Welcome to AAPI Heritage Month, a time to reflect and celebrate the history, culture, and accomplishments of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). From boardrooms to entrepreneurial spaces, AAPI leaders are creating impact in ways that are both visible and quietly transformative. In this series, we want to highlight a couple leaders in DFW and their impacts in their professional and community spaces!
Saloni Mehra
Release Train Engineer, Vice President, Bank of America
Saloni Mehra is a Vice President Release Train Engineer (RTE) within Global Technology at Bank of America, where she leads large-scale agile programs and drives the successful delivery of complex technology initiatives. Known for her strategic mindset and strong execution focus, Saloni enables cross-functional teams to align business goals with technology outcomes while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
In addition to her role, Saloni serves as a People Focus Area Leader within the Asian Leadership Network (ALN). She is passionate about advancing inclusion and community through volunteerism, education, and networking initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen professional connections.
Saloni is recognized for her people-first leadership style, her ability to build high-performing teams, and her commitment to creating meaningful impact both within the organization and the broader community.
Nikky Phinyawatana
Chef, Entrepreneur, and Founder, Asian Mint
Nikky Phinyawatana is a Thai-Texan chef, entrepreneur, and founder of Asian Mint, one of Dallas-Fort Worth’s most celebrated modern Thai restaurant groups. Born in the United States and raised in Thailand, she grew up immersed in two cultures, shaping her belief that food is a powerful connector and storyteller.
After graduating from The Hockaday School, Nikky earned a BBA in Entrepreneurial Studies and Marketing from Babson College and trained at El Centro College in Dallas. She opened the first Asian Mint in 2004, introducing New Bangkok-style cuisine to North Texas. The brand has since grown into a multi-location, award-winning restaurant group recognized by USA Today, the Dallas Observer, and D Magazine.
Nikky is also the author of Thai Food and Travel with Chef Nikky and the creator of a line of Thai sauces and spices sold at Asian Mint locations and Central Market. She is a passionate advocate for women in leadership and AAPI representation, using food to celebrate culture, foster belonging, and bring people together.