Anla Cheng Drives Philanthropy and Amplifies Asian American Stories Through Serica Initiative
Anla Cheng, a veteran financier based in New York City, is actively working to amplify Asian American stories and promote philanthropic giving within the Asian American community through her Serica Initiative. Founded in 2018, Serica focuses on storytelling, convening leaders, and empowering the Asian American community, a mission that gained urgency amid rising anti-Asian hostility. Cheng's philanthropy extends beyond Serica; she co-manages the Mark and Anla Cheng Kingdon Fund, which holds significant assets and supports diverse causes. Serica's projects include documentary series like 'be/longing: Asian Americans Now' and educational collaborations with institutions like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Cheng is also addressing the disparity in philanthropic funding for Asian American communities, which receive a disproportionately small percentage of institutional dollars. To tackle this, Serica launched the Family Office Philanthropy Legacy Program in 2026, in partnership with HSBC and ...