This year's AAPI Women’s Gala was a hit! It was an evening filled with elegance, laughter, and gratitude for the extraordinary achievements of AAPI women and their allies.
Our hosts, Di Cai and Daniel Tam-Claiborne, brought warmth and wit to the stage, setting the perfect tone for an evening dedicated to celebration and empowerment. Di, a hedge fund partner and stand-up comedian, alongside Daniel, our Executive Director and token gentleman of the evening, masterfully navigated the proceedings with humor and grace.
The highlight of our Gala was the celebration of our nine honorees: Sujuan Ba, Anita Bhatia, Barbara Bouza, Shinta Kamdani, Loida Lewis, Sheila Marcelo, Ng Gim Choo, Sheryl WuDunn, and Chen Man. These women, leaders in their fields, shared inspiring stories and insights that underscored the resilience and impact of AAPI women across the globe. Each brought their unique voice and vision to the stage, culminating in a powerful toast led by Anla Cheng, our founder and CEO. Together, they raised their glasses to honor the spirit of resilience and perseverance (our theme for the evening), leadership, and mutual support that characterizes our wonderful community.
Anla shared poignant remarks about the Serica Initiative’s commitment to empowerment and inclusion, highlighting our work in creating impactful documentaries and educational content. She praised the Gala as a beacon of hope and a testament to what we can achieve together. She also welcomed a video from Senator Hirono of Hawaii, praising the honorees and offering words of encouragement to the audience to keep persisting for change and inclusion!
The evening was also marked with memorable experiences honoring the Rising Star winners (below) Eden Cai, Karen Mu, and Gia Vang (Eddie Zheng as stand in); musical performances; and a spirited auction, where guests bid for prizes like trips to Bhutan and China, with all donations going to support our ongoing initiatives.
The auction is still live with a few leftover items!
Meet Sheryl WuDunn and Nicolas Kristof at their beautiful KristofFarms in Oregon and savor their No. 1 Awarded wine along with 22 other vineyards rivaling Napa Valley!
Share the excitement with Your Own Box at the famous Atlanta Mercedes Benz Stadium at one of the most-prized NFL games of the year.
Go to Shanghai, stay at a private club, and get a 1-year membership to 120 private clubs around the world.
Savor a luxurious trip to Italy, be pampered by a private art curator from the famed Mazzoleni Gallery during the Artissima art fair, and be wined and diner over a VIP dinner.
More art and experiences await you!
