Rooted in heritage. Rising with hope.
It started with a vision: to create what we wished we had growing up.
As an Asian American family, we saw firsthand how cultural gaps, leadership barriers and a lack of identity-focused resources affected our youth. So we built something different: a space for Asian American students to be seen, known and empowered.
From visiting high school clubs to launching leadership workshops to hosting the region’s largest Lunar New Year festival, we’ve seen what happens when identity meets purpose. Confidence blooms. Leaders emerge.
What makes us different
Faith-grounded, open to everyone
Our values are rooted in biblical principles of love, identity and purpose, and our programs are open to all.
Culturally focused mentorship
We connect students with Asian American professionals and community leaders who understand their journey.
Programs that build belonging
From hands-on leadership workshops to cultural festivals, everything we do helps young people feel empowered, connected and called.
Maxine & David Sudarma
Maxine and David Sudarma started Heritage and Hope to give Asian American students the mentors and leadership opportunities they wished they’d had. Maxine serves as Executive Director and runs the programs day to day. David serves as President and leads the board.
“I started Heritage and Hope because I saw the gaps, and I wanted to build the bridge. Our youth need mentors who understand their story. They need spaces where they can lead with confidence. That’s what we’re creating.”
Maxine Sudarma, Executive Director
A place to be seen, known and empowered
The need we address
Asian American youth often lack access to culturally relevant mentorship and leadership development. There’s a visible gap between existing community leaders and young people searching for guidance and identity.
How we close it
We bridge that gap with intentional programs that build cultural identity, leadership confidence and belonging, rooted in love, passion and integrity.
We lead with purpose, serve with love and uplift with integrity, so every young person can thrive in their identity.
Our board
David Sudarma
David co-founded Heritage and Hope with Maxine and leads the board, drawing on his work running Sierra Marketing, an Orlando digital marketing agency.
Maxine Sudarma
Maxine leads Heritage and Hope’s programs, from Celebrate Lunar to leadership workshops, and received AACC Central Florida’s 2026 Community Impact Award for that work.
Dorcas Yee
Dorcas oversees Heritage and Hope’s finances and budgeting, making sure every gift is stewarded with care and transparency.
Kar-Lai Gambiroza
Kar-Lai keeps the board’s records, minutes and governance in order so the team can stay focused on students.
Help raise the next generation of Asian American leaders
Mentor a student, volunteer at an event, or give to support workshops and school outreach across Central Florida.