Midwest Momentum: Andrew de las Alas, Championing AAPI Youth

Meet the 2025 Norman Y. Mineta Spirit Award Honoree

Meet Andrew de las Alas (he/him), a proud third-generation Filipino American and the force behind a burgeoning movement to empower Asian American youth in the Midwest. As Chief of Staff at the Missouri Asian American Youth Foundation (MAAY), Andrew helps lead statewide programs that focus on civic engagement, mental health, and leadership development.

Whether launching youth initiatives to teach advocacy skills or organizing mental health campaigns, Andrew’s unwavering purpose and infectious energy drive every endeavor. One of his proudest moments? Helping MAAY advocate for Missouri House Bill 1051, which officially recognized Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the state — a major milestone for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. He even testified before the Missouri legislature and was honored by name in the resolution presented by State Representative Emily Weber.

Originally from Indianapolis, Andrew graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in International Affairs and minors in Sociology and Asian American Studies. Driven by a passion for exploring identity and power, he penned an award-winning thesis on religious rhetoric and martial law in the Philippines. He also carried out independent research on Filipino American identity in St. Louis as a Merle Kling Fellow.

Andrew’s national recognition includes fellowships with the International Leadership Foundation, a delegation to the Henry Clay College Congress, and membership in Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC’s Youth Leadership Cohort. His advocacy and media work on voting rights have been featured by local and national outlets.

Looking ahead, Andrew hopes to attend law school to deepen his impact and continue fighting for civil rights and a stronger democracy.

For now, he’s laser-focused on actively shaping a future where the Midwest’s vibrant AAPI community stands proudly at the forefront of national dialogue. Andrew’s work will ensure the country recognizes the vibrant, growing AAPI community thriving in America’s heartland.

On behalf of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, we congratulate Andrew on being selected at this year’s Norman Y. Mineta Spirit Award honoree! We look forward to celebrating with him and the other honorees at this year’s 29th annual American Courage Awards.