Name of AAPI Figure	Thelma Garcia Buchholdt
What is the person’s Asian heritage or ethnicity?	Filipino
Area of Influence	Politician
Date of birth or time period	1-Aug-34
How did this individual make a contribution to their field or to society/culture at large?	Thelma Buchholdt is a Philipino woman, she was born in the Philippines and moved to the U.S. after graduating high school early to continue her education. She was the first Philipino-American legislator in the U.S. and was also the first Asian American legislator. She served four terms, in which she helped pass legislation to enhance education, environment, mental health services, domestic violence victims, oils and gas taxes, and more. She is often remembered for her participation and support for civil rights groups, and served as the director of Alaska’s office of equal opportunity. There is so much more that Buchholdt did throughout her whole life, and these notable mentions only scratch the surface.
How does this person inspire you?	I am inspired by Buchholdt and I think anyone can be, through her life starting in a small village coming here to make so much change and make so many improvements to her community, government, and more. She took on so many opportunities and shows just how much anyone can make a difference in the world. I hope to be able to make changes and impact the world alongside my many other dreams just as Buchholdt did.
Resources to share if others want to learn more (optional)–list websites, books, or other resources you used to learn about the person	https://www.nps.gov/people/thelma-garcia-buchholdt.htm https://www.udc.edu/2017/03/03/womens-history-month-thelma-g-buchholdt/
Submitted by	Celeste Lin-Butler
Age	15
City, State	Lexington, Massachusetts