Since 2018, the Rising Star Awards have recognized young, dynamic leaders under 40 who are blazing trails in their industries. These women represent the next generation of changemakers, innovators, and leaders, inspiring others with their dedication, creativity, and impact. See past winners and learn more about these women at our new "Business Pioneers" page.
The AAPI Women's Gala & Conference 2025 on Thursday, May 22 proudly introduces the Rising Star Nominations to honor aspiring and accomplished women under 40 who are making remarkable contributions across the following categories:
This prestigious recognition celebrates women whose professional excellence, leadership, social impact, and innovative thinking are driving positive change within their industries and communities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for nomination, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Identify as a woman and be under 40 years of age
Demonstrate a strong commitment or allyship to AAPI and/or Asian communities
Exhibit a track record of professional excellence and impact
Work within the selected category:
Entrepreneur: Individuals who have founded a business, or achieved notable success through their own ventures, including authors, creators, and innovators.
Corporate: Professionals in sectors such as technology, healthcare, consulting, finance, media, banking, and beyond.
Non-Profit: Leaders in philanthropy, non-profit organizations, academia, or think tanks making a difference through social impact and community engagement.
Awards & Recognition
Winners will receive:
Exclusive Ticket: Complimentary access to both the Conference & Gala on May 22, 2025, offering high-value networking opportunities.
On-Stage Recognition: Award presentation in front of distinguished peers and industry leaders.
Publicity: Featured in event materials, promotional content, and post-event highlights.
Professional Network: Connection to a vibrant network of mentors, industry leaders, and fellow trailblazing women.
Judging Criteria
Nominations will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of four judges based on the following criteria, rated on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest):
Professional Achievements
Leadership Qualities
Social Impact
Innovation & Forward Thinking
2025 Rising Star Judges
Amy Chua is the John M. Duff, Jr. Professor of Law at Yale Law School. She is an internationally bestselling author of several non-fiction titles, including her 2011 memoir Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, which was a runaway international bestseller that has been translated into over 30 languages. Shortly after, Amy was listed as was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and cum laude from Harvard Law School. After practicing on Wall Street for a few years, she joined the Yale Law School faculty in 2001. The Golden Gate is her fiction debut.
Shau Zhang is the Leader of Americas China Overseas Investment at Ernst & Young LLP (EY). She is responsible for serving the dynamic needs of cross-border investors and businesses from China operating in the Americas. Starting from the ground up, Shau has facilitated cross-border trade activity in the tens of billions, including some of the largest inbound transactions in history. On these transactions, she has advised clients at the C-suite and Chairman level on the cooperative and business practices that will facilitate sustainable value creation. Under Shau’s leadership, EY has become a recognized market leader among Chinese inbound investors.
The first Asian-American reporter to win a Pulitzer Prize, Sheryl WuDunn has journeyed through several industries, from banking to journalism and book writing, pulling together critical insights to bear upon her work. She has co-authored 5 best-selling novels with her husband, Nicholas Kristof. Most recently, she has written a new book, A Path Appears, about spreading opportunity and making a difference in the world. Previously, she was co-author of Half the Sky, about the oppression of women and girls around the world. She was listed by Newsweek as one of the 150 Women Who Shake the World.
Yang Lan is a leading Chinese proprietor, media specialist, journalist, and talk show host. In 2013, she was ranked number 100 in Forbes magazine's 100 World’s Most Powerful Women. Ms. Yang first made her name when she hosted CCTV’s “Zhengda Variety Show”, which earned her “Golden Microphone Award” in 1994. Her show “Yang Lan Studio” for Hong Kong based Phoenix TV, has become China’s longest in-depth talk show of more than 600 interviews with leaders around the world. In 2005 she created “Her Village”, a TV talk show geared towards Chinese urban female audience, which was developed into a multimedia community to empower women.
Nomination Submission
Do you know a remarkable woman who embodies leadership, innovation, and impact? Nominate her today to shine a spotlight on her outstanding contributions to the AAPI and Asian communities.
Deadline for Submissions: March 31, 2025
Let's celebrate the voices, achievements, and leadership of AAPI women rising together!
