A bachelor’s degree in psychology from SDSU and a master’s in Pacific International Affairs from UCSD were good preparation for her job, says Ildiko (Lani) Lutar, the 27-year-old executive director of the 400-plus-member Asian Business Association of San Diego.

Lutar likes working with small business owners and seeing the impact on the Asian community as these mom and pop businesses succeed. “I like the challenges of helping them to grow their businesses,” she says. She is particularly excited about working to identify and brand an area on Convoy Street that could become an “Asia town,” like other cities have.

Already in that area, she says, are “many first generation Asians who have limited capital and speak other languages” with small businesses. Becoming known for its authentic food and clothing stores would unify the community and give it a stronger political voice.”

During her year as executive director of the organization, membership has increased by 10 percent. “It’s a misperception that you must be Asian to join,” she says. “It’s open to all.”

Lutar was born in Hawaii. While living in Las Vegas before moving to San Diego, she co-founded Tru Image Wedding, which coordinates destination weddings for Japanese couples. After marketing the program in Japan (she is fluent in Japanese), she saw a 400 percent growth of clients in five years. The company continues, coordinating dozens of weddings annually.

Since moving to San Diego seven years ago, Lutar has joined several organizations and been active in several political campaigns. She co-chaired the Prop. F strong mayor campaign, and she was campaign manager for the re-election of Councilman Scott Peters.

Lutar is single and lives with a cat named Spam.