addressed. In the roots of child abuse and slavery are the roots of violence, discrimination and dehumanization,” Dang said.

Dang is also the executive director of Don’t Sell Bodies, a campaign founded by actress Jada Pinkett Smith to help end the sex trafficking of youth in the United States.