The Serica Initiative and its legacy partners have a rich legacy of celebrating AAPI pioneers and leaders in the U.S.-Asia business community. From honoring visionary women at our Women’s Conferences & Galas, to honoring trailblazers with our Serica Galas, our events are a celebration of excellence and empowerment. Over the past 8 years, we have recognized the achievements of over 35 distinguished honorees, 15 Rising Stars and showcased the expertise of over 100 speakers.
![WG24 Serica Initiative a group of presenters on the stage](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f41cc1_afd63c8963b24eb68a4e7fd0c7c8b484~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_475,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/WG24%20-%20200%20of%20390.jpeg)
![20230518-SupChina-Women-Conference- three women standing together](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f41cc1_06f59ef0b9fd4dfea332601510e0f758~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_653,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/20230518-SupChina-Women-Conference-previews-053.jpg)
Women’s Conferences & Galas
(2017 - Present)
In 2017, Anla Cheng set out to achieve a great feat in bringing together outstanding women who work in China and Asia-related finance, business, culture, and politics to the stage to talk about their experiences.
The China business and policy world, especially when it comes to speakers in public forums, is dominated by men, but there are innumerable remarkable women whose voices need to be heard. This conference was dedicated to providing a platform for those voices. Originally launched as the SupChina Women’s Conference & Gala, the event has since evolved into the AAPI Women’s Conference & Gala, hosted by The Serica Initiative. Anla set out to not only honor remarkable women with established careers, but also recognize upcoming talents with the Rising Star award. These women are nominated by the community and then voted on by an established panel of judges.
This yearly flagship event brings together powerful AAPI women in business, politics, culture, and more. It continues to celebrate inspiring Asian women leaders that are making astounding waves in business and society, some who have been staples in their communities for decades, and some of who are just getting started making their mark on the world, and helping it evolve into a fruitful place for all.
Check the links to read more about each year’s event and the powerful impact it had in the community. To get involved in the 2025 Women’s Gala held on May 22, 2025, please contact us at events@sericainitiative.org.
![WG24 - 239 of 390_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f41cc1_8c1b1b24a5e24754ba5ea4b636165b59~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_160,h_52,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/f41cc1_8c1b1b24a5e24754ba5ea4b636165b59~mv2.jpg)
"Many thanks for an incredible evening celebrating so many remarkable women, and the valuable impact they are creating. Each one was just as inspiring as the next!"
Christine Goppel, Cartier
![Anita Bhatia](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_e7e1a19083db453d90bd0a68042a2906~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(16).png)
2024
Anita Bhatia
Founder of Impact Commons, Former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women
![Barbara Bouza](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_ecfb4282ae2445a29cd08e13d3de92ac~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(17).png)
2024
Barbara Bouza
Former President, Walt Disney Imagineering, Asia/Global Experiences & Theme Parks
![Joyce Chang](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_c31dba3fb34b477ab62cea71d4210745~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(18).png)
2022
Joyce Chang
Global Head of Research and a member of the management committee for J.P.Morgan
![Wei Sun Christianson](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_738ee4ab941e4ad9acec2368e42f7bc9~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(19).png)
2021
Wei Sun Christianson
Managing Director and co-CEO of Asia-Pacific, Morgan Stanley
![Amy Chua](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_742f03626bf24bcf88ba32adc1c52c58~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(20).png)
2023
Amy Chua
Yale Professor and International best-selling author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
![Merit Janow](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_00c646f3e57642069590c9982c8c43ac~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(21).png)
2022
Merit Janow
Dean of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
![Shinta Kamdani](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_57f1ab645c7c4e18b8331e54799052c4~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(22).png)
2024
Shinta Kamdani
Owner and CEO of Sintesa Group
![Yue-Sai Kan](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_ac743ddbe7804a0dbc12c8ec2d9d6def~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(23).png)
2021
Yue-Sai Kan
Emmy-winning TV host and producer, entrepreneur, fashion icon, best-selling author and humanitarian
![Yang Lan](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_03225f05bc8442a5af8251afff3c0158~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(24).png)
2020
Yang Lan
Award-winning TV Host known as "The Chinese Oprah", and Chairperson of Sun Media Group
![Dora Fugh Lee](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_aa87460f36ab4382b51b9297c65eba0c~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(25).png)
2023
Dora Fugh Lee
Renowned Chinese-American Painter & Artist
![Loida Lewis](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_c16b236e2944431f8e5a88eff536063c~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(26).png)
2024
Loida Lewis
Former CEO of Beatrice Foods, Chair of the Reginal F. Lewis Foundation, Attorney, Philanthropist, and Best-selling Author
![Stella Li](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_507d9988a39c41cfa923dd3c44e46af6~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(27).png)
2023
Stella Li
President, BYD Americas
![Roberta Lipson](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_72057248a5154c7ea1673a402ff6161f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(28).png)
2024
Roberta Lipson
CEO of New Frontier Health and founder of United Family Healthcare
![Chen Man](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_213ed6f613f1487d9b137a61fd2a9e8a~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(29).png)
2024
Chen Man
Top Fashion Photographer, Cinematographer, and Digital Artist
![Sheila Lirio Marcelo](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_a7610217626b43319167ffbc45346694~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(30).png)
2024
Sheila Lirio Marcelo
Co-founder & CEO of Ohai.ai, Founder & Former CEO of Care.com
![Ng Gim Choo](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_16ece0866e3a40ebb7045d0d842584db~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(31).png)
2024
Ng Gim Choo
Founder and Chairwoman EtonHouse International Education Group
![Katherine Tai](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_10b6187f3ab64836a1156ed938512cb7~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(32).png)
2022
Katherine Tai
U.S. Trade Representative and Ambassador
![Yuja Wang](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_631ba619909a41b6b42711a3b9d4bc06~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(33).png)
2023
Yuja Wang
Globally Acclaimed Concert Pianist
![Sheryl WuDunn](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_68a295757ff049219555af2ef2580153~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(34).png)
2024
Sheryl WuDunn
Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist and Author
![Janet Yang](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_58c2c0a330c147aa84bd25098e80c580~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group.png)
2020
Janet Yang
Award-winning producer and President of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Women Trailblazer Honorees
Each year, we honor the trailblazing women who are shaping the future of business, arts, and society. These leaders are recognized for their visionary leadership, impact, and commitment to empowering others.
Serica Galas
(2021 - 2023)
Our Serica Galas spotlight the changemakers who are shaping the future of the AAPI community. From virtual events to in-person galas, these celebrations are a platform for honoring influential figures across business, culture, and philanthropy.
Click the link to learn more about each event:
![20230913 a group of event attendees](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f41cc1_9bacf947daa140c7ad7ad759ace53cba~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_653,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/20230913_0484.jpg)
![Sharon Chan](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_b840a32911d94254a24af3c65b659569~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(54).png)
2021
Sharon Chan
VP, JLABS Asia Pacific
![Patricia Chin](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_6393cfe79a814fe8a33487c7e750419a~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(55).png)
2023
Patricia Chin
Co-founder of VP Records
![Andy Kim](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_fa892fa2420a486e9b93a4f2bcae81e6~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(56).png)
2022
Andy Kim
Former US State Rep, and now first Korean American US Senator of New Jersey
![Annie Liang-Zhou](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_48d2530086494b2987d8bb7abdd865ae~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(57).png)
2022
Annie Liang-Zhou
CINGS Co-Founder and President Emeritus, Philanthropist & Activist
![Wendy O'Neill](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_ba90491830934ace9c9f4fd2a7e6a1df~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(58).png)
2023
Wendy O'Neill
Life Trustee of the Rockefeller-funded Asian Cultural Council
![Richard Park](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_d00f40e8205b4010a7237b86b84cd7e1~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(59).png)
2021
Richard Park
Partner, Ascend Partners, CEO, Rendr, Co-Founder & Former CEO, CityMD
![Susan Rockefeller](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_8e7c0d9bb9934945a39585455fd4eb31~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(61).png)
2021
Susan Rockefeller
Filmmaker, Philanthropist and Global Advocate for a Sustainable Future
![David Jr. Rockefeller](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_907fdba2bdf04e3c96c36ae4e3c30a70~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(60).png)
2021
David Jr. Rockefeller
Chairman Emeritus, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Philanthropist and Climate Activist
![Jane Sun](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_6af0924868e541b987ab5b4e95741898~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(62).png)
2021
Jane Sun
CEO, Trip.com
![George Takei](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_c0f1eac146e14cd9b3ec2b920570bc26~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(63).png)
2023
George Takei
Star Trek Actor, Civil Rights Activist
![Jennifer Wu](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_3d1049572cb24536a86502404c8ae41f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(65).png)
2022
Jennifer Wu
Founding Partner, Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone Law
![Frank Wu](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f41cc1_17974e78281f4e44b365a63e5d95d1bd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1225,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Frank%20Photo_edited.jpg)
2023
Frank Wu
President of Queens College, Former Committee of 100 Chairman, Author of “Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black & White”
![Yong Zhao](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_0a45fc80953f4ef588fe71ca9b5ae4bd~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(66).png)
2022
Yong Zhao
Current CINGS President, Founder Junzi Kitchen & Nice Day Chinese
Serica Award Honorees
![a man using a laptop in an office](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_bd49fccd5d2143b58b92265035af934c~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_3681,h_2731/fill/w_881,h_653,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/782921e77c18bd122e5f86c732cf6b08.jpg)
Get Involved
Whether you’re interested in attending our events, nominating a Rising Star, or supporting our mission through sponsorships and donations, The Serica Initiative welcomes you to be part of this legacy. Here’s how you can contribute:
![Serica Initiative Recognizing Pioneers placeholder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_1d0128baf4f240b2abb0231d7323427f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_338,h_338,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(10)%20(1).png)
2022
Di Cai
Partner, Sanders Capital, LLC
![Serica Initiative Recognizing Pioneers placeholder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_59e9f5abc1534b83a27722d59e1477e1~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(37).png)
2024
Eden Cai
Co-founder and Managing Director, Garden Star Group
![Serica Initiative Recognizing Pioneers placeholder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_e256520e0f624aba912c81f3ff7c9efa~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(38).png)
2023
Victoria Lee
Co-founder of Welcome to Chinatown
![Serica Initiative Recognizing Pioneers placeholder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_61fe207f228e409f856895b41b36f7d9~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(40).png)
2019
Rui Ma
Creator and Host, TechBuzz China
![Serica Initiative Recognizing Pioneers placeholder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_2a2258c957404dc784c3116c460f11dd~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(39).png)
2018
Cindy Mi
CEO, VIPKid
![Serica Initiative Recognizing Pioneers placeholder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_c945fdbe0ee04bd582d57db46df1f285~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(41).png)
2024
Karen Mu
Managing Director, Investment Banking Global Head, Asia Banking at Alliance Global Partners
![Serica Initiative Recognizing Pioneers placeholder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_76b4876a121845ceba0fd6bd9fc2e95e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(45).png)
2021
Jiayan “Jenny” Shi
Documentary Filmmaker
![Serica Initiative Recognizing Pioneers placeholder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_0d3e595f6b864017b36bf729c778febd~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(46).png)
2022
Nika Soon-Shiong
Founder, Fund for Guaranteed Income, PhD Candidate at Oxford University, Social Activist
![Serica Initiative Recognizing Pioneers placeholder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_edcf0e8210f54a64801c9e8585ddd8ff~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(47).png)
2023
Sisi Sung
Academic researcher & author of The Economics of Gender in China
![Serica Initiative Recognizing Pioneers placeholder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_984cb0d47a3e48ba822f72f5841dcbdd~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(49).png)
2020
Virginia Tan
Founding Partner, Teja Ventures
![Serica Initiative Recognizing Pioneers placeholder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_7aab2c76b05c4b15804492dc7d974bcb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(44).png)
2024
Gia Vang
Journalist + Non-Profit Co-Founder | The Very Asian Foundation, Daughter of Hmong refugees
![Serica Initiative Recognizing Pioneers placeholder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_dca517d463fa47ba8a25643be9fe12af~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(50).png)
2023
Ruby Wang
Medical Doctor; Managing Director, Lintris Consulting; Digital Health Council, UK Royal Society of Medicinex
![Serica Initiative Recognizing Pioneers placeholder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_bdb59c30a2ed4372b8496bed45e5ca6d~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(51).png)
2020
Emma Yang
CEO and Founder, Timeless
![Serica Initiative Recognizing Pioneers placeholder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_9ba25f9472f24813bb8b42e816c47061~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(52).png)
2018
Ingrid Yin
Co-founder, MayTech Global Investments
![Serica Initiative Recognizing Pioneers placeholder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa378e_1a1b71689d4b4f8497804b1f3e049fc3~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_342,h_342,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Mask%20group%20(53).png)
2019
Carrie Yu
CEO and Founder, The Bulk House
Rising Star Honorees
The Rising Star Awards recognize young, dynamic leaders under 40 who are blazing trails in their industries. These women represent the next generation of changemakers, innovators, and leaders.