Name of AAPI FigureEllison Onizuka
What is the person’s Asian heritage or ethnicity?Japanese
Area of InfluenceAstronaut
Date of birth or time period1978
How did this individual make a contribution to their field or to society/culture at large?He was first asian American astronaut
Why did you choose this person? What about their story speaks to you?He decided to be an astronaut even though he did not look like everyone else
How does this person inspire you?He followed his dreams
What surprised you as you were learning about this person?He was first person from Hawaii to go in rocket
Resources to share if others want to learn more (optional)–list websites, books, or other resources you used to learn about the person“Famous asian americans who inspire us” by Analiza Wolf
Submitted byAmilia Gorishnyy
Age6
City, StateLexington MA