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Join us for the premier gathering of AAPI women leaders, innovators, and changemakers at the Serica Initiative’s Trailblazer Gala & Conference 2025! This year, we’re celebrating the theme of Rising Up Together: AAPI Leadership Across Generations as an empowering tribute to the voices, vision, and impact of AAPI women across industries, communities, and movements.

Morning Conference | 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM

ADDRESS: 100 Washington Street, New York, NY 10016

🔥 Engaging Panels & Fireside Chats – Hear from powerhouse speakers leading change in business, media, technology, activism, and the arts.

🤝 Networking with Purpose – Connect with nearly 200 in a cross-generational community of AAPI men and women professionals, entrepreneurs, and allies.

🌏 Innovative Breakout Sessions – Participate in dynamic conversations on leadership, equity, and the future of AAPI women’s influence.

Why Attend?

✨ Be Inspired: Gain insight from leaders who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations.

✨ Expand Your Network: Meet like-minded professionals and mentors dedicated to uplifting AAPI women.

✨ Celebrate Culture & Leadership: Immerse yourself in a powerful evening of storytelling, recognition, and community.

Evening Gala | 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

ADDRESS: 583 Park Ave,  New York, NY

2025 Honorees

The Serica Initiative is proud to announce our 2025 Trailblazer Honorees joining us for our celebration on May 22, 2025 in New York City! See the details of past Serica Award honorees from 2017 - 2024 at our website here.

Dr. James S. C. Chao, Ruth Mulan Chu Chao & Family

The Chao Family is a multigenerational legacy of leadership, philanthropy, and public service. Led by Dr. James S.C. Chao, a shipping magnate and founder of Foremost Group, and his late wife, Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, a devoted educator, the family has exemplified resilience and excellence. Their daughters—Elaine, Jeanette, May, Christine, Grace, Angela - have each forged impactful careers in government, business, and philanthropy. The Honorable Elaine Chao, 24th U. S. Secretary of Labor and 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation is the first Asian American woman to be appointed to the President’s cabinet in our nation’s history.  A family of empowered women, the Chao family is the only family to have four daughters attend Harvard Business School and four granddaughters in the next generation attend Harvard College.  The family’s philanthropic efforts, including scholarships and educational initiatives, continue to uplift communities worldwide.

Kathy Hirata Chin

Kathy Hirata Chin retired on April 1, 2024 from Crowell & Moring LLP, where she was a member of the healthcare and litigation groups.  Previously, she was a partner and then senior counsel at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP. She graduated from Princeton University magna cum laude and Columbia Law School, where she was Editor in Chief of the Transnational Law Journal. She has served on the NYC Planning Commission; the EDNY Federal Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel; the Governor’s Judicial Screening Committee for the First Department; the Gender Bias Committee of the Second Circuit Task Force; Chief Judge Kaye’s Commission to Promote Public Confidence in Judicial Elections; and the Second Circuit Judicial Conference Planning and Program Committee, as well as on the Board of Directors of the NY County Lawyers Association, NY Lawyers for the Public Interest, and the NY City Bar Association.

She currently serves on the NYC Commission to Combat Police Corruption (as Acting Chair); the Attorney Emeritus Advisory Council; the Commercial Division Advisory Council; the Second Circuit Judicial Committee on Civic Education & Public Engagement; the Board of Directors of the Medicare Rights Center (as Co-chair); and the Board of Advisors of the Center on Asian Americans and the Law at Fordham Law School (as Chair). She has received the NYC Bar's Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award, AABANY's Women’s Leadership Award, and the inaugural Hong Yen Chang award from Columbia APALSA and Columbia Law School Association. In 2012, 2014, and 2021, she was nominated for appointment to the New York State Court of Appeals by the New York State Commission on Judicial Nomination. In 2021, she joined the Board of Directors of EmblemHealth, a national not-for-profit health insurer. In 2022 she received the Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

Fei-Fei Li

Dr. Fei-Fei Li is a pioneering AI scientist, Stanford professor, and co-director of the Stanford Human-Centered AI Institute. As a former Chief Scientist of AI/ML at Google Cloud, she has been at the forefront of artificial intelligence research, particularly in computer vision and ethical AI. Considered the "Godmother of AI" and a staunch advocate for diversity in STEM, Li founded AI4ALL to expand access to AI education for underrepresented groups. Her groundbreaking work continues to shape the future of AI while emphasizing ethical responsibility, equity, and the human impact of technology.

Maria Ressa

Maria Ressa is a globally renowned journalist, CEO, and co-founder of Rappler, an independent digital news platform known for its fearless reporting. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Ressa has dedicated her career to defending press freedom and exposing disinformation, corruption, and authoritarian abuses. She previously spent two decades as CNN’s bureau chief in Manila and Jakarta, reporting on terrorism and Southeast Asian politics. Despite facing relentless legal battles and threats, Ressa remains a steadfast advocate for democracy and truth. Her courage and leadership have earned her global recognition, including TIME’s Person of the Year and UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Prize.

Woraphanit "Please" Ruayrungruang

Woraphanit "Please" Ruayrungruang is the dynamic CEO of Reignwood Group, a multinational conglomerate with investments spanning luxury real estate, aviation, energy, and wellness, including Voss Water, VitaCoco, and Red Bull China. As a next-generation leader, she is driving innovation and sustainability in global markets while honoring the company’s legacy. Passionate about philanthropy and women’s empowerment, Ruayrungruang champions initiatives supporting education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for underserved communities. Her leadership marks a new era for Reignwood, blending business excellence with social impact.

$1500 Trailblazer ticket: $1150 is tax-deductible

$2000 Visionary VIP ticket: $1650 is tax-deductible

$15,000 Warrior table: $11,500 is tax-deductible

$25,000 sponsor: $21,500 is tax-deductible

$35,000 sponsor: $31,500 is tax-deductible

$50,000 sponsor: $46,500 is tax-deductible

$100,000 sponsor: $96,500 is tax-deductible