Ron Chew

His mother was a garment worker and his father worked a waiter at the Hong Kong Restaurant on Maynard Avenue South in Seattle's Chinatown-International District (CID).

During his tenure he collaborated with other current and emerging community leaders and Asian American activists, such as Donnie Chin and Robert "Uncle Bob" Santos.

[6] The project became a traveling exhibit and led to his recruitment as the new director for the then-struggling Wing Luke Asian Museum (WLAM) in 1991.

A successful $23 million capital campaign enabled the museum to purchase and renovate the East Kong Yick Building as their new home, which opened in 2008.

[15] The center, for which Chew led the AiPACE Reimagine Aging Capital Campaign during his time as director, is a PACE-model (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) collaborative effort involving community organizations ICHS, Kin On Health Care Center, Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda), and El Centro de la Raza.

Chew built a 120 square foot shed with a loft and electricity in his backyard garden, which doubled as a recording studio for his 2020 memoir with audiobook producer John Pai.

[18]In 2002, the University of Washington recognized Chew's innovative work since leaving college and awarded him an honorary Bachelor of Arts Degree.

[19][20][21] In 2007, Chew and the Wing Luke Museum received the William O. Douglas Award from the ACLU of Washington State for "outstanding contributions showcasing the struggle for civil rights as integral to Asian American history and culture.

The award, signed by Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, highlighted Chew's "commitment to rehabilitating the East Kong Yick Building.

"[23] Chew was also honored with a Legacy Award from the Association of King County Historical Organizations (AKCHO) for his "lifelong dedication to uplifting Asian heritage through community voices.