Thread by @maziehirono

Connie Chung was the first Asian woman to co-anchor the nightly news on a major network. This #APAHM2018 & #WorldPressFreedomDay, we celebrate her contributions to journalism.

Passing down the knowledge her mother taught her about Hawaiian seaweed, Dr. Isabella Kauakea Yau Yung Aiona was the first Native Hawaiian woman to receive a PhD in science. She became the world's leading expert in limu earning her the nickname of First Lady of Limu. #APAHM2018

In 2005, Sarinya Srisakul became the first woman of Asian descent to serve in the @FDNY. Through her work as President of the United Women Firefighters, she continues to fight for gender equality. #APAHM2018

@FDNY As a two-time Olympic medalist and a nine-time U.S. champion, @MichelleWKwan inspired generations of girls to become figure skaters. #APAHM2018

@FDNY @MichelleWKwan The first Miss Aloha Hula at the inaugural Merrie Monarch Festival, Aloha Dalire was an inspirational kumu hula to Keolalaulani Hālau 'Ōlapa O Laka for more than four decades. Her daughters now continue her legacy.

@FDNY @MichelleWKwan Cristeta Comerford is an immigrant-- she left the Philippines when she was 23 to work in Washington, D.C and Vienna. She is the first woman and first person of Asian descent to serve as White House Executive Chef.

An expert on traditional water rights, Emma Kaʻilikapuolono Metcalf Beckley Nakuina was appointed Commissioner of Private Ways and Water rights which allowed her to serve as the first female judge in Hawaii.

After her father passed away and her family was incarcerated during WWII, Yuri Kochiyama became a lifelong civil and human rights activist for causes like the anti-war movement. #APAHM

Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian woman to fly in space as an @NASA astronaut. After she passed away in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, she was awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. #APAHM

@NASA Susan Ahn Cuddy's parents were the first married Korean couple to emigrate to the US. Susan went on to serve as the first Asian-American woman and the first female gunnery officer in the Navy. #APAHM

@NASA Grace Lee Boggs was a civil rights activist, author, philosopher and feminist. She devoted her life to fighting for racial and economic justice. #APAHM

@NASA As one of the first women to be inducted in the International Surfing Museum's Walk of Fame, Rell Sun was the top ranked women's longboard champion who helped established the first women's professional tour. #APAHM

Today, I'm celebrating #APAHM2018 by recognizing my friends and colleagues in Congress starting with my colleagues in the Hawaii Congressional Delegation @RepHanabusa and @TulsiGabbard, and @CAPAC Chair @RepJudyChu. #APAHM

Celebrating the strong #AAPI women I serve with in the 115th Congress. Each broke barriers in her own right. #APAHM

@RepStephMurphy, @RepJayapal, @DorisMatsui , and @RepGraceMeng

When I was sworn into the Senate, I said I may be the first #AAPI woman Senator, but there would be a second, third, and more. Proud to serve with @SenKamalaHarris and @SenDuckworth. #APAHM

@SenKamalaHarris @SenDuckworth A prominent women's rights supporter, Andrea Jung was the first female CEO and Chairwoman of Avon Products and the first woman to serve as Chairman of the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association. #APAHM

@SenKamalaHarris @SenDuckworth World renowned architect and designer Maya Lin achieved national recognition at the age of 21 when her design was selected for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. She was recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. #APAHM

@SenKamalaHarris @SenDuckworth The women leaders of the Aliʻi Trusts provided for the health, education, and welfare of Native Hawaiian children in perpetuity. #APAHM

@SenKamalaHarris @SenDuckworth @chloekimsnow is the first female snowboarder in history to land back-to-back 1080 degree spins in competition. She serves as a role model for young AAPI women. #APAHM