[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 88 (Friday, May 23, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING MIMI CHAN FOR HER CONTRIBUTIONS TO CENTRAL FLORIDA DURING 
            ASIAN AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 23, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Mimi Chan is best known as the model and 
martial arts reference for Disney's ``Mulan,'' but her greatest impact 
lies in her lifelong dedication to empowering communities through 
education, culture, and service in Florida. A respected martial artist 
and advocate, she is a Master at the Wah Lum Kung Fu Temple in 
Orlando--the first kung fu temple in America, built by her father, 
Grandmaster Pui Chan, in 1980.
  In 2023, Mimi spearheaded the passage of groundbreaking legislation 
mandating the inclusion of Asian American and Pacific Islander history 
in Florida K-12 schools. As the director of Make Us Visible Florida, 
she built coalitions, collaborated with legislators, and mobilized 
community voices to ensure a more inclusive and accurate curriculum--
helping shape a future where education reflects the richness of our 
shared history and strengthens our communities.
  Mimi served on the Orange County Citizens Safety Task Force, 
contributing to strategies that address gun violence through cultural 
understanding, prevention, and youth engagement.
  Through her leadership at Wah Lum, Mimi has preserved and celebrated 
Chinese culture across Florida. She produces some of the most dynamic 
Lunar New Year celebrations, featuring traditional lion dances, kung fu 
performances, and educational workshops. As an Asian American female 
role model, she has inspired generations to take pride in their 
heritage--ensuring that culture is not only honored, but also 
experienced, understood, and appreciated by people of all ages and 
backgrounds.
  Mimi is an award-winning filmmaker whose documentary, ``Pui Chan: 
Kung Fu Pioneer'', has earned critical acclaim. She continues to 
amplify diverse voices through her podcast, ``The Sifu Mimi Chan 
Show''.
  From martial arts to advocacy, education to community empowerment, 
Mimi Chan's legacy is one of action and impact. While most know her as 
the inspiration for a Disney heroine, her true power lies in her 
unwavering commitment to uplifting, educating, and inspiring her 
community.

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