CELEBRATING THE 25 MOST INFLUENTIAL INDIVIDUALS IN GEORGIA’S AAPI COMMUNITY
Atlanta, Georgia – Ms. Von Tran, Founder, President, and CEO of First Senior Center (FSC) Healthcare, was recently honored by the Georgia Asian Times at the GAT 25 – 25 Most Influential Asian American Pacific Islanders in Georgia 2026. This annual award celebrates individuals who have made significant impacts and outstanding contributions to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the state of Georgia.
This marks the second time Ms. Von Tran has received this prestigious title, recognizing her enduring dedication to senior care and the development of community service programs tailored for the AAPI population.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Von Tran emphasized that the award is not merely an individual accolade, but the culmination of nine years of relentless effort by the entire First Senior Center team.
“Holding the GAT 25 award in my hands, I understand that ‘influence’ is not a title meant for one person. It is a testament to the nine-year journey of dedicated service by the entire First Senior Center family; it is a recognition of our quiet mission to uplift and transform the lives of the AAPI senior community here in Georgia.”
She also shed light on the harsh realities many Asian seniors face. After decades of hard work and sacrifice to build a better life for the next generation in the United States, many find themselves entering their golden years in isolation, hindered by language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of social connection.
Driven by this reality, First Senior Center was founded with the mission to build a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem that aligns with the cultural values of the AAPI community. The center goes beyond providing basic senior care; it fosters an environment where older adults can connect, learn, exercise, sing, and engage in activities that enhance both their physical and mental well-being.
Under Ms. Von Tran’s leadership, First Senior Center currently serves over 1,000 seniors every week and supports more than 3,200 households each month through its Food Pantry program. Notably, this operates as the second-largest food distribution program partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Furthermore, First Senior Center has grown to become one of the largest employers in the AAPI senior care sector in Georgia.
Beyond her success as an entrepreneur, Ms. Von Tran is widely recognized as a devoted community leader who has dedicated years of her time, resources, and finances to support non-profit organizations serving the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. These efforts have significantly broadened access to healthcare services, social welfare, and senior support programs, particularly for the Vietnamese community in Georgia.
Concluding her speech, Ms. Von Tran affirmed that this award is not a final destination, but rather a driving force for First Senior Center to continue innovating and expanding its community outreach.
“We will continue to pioneer, innovate, and extend our reach so that no AAPI senior is left behind. We are committed to empowering the Asian American community and building a future where every senior can live a healthy, respected, and deeply fulfilling life.”
The 2026 GAT 25 award not only honors Ms. Von Tran’s lifelong dedication but also reflects the remarkable growth of First Senior Center in its mission to establish a comprehensive, person-centered senior care model rooted in community culture. It stands as a powerful testament to the increasingly prominent role the AAPI community plays in creating positive, sustainable value for society in Georgia.
Photo: Wes Carter / Georgia Asian Times
