A trailblazing advocate for the transgender community and individuals living with HIV/AIDS, Chung was born in Hong Kong in 1965. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1984, she faced significant challenges during her gender transition, leading to homelessness and involvement in sex work. Despite these hardships, Chung embraced her authentic self and devoted her life to advocacy.
Sally Wong-Avery, a dedicated advocate and community leader, has spent her life making a profound impact on San Diego's Chinese community. Born in Hong Kong, she moved to the United States and pursued education, graduating from San Diego High, Mesa College, and UCSD. Wong-Avery founded the Chinese Professional Services, offering free services to low-income individuals and teaching English to Chinese senior citizens.
An internationally acclaimed pianist, composer, producer, and humanitarian, Matsui is renowned for her captivating and emotive musical expressions. Born in Tokyo, Japan, Keiko embarked on her musical journey at a young age, displaying prodigious talent and an innate connection to the piano. With a career spanning several decades, she has become a trailblazer in contemporary jazz and New Age music.
Dante Dauz was born and raised in San Diego and developed and implemented numerous community engagement and empowerment programs with the Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) throughout San Diego for 13 years. Programs included: community violence response, victim support, gang prevention, homeless advocacy, youth mentorship, employment, and business development for individuals with serious mental illness.
On September 7, 1969, during a salute to San Diego’s 200th Anniversary by the Filipino-American Community Association of San Diego County, with Delfin Labao as president, San Diego witnessed the birth of this performing arts group in the first Philippine Cultural Extravaganza held at the Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park. The enthusiasm from this performance was tremendous and served as a catalyst to form PASACAT on May 23, 1970,
Reva Tahiti Productions and Heiva San Diego, founded by Lindsay in 2010, stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to fostering cultural understanding between Tahiti and the United States. Serving as the organization's Founder and CEO, Lindsay has pioneered initiatives to share the rich traditions of Tahiti and the South Pacific islands with local and international audiences.
Established in 1997, founded by Artistic Director Neha Patel, NAAD STUDIOS continues its impeccable tradition of enriching young lives through Indian classical and folk dances dedicated to imparting the vital ingredients of performing arts- Raga(melody), Taal(rhythm), Bhava(expression). Through Naad Studios, Patel has contributed significantly to the dance world by conducting workshops, lectures, and performances globally for for-profit and nonprofit organizations.
The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, a cherished sanctuary within San Diego's Balboa Park, is a beacon of cultural unity and enlightenment. Initially erected in 1935 for the California Pacific International Exposition, these cottages have blossomed into a vibrant community hub, housing 33 diverse groups dedicated to fostering multicultural goodwill and understanding through education and cultural programs.
Eric Michelson is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of expertise in the realm of digital media. As the owner and operator of Carma Media Productions, he has an impressive portfolio that spans television, films, corporate training programs, music videos, and documentaries. Michelson serves as the Creative Director at ACMA, contributing his extensive knowledge both on-camera and behind the scenes for various projects.
Ryan Stanly, a prodigious talent in filmmaking and music, exudes boundless creativity and passion in every endeavor he embarks upon. His fascination with storytelling and the enchantment of visual media creation began at the tender age of 13. Since 2014, Stanly has meticulously crafted his cinematic narratives, showcasing his multifaceted talent as a writer, producer, and editor.
David Kreider is not just a seasoned Registered Investment Advisor at Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. He is a multifaceted individual with a rich background. With over three decades of experience in the financial advisory field, Kreider brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to his clients, helping them navigate the complexities of investments and financial planning.
2022 Award Recipients
Arnold Chun is an American Actor/Director. He's appeared in many hit shows, including Kidding, The Big bang Theory, Hawaii 5-0, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and The Last Ship. Arnold also plays Kotomichi on the Emmy-winning Amazon series The Man in The High Castle.
As a filmmaker, his short film Eli's Liquor Store won the award for Best Short Film at the Harlem Int. Film Fest in 2008. The film has continued on to 25 film festivals domestically and was the opening presenter at the Smithsonian National Martin Luther King Consortium during Black History Month.
Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja is an Indonesian American actress who lives in Los Angeles. Her acting in A24's feature film After Yang (2021) opposite Colin Farrell gained rave reviews from critics such as Awards Watch, The Hollywood Reporter and Indie Wire. She is also known for her recurring guest star roles on iCarly (2021) and on Disney Channel shows Coop and Cami Ask the World (2018) and Raven's Home (2017).
Malea is also a singer. Her National Anthem video in the LA Galaxy game went viral in 2018 and was included in Google Year in Search in 2018. Since then, she was cast as Molly in the star studded Annie musical at the Hollywood Bowl in July 2018.
Le Ly is an internationally known Vietnamese-American author, philanthropist, peace activist, and speaker. She grew up in Ky La (now known as Xa Hoa Quy), Vietnam during the American-Vietnam War, which she recollects in her memoirs, When Heaven and Earth Changed Places and Child of War, Woman of Peace. They've been published in 17 different languages and are used as college course material to study women in history and the American/Vietnam War. In 1993, the books were adapted into the film Heaven & Earth, directed by the award-winning director Oliver Stone and starring Hiep Thi Le and Tommy Lee Jones.
Christine is the co-founder and owner of Makani Kai, a Polynesian dance group established in 1993 along with a group of professional Polynesian dancers. Beginning with regular performances at Sea World and throughout San Diego during the 90’s, today Makani Kai has become a thriving Polynesian entertainment troupe completed with live drumming and a live band “Moku Kani."
A community activist with a passion for promoting Korean culture, Hyosoon co-founded a non profit organization called San Diego Pungmul Institute with her husband in 2009 to create awareness of Korean folk music in the United States while fostering and mentoring second generation Korean Americans teaching then about the importance of cultural roots and tradition.
KAYPA is a non-profit organization rooted in Southern California. They focus on enriching the community through Korean traditional dance and modern K-pop dances. KAYPA provides its members the opportunity to further educate themselves about their Korean heritage through dance, as well as share their culture with others.
VAALA was founded in 1991 by a group of Vietnamese American journalists, artists, and friends to fill a void and provide a space for artists to express themselves as a newly resettled immigrant community. Their mission was to support Southeast artists with an emphasis on Vietnamese literature and visual arts.
2021 Award Recipients
Claudia Lin founded Legacy Maker LLC, after 24 years of working in the risk management, insurance, financial and legal industries. Lin recognized a need for a more holistic approach for businesses and entrepreneurs her founding of Legacy maker while concurrently serving as Senior Vice President at HUB International Insurance Services was a culmination of her vision and approach
Crazy Woke Asians founded and produced by Kiki Yeung, (as seen on Asian Voices, Sweet and Sour Chicks, and upcoming Global Comedy Club on Apple TV), features the funniest Asian American comedians in Los Angeles. CWA had SOLD OUT SHOWS at The World Famous Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, The Ice House, Santa Monica Playhouse, sold out tour twice IN SEATTLE.
Georgina Tolentino is an actress and writer based in Los Angeles working on various projects, including "Operation Blackbird" and a feature film called "Untitled Watsonville Project.” Born and raised in San Francisco, where she attended New Conservatory Theatre and later UC Santa Barbara. She worked for numerous production companies in Los Angeles.
Born to South Korean Parents and growing up in New York City, James Kyson spent most of young years exploring biographies and fables from different cultures, and playing sports. After receiving education at Bronx H.S. of Science, Boston University and New England Institute of the Arts, his easy going attitude with an affinity for risk and adventure, set him off on a journey to LA with a single suitcase and an one-way ticket.
Kaanchan S Farkiya is a social activist, beauty queen, former Indian television actress, Ms. Asian North America 2016, and now she is Miss WorldClass Ms. USA 2021. Currently, she serves communities as an educator, MMTC Board of Directors, Global Executive Committee IATB President California, yoga instructor, and Honorary International Brand Ambassador OXFORD EDUAERVE India 2021.
Marilyn Chin was born in Hong Kong and raised in Portland, Oregon. She received a BA from the University of Massachusetts and an MFA from the University of Iowa. She is the author of five collections of poetry, including most recently A Portrait of the Self As Nation: New and Selected Poems (W. W. Norton, 2018) and Hard Love Province (W.W. Norton, 2014), which won the 2015 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award.
Nancy Kwan is a Chinese-American actress, philanthropist, and former dancer who played a pivotal role in the acceptance of actors of Asian ancestry in major Hollywood film roles. At just 18, Nancy Kwan was studying dance with England's Royal Ballet School, when she was spotted by producer Ray Stark, who gave her the starring role alongside William Holden.
Ova Saopeng is an actor, teaching artist, co-artistic director and producer with TeAda Productions. Born in Savannakhet, Laos, and raised in Hawaii he received a B.A. in Theater from the University of Southern California. He and his partner, Leilani Chan, are co-creators of community based theatrical works Masters of the Currents, a play about the Micronesian community, Refugee Nation
Rasha Goel is an Emmy nominated Television Host/Producer and International Correspondent. She has worked for networks such as CNN, ESPN, REELZ Channel, HBO Asia, as well as Facebook, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, and Disney. She has been an invited speaker at the renowned World Communication Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Rasha is a returning co-host for Dick Clark Productions
2020 Award Recipients
Dr. Marissa’s newest book “8 Ways to Happiness from Wherever You Are” has hit 8 Bestseller Lists including #4 Denver Post and #1 Amazon and 4 Book Award Medals, becoming the foundation to her Happy88 Mission, helping 8 million more people be 88% happy in the next 8 years.
Dr. Marissa, introduced to Oprah as the “Asian Oprah” shares her passion and knowledge as an organizational psychologist on radio, TV, online media and corporate stages worldwide.
In her beloved New York Times bestsellers Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, Peony in Love, Shanghai Girls, Dreams of Joy, and China Dolls, Lisa See has brilliantly illuminated the strong bonds between women. These books have been celebrated for their authentic, deeply researched, lyrical stories about Chinese characters and cultures.
Hula Ramos is a former On-Air Radio Personality and Producer in his hometown of San Diego. He has worked over 19 years on various radio stations in San Diego including Channel 933, Star 94.1, Energy 103.7, KSON KyXy 96.5, and Sunny 98.1. Hula has become a widely known Filipino-American radio personality-becoming a beacon to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
Founded in 1983 as the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, Advancing Justice - LA serves more than 15,000 individuals and organizations every year. Through direct services, impact litigation, policy advocacy, leadership development, and capacity building, Advancing Justice - LA focuses on the most vulnerable members of Asian American and NHPI communities while also building a strong voice for civil rights and social justice.
The Japanese Friendship Garden (JFG) is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. It illustrates two cultures and creates an immersive experience into Japanese culture. JFG’s design is based on centuries-old Japanese techniques adapted to San Diego’s climate and florae and seeks to foster a relationship between humans and nature, providing a respite attuned to Japanese simplicity, serenity, and aestheticism.
From San Diego, CA, Sasha Foo had her very first broadcasting role in the 1980s and has since spent decades in the news and broadcast journalism space all over the United States. Sasha Foo was CNN's very first Asian-American news anchor–a breakthrough for representation on mainstream media. She most recently left KUSI after 17 years of unique and personable reporting and storytelling.
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Quyen Tran is a cinematographer and storyteller. Most widely known for her work on Pali Road (2015) and Palm Springs (2020). When creating any piece, documentary, or narrative feature, Quyen Tran makes the aspect of telling a story a priority above all else. For her ability to create such an impact through film media, ACMA has awarded her the Film Media Arts Award.
Past Award Recipients
Lifetime Achievement Award
Honoring an individual who has performed an outstanding service and accomplishment spanning a lifetime career in Television and Film.
Clyde Kusatsu
Clyde has appeared in hundreds of roles calling for a variety of indeterminate ethnic origins spanning over 40 years including Hawaii Five-O, Kung Fu, MASH, Magnum PI and Midway and Star Trek Next Generation.
Clyde was the first Asian American to be elected as the President of SAG/AFTRA, local Los Angeles Chapter and was elected the first National Vice President Los Angeles, an office he currently holds having been re-elected in 2015.
Excellence in Media Awards
Honoring API individuals namely Writers, Directors, Producers, Actors, Authors and Show Hosts for their notable accomplishments in Television, Film, Print and Online Media as well as creating a positive impact on the API community through original content.
John Shin
John is a successful entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. He is the Executive Producer of the movie, THINK: The Legacy of Think and Grow Rich and author of Think and Grow Rich! An Asian Choice.
John is the Founder and CEO of AXIANTA Financial Partners, LLC. (AFP) and commands a sales force of nearly 6,800 agents, practices in 26 states, with all 42 offices throughout the United States. Additionally, John is the co-founder of a non-profit organization called “ALL FOR ONE” which provides child prosperity centers for children around the world.
Lane Nishikawa
Lane is a Sansei (third generation) Japanese American actor, filmmaker, playwright, and performance artist. His work often deals with Asian American history and identity issues. He is widely known for a series of one-man shows, including Life in the Fast Lane, I’m on a Mission From Buddha, Mifune and Me and others.
He directed and starred in the independent feature film, Only the Brave and has written and directed two short films about World War II veterans, Forgotten Valor and When We Were Warriors. Lane’s latest film products include two documentary short films called Never Forget and Our Lost Years.
Eric Yoon
Eric has been in the forefront of promoting Korean culture, music, and entertainment through Television Media in the US for over a decade. He is the founder and CEO of Television Korea 24, Inc, the first 24 Hour Korean network available nationwide as a digital cable service, currently reaching over 30 million households.
tvK, tvK2, and tvK-Pop are distributed by International Media Distribution (‘IMD”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast NBCUniversal, a leading provider of single language and multi-ethnic television programming. tvK is available throughout the US on Comcast, Time Warner, Charter, Cox, and many other video service providers.
Bai Ling
Bai is an award winning Chinese-American actress originally from Chengdu, Shichuan in China. Bai’s first major American film role was in The Crow (1994). In 1997, she played the lead female role, opposite Richard Gere, in the American film Red Corner.
Bai was named one of People’s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” in 1998 and has starred in dozens of films including Crank: High Voltage, Wild Wild West, Anna and the King and Southland Tales including TV shows Entourage and Lost.
Rising Star Media Award
Presented to an individual (age 29 and below) who have achieved incredible accomplishments and exemplary leadership in Media, while still early in their career.
Alexandra Cuerdo
A Filipino-American director, producer, and editor, Alexandra was recently named one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women In the World by the Filipina Women’s Network. MSN ranks her feature directorial debut, ULAM: Main Dish as one of the “Top 5 Food Documentaries to Watch” now and more.
As a content producer and editor, Alexandra’s videos for BuzzFeed have achieved over 150 million views and over 1 million shares on Facebook. Previously, she has worked on films, television and digital content for HBO, ABC, NBC, Netflix, Hulu, Sony/Columbia Pictures, Participant Media, Walt Disney Imagineering and more.
Excellence in Broadcast Journalism Award
Recognizing inspiring API individuals in the news media industry who have made a positive impact in our community by addressing challenging social justice, diversity and civil rights challenges that our API community face.
Liberty Zabala
Liberty is a 2x Emmy-winning Reporter, Weather Anchor & fill-in News Anchor for NBC 7 San Diego. Previously, she worked as a multimedia journalist for KCOY/KKFX, the CBS/FOX affiliate covering California’s Central Coast and has conducted several high-profile interviews including presidential candidates Rand Paul, Ron Paul & Newt Gingrich, world champion boxer Manny Pacquiao, comic creator Stan Lee and media mogul Oprah.
Liberty is a dedicated member of Asian American Journalists Association or AAJA where she served as a board director for the Los Angeles chapter and currently serves the San Diego chapter as president. She was also awarded AAJA National 2017 “Chapter President of the Year”.
Excellence in Cultural Awareness Award
Honoring API individuals and organizations that have contributed to promoting the API community and culture through media programs and services
Peter Lai
Peter is an award-winning fashion designer known for his colorful, flamboyant designs and originality reflecting the dual influences of his American fashion training at Otis-Parson with his experience as a customer in Hong Kong for television and Chinese Opera.
For over 3 decades, Peter avidly collected Japanese antiques and Japonaiserie to populate his retirement dream of creating a whimsical “Japanese Cultural Village” in an expansive 5,000 sq. ft. museum, boutique and event space designed to exhibit his collection and promote Japanese art and culture.
Eddy Taengkaew
Eddy is a Thai American immigrant who was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. He has been in the US for almost 20 years. Eddy received his bachelors from Brigham Young University-Hawaii in International Management and he received his MBA from the University of Wisconsin, with an emphasis in finance. He is currently attending law school. Eddy has been in banking and investment for over 10 years and is currently working for Bank of America and Merrill Lynch as a Financial Advisor. He devoted over 10 years of his life serving his Thai community in San Diego and Southern California promoting Thai Culture. He was a principal of Thai Language and Cultural School in Escondido, board member for Toys for Thailand and BYU Management Society of San Diego. He was a co-founder for Thai American and Asian Alliance of San Diego and served as the president for 4 years.
Rohini Bedi
A couturier and fashion influencer, Rohini is the most acclaimed name in promoting high-end couture out of India in America. An Indophile who spent the last two decades in the US, Rohini’s journey began in the mid-eighties in New Delhi where she mastered the myriad techniques of hand embroidery and rich embellishments.
Rohini’s career graph is indeed chequered and dotted with many accomplishments. She has behind her over two dozen befitting charities, myriad promotional tours and a host of Indian designer shows showcasing Indian haute couture.
San Diego Korean Pungmul Institute
Founded by Korean American couple Hojin and Hyosoon Park in 2009, San Diego Korean Pungmul Institute (SDKPI) is a largely self-funded, volunteer-based non-profit organization to create awareness of Korean traditional music culture in the US.
The institute focuses on teaching second-generation Korean-Americans to experience a variety of traditional Korean musical culture and often perform in various events to share Korean culture with other communities. Pungmul School performs in various cultural events and festivals in Southern California throughout the year namely Rose Bowl Parade, Hollywood Parade, Disneyland Parade, and many others.
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
Founded in 1996, the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum is a nonprofit organization that has since expanded to encompass three state-of-the-art facilities. It is funded by local and international patrons as well as the City and County of San Diego. The museum is dedicated to both Chinese and Chinese American history, which puts us in the ideal position to facilitate cross-cultural communication and understanding.
Excellence in Community Outreach Award
Honoring companies or individuals who have contributed to creating greater awareness and understanding about the API community and/or culture through community service and various outreach programs
Dr. Emily Letran
Dr. Letran is a High-Performance Coach, Author, Dentist, Philanthropist, Mentor, and International Speaker.
She is the author of several books. “From Refugee to Renaissance Woman” she shares her story coming to the US as a refugee at 13 years old, and her newest book, “Commit to Embracing Your Big Life” offers insights and strategies to building a strong business.
Dr. Letran is actively involved in community services, sponsoring multiple local schools and charity events. She created the Emily Letran Foundation dedicated to providing basic dental care to veterans and families of the disadvantaged background, including the monthly Free Dentistry Day, where she and her dental teamwork to provide free dentistry for the less fortunate in area communities.
Dr. Morgamhom Nalanchang
Dr. Nalanchang aka Dr. Gamberry is a certified Master Herbalist and is on the board of the American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board. She currently holds title as MH, NC, HHP, NMD, and 5 Ph.Ds.
For the past 12 years, Dr. Gamberry has provided training on herbal studies and natural medicine to over 20,000 registered members in the USA and over 10,000 in Thailand. She was awarded ANMA/USA American Naturopathic Medical Association for three consecutive years 2016 – 2018.
In 2010, Dr. Gamberry founded Cancer Hope village, a non-profit organization committed to offering alternative treatments and inspiring hope for disadvantaged terminal ill cancer patients to get support and care during the last stage of life through an integrated, holistic approach with nature’s herbal treatment.
Dennis-Michael Broussard
Founder of Silkroad Productions, Dennis Michael is the recipient of numerous awards, commendations, and recognition for his community involvement and outreach efforts. For the past decade, he has hosted and produced many cultural events and festivals in San Diego namely the Asian Cultural Festival of San Diego, the San Diego Ramen Festival, the AMP Music Festival and many other large community events.
Additionally, Dennis-Michael is known for his humanitarian efforts around the globe. He volunteered at an orphanage in Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand, helping to build a classroom; volunteered at an educational center in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, teaching English; distributed water filters where there is limited to no access to clean drinking water in slums and villages in Senegal, Kenya, and Tanzania as well as teaching supplies and school equipment to a poor school district in the eastern part Nepal.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo has been supporting nonprofit organizations that work to strengthen and empower communities. Using financial and human capital to keep the communities strong, diverse, and vibrant, Wells Fargo’s culture of giving back through volunteer efforts connects enthusiastic team members in the communities in which they live and work.
