Rep. Roemer Honors May Chen, of Akron, for Induction into 2025 Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame

State Representative Bill Roemer (R–Richfield) commended May Juan Chen, of Akron, for her induction into the Ohio Department of Aging’s Senior Citizens Hall of Fame at a ceremony held in the Statehouse on Wednesday, September 10th. The Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame honors older Ohioans who exemplify a positive image of aging and have made significant contributions in their professions and communities.

Representative Roemer recognized Chen as one of ten honorees selected for the 2025 Hall of Fame. At 78, Chen was celebrated for her lifelong commitment to uplifting aging communities across northeast Ohio.

“I’m pleased to recognize May Chen on all her work at the Jin Huo Community Senior Center in Akron,” said Representative Roemer. “She is a true asset to our community.” 

Originally from Hong Kong, Chen immigrated to the United States in 1954 and has spent decades building support systems for Ohio’s Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. In 2022, she founded the Jin Huo Community Senior Center in Akron to foster connection among older Asian immigrants. 

Chen’s lifelong dedication has been recognized through numerous honors. She was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame in 2020 and, in 2021, earned an appointment to Akron’s Commission on Aging. In 2023, Chen received the Building Global Bridges Award from Global Cleveland. Most recently, she was honored with the Culture and Language Ambassador Award from the Global Ambassadors Language Academy.

At the ceremony, 18 members of the General Assembly had the distinct honor of representing 10 remarkable Ohioans inducted into the 2025 Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. These honorees come from diverse communities across the state, including Akron, Cleveland Heights, Columbus, Dayton, Northwood, The Plains, Whipple, and Youngstown.