2026 Gala Program ISSUU

M AY 1 3, 2026 N ATIONAL B U IL DING M USEUM WAS HINGT ON, DC

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PROGRAM NATIONAL ANTHEM

Regino Madrid Violin, Sound Impact

EVENT WELCOME REMARKS

Emilie Ikeda Correspondent, NBC News HAWAIIAN BLESSING

Manulele

APAICS WELCOME REMARKS

Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke President and CEO, APAICS APAICS GALA TASK FORCE CHAIR REMARKS

Irene B. Bueno

HONORARY CO-CHAIR REMARKS

The Honorable Tammy Duckworth (IL) United States Senate

CONGRESSIONAL ALUMNI AWARDS HELEN RUGGIERO AWARD PRESENTATION OF 2025-2026 CONGRESSIONAL FELLOWS DINNER APAICS BOARD CHAIR REMARKS

Jason Chan

CAPAC CHAIR REMARKS

The Honorable Grace Meng (NY-06) United States House of Representatives

HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER REMARKS

The Honorable Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) United States House of Representatives CAPAC MEMBER ROLL CALL HONORARY CO-CHAIR REMARKS

The Honorable Derek Tran (CA-45) United States House of Representatives IN MEMORIAM COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL) COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate (CSAH) PIONEER AWARD

The Honorable Ghazala Hashmi Lieutenant Governor, Virginia CLOSING REMARKS

Jason Chan

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FO U N D E R S The Hon. Norman Y. Mineta The Hon. Robert A. Underwood

B OA R D O F D I R EC TO R S Jason Chan, Chair Nisha Ramachandran, Vice Chair Robin Rorick, Treasurer Mona Mohib, Secretary The Hon. Grace Meng Krish Gupta Kai Hirabayashi Joon I. Kim

Pearl Kim Alisa La Jean Lee The Hon. Manufou Liaiga-Anoa`i Susan Moon The Hon. Stephanie Nguyen The Hon. Betty Yee

N AT I O N A L A DV I S O RY CO U N C I L Jacob Aki Régine Biscoe-Lee Irene Bueno The Hon. Sam Cho

Kim Delevett Tariq Khan The Hon. Scott Nishimoto Vivian Young

EMERITUS BOARD Susan Jin Davis June Jee Jim Park

GALA TASK FORCE COMMITTEE Irene Bueno, Task Force Chair Jacob Aki Tariq Khan Alisa La Mona Mohib Nisha Ramachandran Vivian Young

Toyota

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N AT I O N A L A N T H E M P E R F O R M A N C E REGINO MADRID, VIOLIN, SOUND IMPACT

Regino Madrid, from Los Angeles, CA, is currently the concertmaster of The American Pops Orchestra and assistant concertmaster of The National Philharmonic at Strathmore.

He was the former assistant concertmaster of “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra for 20 years and regularly played at the White House. Mr. Madrid has also appeared as guest concertmaster for the Eclipse Chamber Orchestra, National Gallery Orchestra, National Philharmonic, Chesapeake Orchestra at St. Mary’s River Concert Series, the Alexandria Symphony, and the Chamber Orchestra of San Antonio. Mr. Madrid regularly plays with the National Symphony Orchestra.

Since making his solo debut at 16, Mr. Madrid has appeared with numerous orchestras throughout the United States and abroad. Notable performances include Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, Bartok’s Violin Concerto No. 2, Brahms’ Double Concerto, and Waxman’s Carmen Fantasy. Mr. Madrid received his Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music after pursuing a Physiological Science degree from UCLA. Mr. Madrid resides in Hollin Hills, VA where he enjoys photography and Scandinavian midcentury design and architecture.

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES EMILIE IKEDA, CORRESPONDENT, NBC NEWS Emilie Ikeda is an NBC News Correspondent based in New York. She reports for all of the network’s platforms, including “TODAY,” “NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas,” and NBC News NOW. Since joining NBC News in July 2021, Emilie’s reporting has carried her from coast to coast, covering wildfires, tornadoes, blizzards, and hurricanes, along with mass tragedies including a racially motivated supermarket shooting in New York and shooting spree in Lewiston, Maine. She’s followed high-profile court cases such as Karen Read’s murder trial and the Gilgo Beach serial killer.

As a Japanese American, whose family was forced into incarceration during WWII, she’s spotlighted efforts to uncover injustices and tell stories from that period.

In moments of levity, Emilie has embraced a coveted beat covering Taylor Swift's record-breaking tour around the world and its stunning economic impact. She helped the Paralympics reach record viewership with reporting on-the-ground in Paris, and more recently, in Italy.

Previously, Emilie worked as an MMJ/reporter in Atlanta and the Washington, D.C.-area. Emilie grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and holds a degree in broadcast journalism from American University’s Honors College. She was captain of the school’s Division I field hockey team.

You Can Just Build Things OpenAI would like to congratulate this year’s award winners, and thanks APAICS for building a better future through service, leadership, and opportunity for others.

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H AWA I I A N B L E S S I N G MANULELE Manu Ikaika (Manulele) is a Native Hawaiian Kumu Hula, composer, choreographer, and musician born and raised in Honolulu. Trained from age three under renowned Kumu Hula John Pi‘ilani Watkins and later Harold “Mahealani” Bailey, he was formally graduated through traditional ‘ūniki rites. Manu has performed across Hawai‘i, the mainland U.S., and internationally, and is proficient in hula, traditional Hawaiian instruments, and the Samoan fire knife dance. He has performed for U.S. presidents and at national venues including the Kennedy Center and Smithsonian Institution, and remains a leading advocate and practitioner of Native Hawaiian cultural traditions in the Washington, DC area.

TRADITIONAL CHANT OF LONG AGO WELCOMING WITH A OHE HANO IHU I kēia Kuakini he lawaiʻa a manu He ūpēna kuʻu i ka noe ko pokahi Ke hoʻopuni lā i ka ohu Ke hoʻopuni lā i ka ohu na kīkepa Ke naʻi i ka luna o ka ʻauana O ka ʻuwahi ke kāpeku E hei ʻai ka lā manu o pū-o-aliʻi O ke ʻliʻi wale no kaʻu makemake O ka luhi o ma ua me ʻia nei O ka mākou leʻaleʻa no ʻia wehi e, wehi e, wehi e Oia ua ʻike no ʻia a——iā lā Haʻahaʻa mākou i ke kuahiwi Ke alanui kīkeʻekeʻe Iohe ana no ʻia o ka manu Oia mau no~

1. (You) will recognize Kaukini the bird catcher 2. Spreading his nets like the mist of Pokahi 3. The mist stretches 4. Stretching the mist like nets around 5. And over the uplands of Ka’auana 6. The dark smoke will drive 7. The bird Pu-o-Ali’i into the net 8. I delight in serving the chief 9. Whom I and others care for 10. This is our joy Spoken: So, it is. This is known. There it is.

9 KUMU HULA MANU IKAIKA’S BLESSING WRITTEN AND COMPOSED BY MANU IKAIKA E hele ma kahi e E hele ma kahi e E hele ma kahi e Na uhane o loko’ino E Komo mai E Komo mai E Komo mai Mai na uhane o maika’i e E Komo mai iloko o ka hale o APAICS E Ola! E Ola! E Ola! Eli’eli noa Amama ua noa kapu

Go away Evil spirits Welcome Good spirits Welcome to the home of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Life, health, well-being Profoundly released from restrictions (The removal of KAPU) It is free, (lifted OF KAPU)

E PULE HAKU, E PULE KAKOU (LET US PRAY, LET US PRAY TOGETHER) WRITTEN AND COMPOSED BY MANU IKAIKA E kou makou makua i loko o ka lani E komo mai ia oe ke Akua no keia la no keia po E komo mai na aumakua i loko o ke kai, o ka makani, o ka aina a me ma makou Kaholo i ka lani Eia na pulapula a ‘oukou ‘o ka po’e Hawai’i E malama ‘oukou ia makou E ulu i ka lani E ulu i ka honua E ulu i ka hui ʻO APAICS E ho mai i ka ‘ike E ho mai i ka ikaika E ho mai i ke akamai E ho mai i ka maopopo pono E ho mai i ka ‘ike papalua E ho mai i ka mana.

Mahalo ia oe ke Akua Mahalo ia oe na Aumakua i loko o ke kai, O ka makani, o ka aina a me na makou A me ka mana a me ka ho’onani ia a mau loa aku ‘Amama ua noa Ameme

Our father who art in heaven Please join us on this day, on this night Please join us oh guardians of the sea, the land, the wind and all of us Here are your descendants, the Hawaiians Safeguard us That we may flourish in the heavens That we may flourish on earth That we may flourish in the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Grant us knowledge Grant us strength Grant us intelligence Grant us understanding Grant us insight Grant us power Mahalo father, mahalo our guardians of the sea, the wind, the land, and all of us And for the power and honor forever more The prayer is lifted, it is free.

Amene (Amen)

National Education Association Speak Up for Students— OUR VOICE IS OUR POWER. On behalf of our 3 million members, the National Education Association proudly supports the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies.

NEA believes that no matter our race, background, or ZIP code, every student deserves a quality education that imparts honesty about who we are, integrity in how we treat others, and courage to do what’s right.

NEA celebrates May AANHPI Heritage Month and honors our AANHPI members, students,and educators. We recognize that the AANHPI community plays an essential role in American culture, diversity, and economy, and are active leaders in racial and social justice advocacy and the labor movement, calling for improvements to labor conditions and worker benefits — and tirelessly fight to ensure all students are seen, valued, and receive the quality education they deserve. As a result of these heroic community members, substantial changes have been made that have strengthened our schools, work environments, and communities.

Together, we can continue to advocate for the quality public schools all students deserve. Together, we can protect students. Together, we can protect public schools.

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AWA R D P R E S E N T E R S PHILLIP HUYNH Phillip Huynh is an Operations Coordinator at the Asian American Power Network, where he develops and coordinates the operational infrastructure of a national network of 11 state-based Asian American c4 organizations across 12 states.

He previously served as an APAICS Fellow in the Office of Congressman Ami Bera, where he advocated for constituents through legislative policy and coordination, and as a Program Specialist at LEAP, where he supported national leadership programs and strengthened alumni engagement to grow a vibrant, cross-sector community.

In 2022, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History of Public Policy & Law from UC Santa Barbara, fully funded by scholarships and federal aid. Raised in a low-income, single-immigrant-parent household and having experienced the foster care system, he understands firsthand the transformative power of social safety nets and educational opportunity. Grounded in these experiences, Phillip is dedicated to expanding opportunity, strengthening representation, and ensuring that marginalized communities have a seat at the table.

RITIKA SHROFF Ritika Shroff is a junior at American University, majoring in the interdisciplinary studies of Communications, Legal Studies, Economics, and Government, and is enrolled in the Master's in Public Administration. Ritika first got involved with APAICS during the spring semester of her sophomore year as an office intern. Since then, she has interned with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Evergreen Strategies Group, and different political campaigns in her home state of Iowa, as well as worked in Brussels and Kenya. At American, she is involved in student journalism, writes the advice column for The Eagle, and is a Podcast Producer on the American Way of Life.

Wells Fargo is proud to sponsor APAICS Gala 2026

© 2026 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. IHA-8545405

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MESSAGE FROM A PA I C S B O A R D C H A I R Dear Friends, I am honored to welcome you to the 32nd APAICS Annual Awards Gala.

Tonight, we celebrate not just achievements, but the power of a community that continues to shape the future of this country. Each year, we reach new heights, and I am constantly inspired by what we can accomplish when we stand together.

Our theme this year—“Celebrating 250: Building America’s Future Together”— reminds us of our deep roots in this country and the role we have played in shaping it. As we look ahead to the next 250 years, we do so with enduring hope and a clear understanding that we will continue to author what comes next.

There is no America without us.

We are not guests in this country—we are builders of it.

As this is my final year serving as Board Chair, I am especially mindful that leadership is not about holding on to a position, but about building pathways for others to step forward. Our responsibility is to prepare the next generation, to create opportunities, and to ensure that those who come after us are even stronger than we are today.

We stand here because of the grit and vision of those who came before us, and we carry forward that legacy by forging new pathways for the next generation of leaders. Together, we will continue building a stronger, more inclusive future.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees—thank you for representing the very best of our community. We celebrate your leadership and your impact.

I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to our Honorary Co-Chairs, Senator Tammy Duckworth and Congressman Derek Tran, for your leadership. To APAICS President and CEO Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke, our dedicated staff, Board and National Advisory Council Members, and our Alumni Network—thank you for your continued commitment. None of this is possible without you.

I hope you leave tonight not only inspired, but energized to lead, to serve, and to continue lifting our community forward.

With gratitude and hope,

Jason Chan Board Chair Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS)

A community of good Together, we’re building a better, stronger community. State Farm® is proud to join our neighbors to support the APAICS 32nd Annual Awards Gala.

Keeping patients at the center

© 2026 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. All rights reserved.

Bristol Myers Squibb

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MESSAGE FROM A PA I C S P R E S I D E N T A N D C E O Dear Honorable Guests, Happy Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) Heritage Month, and welcome to “Celebrating 250: Building America’s Future Together,” the 32nd APAICS Annual Awards Gala.

Tonight, we honor our community’s enduring contributions and profound impact on the United States—from its founding to its 250th anniversary and beyond. For too long, we’ve been made to feel “othered”. The simple fact is that we’ve always belonged. Our presence has driven this country forward, moving the needle on progress and innovation that define this nation’s identity.

May also marks the anniversary of the founding of APAICS—32 years and counting of educating, uplifting, and equipping our community to step up and lead throughout public service. Though we are making incredible strides in representation—including a 130% increase in AA & NH/PI candidates for state and local offices in 2025—we know we have a long way to go and we will continue to rise to the challenge. However long it will take for us to reach parity in representation, APAICS will be there to help bridge that gap. Heading into this year’s midterms and beyond, we are confident that our community will continue to show up, not just at the polls, but also on the ballot.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating APAICS and the community that makes this work possible. Together, we will continue breaking barriers and empowering AA & NH/PIs across the country.

My sincere thanks to this year’s Honorary Co-Chairs—Senator Tammy Duckworth and Congressman Derek Tran. Your leadership continues to be an inspiration to us all. I would also like to thank our Gala sponsors, without whom this evening would not be possible. We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support and dedication to our community.

To our Board and National Advisory Council Members, the entire APAICS staff, and our Alumni Network: thank you for your tireless efforts in making our organization shine and amplifying the voices of our community.

I hope you have a wonderful evening celebrating our leaders and our community at tonight’s Gala!

Sincerely,

Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke President and CEO Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS)

KKR is proud to support the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Congratulations to the awardees: Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate (CSAH ) Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL) The Honorable Ghazala Hashmi, Lieutenant Governor, Virginia

kkr.com/careers/inclusive-culture

Amgen is proud to support APAICS Amgen is one of the world’s leading independent biotech companies – obally.

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MESSAGE FROM G A L A TA S K F O R C E C H A I R Dear Friends, On behalf of the 2026 Gala Task Force, I’m pleased to welcome you to the 32nd APAICS Annual Awards Gala, “Celebrating 250: Building America’s Future Together.”

As our country marks its 250th anniversary, we’re called to reflect upon our community’s deep-rooted history in the United States, from helping build the railroads and leading social justice movements, to breaking countless barriers and serving in the highest levels of leadership. Our history is unmistakably American history. We are not a footnote, we are a foundation, and the future of our country will not be built without us.

I would like to extend my congratulations to this year’s honorees—thank you all for your inspirational leadership and for paving the way for the next generation of changemakers. Each of you stands as a shining example of what greatness looks like in action.

Our work is made possible by the steadfast support of our Gala sponsors, who champion not only tonight’s celebration but the mission of our organization year-round. I’d also like to recognize our Honorary Co-Chairs—Senator Tammy Duckworth and Congressman Derek Tran—for their stalwart leadership in office and continued dedication to uplifting our communities.

Additionally, my sincere thanks to APAICS President & CEO, Madalene XuanTrang Mielke, the entire APAICS staff, and my fellow Gala Task Force members, as well as this evening’s presenters and speakers, without whom, tonight would not be possible. It is because of this collective effort that we can celebrate the very best and brightest of our community here this evening.

Lastly, thank you to each of you, our community members, who could join us in our celebrations. Your ongoing support allows us to continue pursuing our mission of forging a more just and inclusive democracy for all.

Happy Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month—I hope you enjoy the Gala!

Sincerely,

Irene B. Bueno Gala Task Force Chair and National Advisory Council Member Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS)

Asian American & Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

SEIU

As the union with the largest AANHPI membership in the nation, SEIU thanks the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies for their partnership in improving the lives of AANHPI and all working people.

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HONORARY GALA CO-CHAIRS THE HONORABLE TAMMY DUCKWORTH (IL) UNITED STATES SENATE

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth is an Iraq War veteran, Purple Heart recipient and former Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Among the first Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom, she served 23 years in the Reserve Forces, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2014.

She was elected to the Senate in 2016 after two terms representing Illinois’s 8th Congressional District.

Deployed to Iraq in 2004 as a Blackhawk pilot, Duckworth lost both legs and partial use of her right arm when her helicopter was hit by an RPG. During her recovery at Walter Reed, she became an advocate for fellow service members. She later led the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, expanding employment, housing and crisis support programs.

In Congress, Duckworth has championed veterans, working families and accessibility, authoring laws on aviation safety, maternal accommodations and water infrastructure. She is a leader on national security, environmental justice and reproductive rights, and continues her lifelong commitment to serving veterans and military families.

THE HONORABLE DEREK TRAN (CA-45) UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Congressman Derek Tran proudly represents California’s 45th Congressional District. In his first term, he serves on the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he focuses on national security, economic growth, consumer protections and expanding access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The son of Vietnamese refugees, Tran’s family story reflects resilience and determination. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, his father survived a harrowing escape by boat before eventually reaching the United States in 1980. Tran was born and raised in Los Angeles County.

At 18, Tran enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve, serving eight years, including activation for Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom. He later earned a degree in Economics-Finance from Bentley University and a Juris Doctor from Glendale University College of Law. An attorney and small business owner, Tran has advocated for consumers and workers while remaining deeply engaged in public service. He and his wife, Michelle, have three children: Bryson, Olivia and Landen.

EVERYTOWN

LEAUGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS

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C O N G R E S S I O N A L A S I A N PA C I F I C AMERICAN CAUCUS CHAIR REMARKS THE HONORABLE GRACE MENG (NY-06) UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Congresswoman Grace Meng is serving her seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York’s Sixth Congressional District, which spans west, central and northeast Queens. She is the first and only Asian American Member of Congress from New York State and the first woman to represent Queens in Congress since Geraldine Ferraro, cementing her role as a trailblazer and national leader.

In Congress, Meng serves on the influential House Appropriations Committee and is the Ranking Member of its Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies. She also sits on the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee and is the senior New York member of Appropriations, helping oversee federal funding priorities. Additionally, she chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and co-chairs the House Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Antisemitism.

Meng has authored and passed legislation on issues including religious freedom, veterans’ services, broadband expansion and public housing protections. She led the effort to remove the term “Oriental” from federal law, supported the inclusion of Queens sites in the National Park Service and helped advance a national museum of Asian Pacific American history and culture. In response to rising antiAsian hate, she championed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. A lifelong Queens resident, Meng was born in Elmhurst and raised in Elmhurst, Bayside and Flushing. She is a graduate of Stuyvesant High School, the University of Michigan and Cardozo School of Law. She lives in Queens with her husband and two sons.

CONGRATULATIONS f rom th e

1.4 million members of

AFSCME

Thank you, APAICS, for creating opportunities for students and leaders throughout our AANHPI communities to pursue careers in public service. #125-25

Kūhiō Fellows Program Empowering the Next Generation of Native Hawaiian Leaders Kawānanakoa Foundation

The Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Fellows Program cultivates leaders and advocates for the Native Hawaiian community by placing fellows in the offices of Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. This immersive, year-long experience offers hands-on exposure to policymaking, public service, and advocacy, while fostering a deep understanding of how federal decisions affect Hawai‘i and Native Hawaiians.

kawananakoafoundation.org

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H O U S E D E M O C R AT I C L E A D E R REMARKS THE HONORABLE HAKEEM JEFFRIES (NY-08) UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Hakeem Jeffries represents the diverse Eighth Congressional District of New York and is serving his seventh term in the United States Congress. Rep. Jeffries is the Democratic Leader, the highest-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives, having been unanimously elected to that position by his colleagues in 2022 and 2024. He is a former House Democratic Caucus Chair, Whip of the Congressional Black Caucus and Co-chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.

As Democratic Leader, Rep. Jeffries has led House Democrats through some of this decade’s most defining moments. Throughout the 119th Congress, Rep. Jeffries and House Democrats have successfully enacted multiple bills into law by way of discharge petition, governing in the minority as if in the majority.

House Democrats created the Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force, which is committed to pushing back against the Trump administration’s illegal actions.

House Democrats have signed onto more than 14 Task Force-led amicus briefs to challenge the Trump tariffs, prevent unnecessary military presence in our cities and defend birthright citizenship.

In January 2020, Rep. Jeffries was selected by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve as one of seven House Impeachment Managers in the Senate trial of President Donald Trump, becoming the first African American man to serve in that role.

In the 115th Congress, Rep. Jeffries worked across the aisle on the FIRST STEP Act, a strong, bipartisan criminal justice reform bill signed into law in December 2018 that is widely viewed as the most meaningful criminal justice reform effort in a generation. Rep. Jeffries also played a key role in the House passage of the Music Modernization Act, a sweeping update to copyright laws that improves the licensing process for songwriters, artists and musicians.

Leader Jeffries also works to keep in close contact with his constituents through “Congress on Your Corner” outdoor office hours throughout the district and hosts regularly scheduled telephone town hall meetings for constituents to discuss local and national issues.

Before his election to Congress, Leader Jeffries served for six years in the New York State Assembly, where he authored laws to protect the civil liberties of law-abiding New Yorkers during police encounters, encourage the transformation of vacant luxury condominiums into affordable homes for working families and improve the quality of justice in civil court.

Leader Jeffries was born at Brooklyn Hospital, raised in Crown Heights and is a product of New York City public schools, having graduated from Midwood High School. Jeffries lives in Prospect Heights with his family.

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We are proud to support the Asian Pacific American Institute for DOOR Congressional Studies and itsDASJ work to promote Asian Pacific American participation and representation at all levels of the political process, from community service to elected office.

DoorDash stands in solidarity with APAICS and joins you in celebrating a successful Annual Awards Gala.

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Charter is committed to connecting more Americans to what matters most, and we’re proud to partner with the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies to empower opportunities for everyone.

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C O N G R E S S I O N A L A L U M N I AWA R D S HORIZON AWARD: ADI SATHI Adi Sathi is currently serving as an Infantry Officer in the Army National Guard. He is preparing to move to Cambridge, Massachusetts this summer to pursue a Mid-Career M.P.A. at the Harvard Kennedy School. Since 2010, Adi has managed or advised numerous successful political campaigns during 10 election cycles in 27 states across America. From 2016-2017, Adi was an APAICS Fellow in the Office of U.S. Senator Orrin G. Hatch, who served as the President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate as well as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. During his time on Capitol Hill, Adi traveled on a Congressional staff delegation trip to China to discuss trade policy and financial services. Adi’s work within the foreign policy and national security space has also taken him to Japan, Taiwan, India, Israel, and France. In April 2018, Governor Rick Snyder appointed Adi to complete a four-year term as a State Commissioner on the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission. In 2019, he was invited to join the US-Asia Institute’s Congressional Council. Most recently, Adi served as a Presidential Appointee and Special Advisor at the Pentagon with a focus on East Asia security policy from 2025-2026. Adi received both his B.A. in Political Science and M.S.W. in Community Organization from the University of Michigan. Over the years, he also shared his passion for the sport of wrestling as a high school wrestling coach.

IGNITE AWARD: ALTON WANG

Trustee Alton Wang was first elected to the Pasadena City College (PCC) Board of Trustees in 2022, representing his hometowns of Arcadia and Temple City. On the Board, he has fought to expand access and affordability for students, improve working conditions for faculty and staff, and deepen partnerships across the region. Alton is the first openly queer person elected to the PCC Board in the College’s history. During his nearly twoyear tenure as Board President, Alton held the distinction of being the youngest then-serving community college leader in the state of California. As Board President, he led Pasadena City College’s response to the devastating Eaton Fire, made historic investments in plans to build a new campus, passed a community workforce agreement to enshrine labor protections, and implemented policies to defend immigrant and LGBTQ+ students. Outside of his work on the Pasadena City College Board, Alton has worked as a civil rights attorney fighting to protect and expand voting rights and fair representation, as a policy advisor in Congress advocating on issues impacting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, and as an organizer to increase civic engagement in underrepresented communities. Alton earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Sociology from Wesleyan University and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law with a focus on public interest law.

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C O N G R E S S I O N A L A L U M N I AWA R D S TRAILBLAZER AWARD: MOH SHARMA Moh Sharma is the Director of Member Services for Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. She has worked in Congress for over a decade and previously worked for the House Judiciary Committee, the House Small Business Committee, the House Democratic Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). Moh began her Hill career as an Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) fellow in the Office of Rep. Judy Chu and CAPAC. Moh holds various positions on volunteer boards and currently serves as the chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association (CAPASA) Advisory Board and the chair of the APAICS Alumni Advisory Council. She also is an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown Law School. Moh received her B.A. (Hons.) and M.A. in Economics from the University of Connecticut, M.S. in Global Affairs from NYU, and J.D. from CUNY School of Law.

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H E L E N R U G G I E R O AWA R D This award honors the legacy of Helen Ruggiero, a cherished longtime APAICS staff member who embodied warmth, friendship, and unwavering support for a generation of interns, fellows, elected officials, program participants, external partners, and board members. Helen played a pivotal role in nurturing and inspiring future leaders through APAICS programming, demonstrating unparalleled dedication to the AA & NH/PI communities. Inspired by her impact, this award recognizes an individual outside of the APAICS community who has been a steadfast ally, consistently supporting and uplifting the community.

DR. MARY THERESE PEREZ HATTORI Dr. Mary Therese Perez Hattori is a daughter of Guåhan (Guam), of the clan Familian Titang, born to Paul Mitsuo Hattori† of Kalihi, O’ahu and Fermina Leon Guerrero Perez† of the village of Chalan Pago. She recently retired from her role as Director of the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) with the East-West Center and previously enjoyed a long career in various technology and education-related positions.

She is affiliate graduate faculty in Pacific Studies, Learning Design and Technology, and the Educational Doctorate at UHM and also teaches courses in Indigenous leadership for the Educational Doctorate program at Chaminade University. She is currently co-curator for the Ocean of Peace Exhibition on several islands in the state of Hawai'i. Dr. Hattori is a community organizer, advocate for Pacific Islanders in the US, public speaker, and poet, and co-organizer of cultural events such as the Cultural Animation Film Festival and the Celebrate Micronesia Festival (facebook.com/CelebrateMicronesia). She serves the state of Hawai'i as a member of the Board of Education and Associate Member of the Consular Corps of Honolulu. Learn more about her at maryhattori.com.

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CONGRESSIONAL FELLOWSHIP SPONSORS

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C O N G R E S S I O N A L F E L LO W S MALISSA BOUAKHAM, OFFICE OF REP. DAVE MIN (CA-47)

Malissa Bouakham is a graduate of University of Kentucky with a B.A. in International Relations, Political Science Minor, and a Peace Studies Certification. From Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Malissa worked in the Kentucky House of Representatives and the Kentucky Refugee Ministries. She partook in advocacy work for Southeast Asian communities, working with organizations such as SEARAC and the Legacies of War and conducting research on human rights issues in Laos. She is also a founding member of the first and only Asian Cultural Sorority in the state of Kentucky, and served as a diplomatic bridge between Japan and the United States as the 2025-2026 United States Cherry Blossom Queen. Malissa is an APAICS Fellow for Congressman Dave Min, where she does legislative research on policy topics related to Housing, Arts, Sports, and Social Welfare. She plans to attend the University of Cincinnati School of Law in the upcoming fall, with hopes to specialize in immigration law.

MEGAN COREY, OFFICE OF REP. GRACE MENG (NY-06)

Megan Corey is a current APAICS Fellow in the Office of Congresswoman Grace Meng. Originally from Durham, North Carolina, she recently graduated from Duke University, where she earned her B.A. with Highest Distinction in History, concentrating in Human Rights and Social Movements, with minors in Spanish and English. Megan is passionate about advancing human rights through policy, research, and storytelling. She has conducted research on institutional histories, racial justice, and political nonviolence, writing her honors thesis on Black labor and Duke University during Jim Crow. Megan has previously worked as a Writing Consultant for the Duke Thompson Writing Program, interned in the Office of Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), and served as a Political Affairs Intern at the U.S.-Asia Institute. In the future, she is excited to continue deepening her commitment to advocacy work and exploring how policymaking can serve as a tool for justice.

In her free time, Megan enjoys dancing, writing poetry, and baking.

30 FATIATAMAI PUAPAE FOLAU, OFFICE OF REP. BURGESS OWENS (UT-04)

Fatiatamai Puapa’e Folau is a proud Samoan American, UCLA History graduate, and Ronald E. McNair Scholar. Guided by her Christian faith, she brings the light of Christ into every space she enters. She currently serves as a Legislative Fellow for Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04), applying policy expertise and community experience to advance effective legislation and constituent advocacy on Capitol Hill. A seasoned community organizer, researcher, and advocate, she focuses on Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities.

She participated in the 2024 APAICS National Leadership Academy and contributed to the EPIC National Policy Listening Tour on health, education, and economic justice. Fatiatamai has led initiatives with the Utah Pacific Health Coalition, Alai International, and PIK2AR. Fluent in Samoan, her UCLA honors thesis explored antiBlackness in Pacific Islander communities. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry, floral arranging, karaoke, and singing worship music on her ukulele.

BANI KAUR, OFFICE OF REP. MARILYN STRICKLAND (WA-10)

Bani Kaur is a 2024 graduate of the University of Washington, where she earned a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Law, Societies, and Justice. A Sikh American from California and the daughter of Punjabi immigrants, she is committed to advancing equity through public service. Her experience spans federal and local government, nonprofits, and legal practice, where she has worked at the intersection of immigrant rights, legislative advocacy, and civic engagement.

She has held roles with the United States Senate, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and the Civil Rights Justice Center. Prior to APAICS, she served as an Intellectual Property Legal Assistant at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP in Redwood City, California. Outside of work, Bani spends her time boxing, reading South Asian poetry, and scouting new coffee spots across the DMV.

31 SOPHIA KHAN, OFFICE OF SEN. ANDY KIM (NJ)

Sophia Khan is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she earned a B.S. in Neuroscience with Highest Distinction, and also holds a Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences from the University of South Florida. Her academic work includes a senior thesis examining the barriers faced by refugee students in higher education. Originally from the Chicago area, Sophia began her career in STEM education, teaching physics and designing hands-on, student-centered curricula that increased engagement and accessibility. She supported hundreds of students through innovative instruction and individualized academic mentorship. Beyond the classroom, Sophia has led community-based initiatives expanding access to education and healthcare, including founding a refugee tutoring program and organizing an annual dental care initiative for displaced children. Sophia currently serves as a Health Policy Fellow on Capitol Hill, where she conducts legislative research and advances healthcare policy on behalf of the people of New Jersey.

ANISHA LINGDEN, OFFICE OF REP. TED LIEU (CA-36)

Anisha is a fellow in Congressman Ted Lieu’s Office, where she works on foreign affairs, defense, AANHPI, and labor policies. Originally from the Bhutanese Refugee camps in Nepal, Anisha’s passionate about international law, human rights, and diplomacy. Previously, she worked at a nonprofit supporting refugees navigate the challenges of resettlement. She founded student organizations that raised awareness about displacement, equitable education, and empowered AAPI students to embrace their cultural identities. As an intern with the State Department, Anisha conducted research on ethnic divisions in Burma gaining insight into the key drivers of displacement. Anisha graduated from The University of Akron with a degree in Political Science. This fall, she will be attending the University of Cincinnati Law, where she plans to further her commitment to human rights as a fellow with the Urban Morgan Institute for Human Rights. In her free time, Anisha enjoys Asian dramas, learning new languages, and volunteering in the community.

32 MADELEINE VEA, OFFICE OF SEN. RON WYDEN (OR)

ALEX RABINOWITZ, OFFICE OF REP. YOUNG KIM (CA-40)

Alex Rabinowitz is currently a fellow in the Office of U.S. Congresswoman Young Kim. Prior to becoming a fellow, Madeleine Vea Alex interned on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. is a graduate Alex received his M.A. in Politics at New York University and his B.A. in political science and history from American University. His research interests include U.S. foreign policy, political theory, and politics in the Asia-Pacific. Alex also enjoys running and hiking on his days off.

JESSICA SCHROEDER, OFFICE OF SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ (HI)

Jessica Schroeder, originally from Lexington, Massachusetts, graduated from George Washington University with a B.A. in International Affairs. As the daughter of a Vietnam War refugee, Jessica’s interest in public service was shaped by a desire to support communities like her mother’s. Since then, her interests have expanded to examine drivers of conflict and international relations. While at GWU, Jessica was a member of the Dean’s Scholars program, a two-year undergraduate research program that funded her thesis on an educational peacebuilding program in Northern Ireland. She also served as a twotime Executive Board member of the Eta Society for Global Affairs, a professional student organization supporting marginalized genders in the international affairs field. Jessica interned at the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, the United States Senate, the White House, and CARE. Her policy interests include immigration reform, conflict resolution, nonproliferation, and US–East Asian affairs. Jessica enjoys reading and running in her free time.

33 VICTOR TO, HOUSE OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM COMMITTEE (MINORITY) Victor To is a dedicated public servant from Pflugerville, Texas.

He holds a B.A. in Government and Sociology and a Master of Public Affairs (DC concentration) from the University of Texas at Austin. He began his public service career locally by founding the Pflugerville Democrats Club, serving as the youngest appointee on multiple city boards, and co-founding the city’s Equity Commission. He later worked across Texas state government, including as a Deputy Clerk for the Supreme Court of Texas and in both chambers of the Texas Legislature.

Immediately prior to the Hill, he served as a Legislative Analyst in the Texas House during the 89th Regular Session, advising lawmakers on policy from the DOGE and Licensing and Regulation Committees. He now serves on the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform under Ranking Member Robert Garcia, conducting policy research and supporting hearings and investigations.

HARRISON TSUI, OFFICE OF REP. JUDY CHU (CA-28) Harrison Vijay Tsui is an organizer, journalist, and policy analyst. He previously served as a regional organizer for President Joe Biden’s reelection and Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign, championing working-class families in Philadelphia. Prior to organizing, he advised the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on media freedoms and e-governance. As a journalist, his stories on urban and social justice can be read and heard on Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History, NBC, StoryCorps, WNYC, Feet in 2 Worlds, The Asian American Writers’ Workshop, and NPR’s TED Radio Hour and How I Built This. He was named a Blueline Fellow for his work on the 2024 presidential campaign and a member of the DCCC AAPI Action Cohort. He holds a dual master’s degree from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and Graduate School of Journalism, and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from NYU.

34 MADELEINE VEA, OFFICE OF SEN. RON WYDEN (OR) Madeleine Vea is a graduate of UC Berkeley with degrees in Ethnic Studies and History. She was involved in the Asian American Political Activation Program, the Filipino Community Center of San Francisco, Filipino Advocates for Justice, and One Fair Wage. Inspired by her family’s experiences as immigrant farmworkers, she spent a year after graduation in California’s Central Valley as a community organizer and researcher, documenting the conditions of farmworkers while working to expand access to nutritious food, healthcare, and affordable housing. She later became involved in the labor movement, supporting organizers at the United Farm Workers of America and UNITE HERE Local 19. Currently, she is a fellow in the office of Senator Ron Wyden, where she works on immigration, foreign labor, and national security issues. In the fall, she will attend Harvard Law School. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading, and playing the guitar.

MAYA VIBHAKAR, CONGRESSIONAL ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN CAUCUS (CAPAC) Maya Vibhakar is a current fellow in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). She graduated from UCLA in June, and earned a B.A. in Political Science and minors in English and History. She has held internships across government, advocacy, and policy organizations, including the U.S. House of Representatives, the White House, Public Citizen, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), and the Council on Foreign Relations. This fall, she will be attending University of Chicago Law School and plans to return to DC after law school to pursue a career in civil rights litigation. Outside of public service, Maya’s interests include reading memoirs, roller skating, and going on easy hikes.

Connecting People and Possibilities.

FedEx is proud to support the Asian Pacific American Institute 2026 Annual Awards Gala. When you connect People you connect the world.

FedEx

©2026 Southwest Airlines Co.

©2026 FedEx. All rights reserved.

SOUTHWEST

Southwest Airlines® is dedicated to connecting Communities.

Southwest is wholeheartedly committed to connecting with and uplifting the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community.

We’re Proud to support the 2026 APAICS Legislative Leadership Summit and 32nd Annual APAICS Awards Gala.

VERIZON

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COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP A C H I E V E M E N T AWA R D ASIAN PACIFIC PARTNERS FOR EMPOWERMENT, ADVOCACY AND LEADERSHIP (APPEAL) Since our inception in 1994, Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL) has pioneered the building and facilitating of a national movement on tobacco, cancer, chronic diseases, and health equity for Asian American (AA) and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NH/PI) communities.

Our mission is to achieve equity and empowerment for all marginalized communities by supporting and mobilizing community-led movements through advocacy and leadership development on critical public health issues.

As a national health justice organization, APPEAL has played a major role in advancing health equity and shaping national and state commercial tobacco policy for NH/PI and AA communities throughout the U.S. and Pacific. As the leading national organization addressing AA and NH/PI commercial tobacco control and tobacco-related health disparities, we have launched major advocacy campaigns and empowered communities to counteract the predatory marketing of deadly tobacco products by the tobacco industry and address commercial tobacco as the single most preventable cause of death for all groups.

For over 30 years of experience, APPEAL has served as a national center of excellence on tobacco, chronic diseases, and health equity for our diverse communities. We have recognized that NH/PI communities require their own resources and programs (separate from Asian American) to adequately address health inequities.

APPEAL has created successful models for addressing health disparities including the APPEAL Community Readiness Model, the APPEAL Leadership Model and the APPEAL 4-Prong Policy Change Model. Furthermore, these models, while created initially for AAs and NH/PIs, have also been successfully adapted for other racial communities and priority populations.

APPEAL’s Leadership Programs have trained more than 1500 community leaders in the U.S. and Pacific Islands to advocate for health justice and policy change.

One of the best examples of APPEAL’s Leadership Model has been the nationally recognized LAAMPP Leadership Institute in Minnesota for 6 priority population groups (e.g. Asian Americans, African Americans, American Indians, Latinos, LGBTs and Pacific Islanders). The LAAMPP Institute has effectively developed leadership and policy skills of individual fellows but also successfully impacted tobacco control policies including smoke-free Hmongtown Market, smoke-free foster care policies in Ramsey County and Minnesota’s statewide tobacco tax in 2013. The ripple effect of APPEAL’s Leadership Programs has had tremendous impact across all levels including on the individual, community, systems and cross-cultural levels.

BUILDING THRIVING COMMUNITIES, INSPIRED

BY OUR CAPITAL ONE PARTNER IN IMPACT: ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR CONGRESSIONAL STUDIES

See how we’re helping our communities thrive at capitalone.com/about

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COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP A C H I E V E M E N T AWA R D CHEFS STOPPING AAPI HATE (CSAH) Founded by award-winning chefs Tim Ma and Kevin Tien, Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate (CSAH) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that brings together the culinary world to empower AAPI communities and fight for social justice around the world.

Originating in the spring of 2021 to raise awareness and funds for victims of anti-Asian violence in the United States, CSAH has since brought together more than 100 chefs and rallied community support to raise over $500k for AAPI solidarity, systemic inequality, and emergency crises worldwide. In 2022, CSAH launched the Storefront Emergency Fund to support small business owners suffering from vandalism, targeted racism, and recently expanded the program to cover immigration bond expenses for vulnerable restaurant workers. In 2023, Washington D.C. mayor, Muriel Bowser, awarded CSAH the Mayor's Community Service Award. Chefs Tim Ma and Kevin Tien were each honored for their work with the Congressional Recognition for Outstanding Achievement presented by Rep. Judy Chu (CA) and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. CSAH was recognized in Washingtonian’s list of “100 Reasons to Love our Fierce Food Scene” and Good Morning America’s GMA Inspiration List.

Future Wanxiang Foundation

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P I O N E E R AWA R D THE HONORABLE GHAZALA HASHMI LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, VIRGINIA

Ghazala F. Hashmi is the 43rd Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is the first Muslim woman to be elected to any statewide office in the nation, as well as the first South Asian American elected statewide in Virginia.

Lieutenant Governor Hashmi spent nearly 30 years in higher education, teaching literature at the University of Richmond and then at Reynolds Community College, prior to election in 2019 to her first term in the Virginia State Senate. While in the Senate, Lieutenant Governor Hashmi built a reputation as a thoughtful, effective legislator focused on strengthening public education, expanding access to affordable health care and housing, protecting reproductive freedom, and advancing economic opportunity. During her tenure, she played a key role in securing historic investments in K–12 and higher education, supporting working families, and defending civil rights for all Virginians.

META

AMERICAN AIRLINES

Here for your life's journey and beyond American Airlines is a proud supporter of APAICS American Airlines and the Flight Symbol logo are marks of American Airlines, Inc. ©2025 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.

CVS

CVS Health: Investing in Health and Local Communities With more than 300,000 CVS Health employees, we’re working every day to simplify the health care experience, deliver better outcomes, lower costs and build healthier communities.

Learn more about how we’re making healthier happen together at CVSHealth.com CVS Health is a proud sponsor of the APAICS Annual Awards Gala Dinner.

AIG is proud to sponsor the 2026 APAICS Annual Awards Gala AIG

We celebrate the contributions that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have made to AIG and to our communities across the United States.

FOCUSED ON WHAT MATTERS HONORING LEGACY IN LEADERSHIP. MGM Resorts International is proud to support the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) and its work to help develop leaders and expand pathways to public service.

MGM

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D E S S E R T R EC E P T I O N E N T E R TA I N M E N T LES THE DJ Originally from Manila, Philippines, Les is a DJ and community organizer based in Washington, D.C. Their work focuses on cultural preservation and community building.

They started OPM Sundays with Joel Quizon and Mark Anthony Enriquez, an archival project celebrating Filipino musical heritage, and is currently collaborating with archivist Ashley Dequilla on OPM+Home Movies, a series pairing 16mm Filipino American home movies with an all-vinyl Original Pilipino Music soundtrack. They also organize Chinatown Funk Express, a party showcasing dance music from across the Asian diaspora, and are part of the weekly show Rotations on WFMU’s Rock’N’Soul Radio. Les recently opened the pop-up record shop Buena Suerte with Martín Miguel.

Les is the co-founder of SAMASAMA, whose mission is to honor ancestral and Indigenous roots, push creative boundaries, and explore the multicultural identities of current and future generations. They also co-founded Sampaguita Rock Camp, a program supporting Filipino American youth in the Bay Area as they develop their creative voices and learn the power of collaboration through music. LESTALUSAN.COM

AMERICAN INNOVATION COUPANG U.S. EXPORTS DRIVING Learn more at aboutcoupang.com

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AXON

There’s an innovator in all of us That’s why Dell Technologies creates technology with innovation built-in, so every person and every organization can do more incredible things.

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CISCO

AARP

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SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR

DIAMOND SPONSORS

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P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R S

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GOLD SPONSORS

Nielsen

Creating a better media future to empower the Asian American community Copyright © 2024 The Nielsen Company (US), LLC. All Rights Reserved.

PhRMA

Rocket Companies

United Airlines

Salesforce

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This year, over 2.1 million people will hear the words “You have cancer.”

Cancer impacts everyone.

But it doesn’t impact everyone equally.

ACSCAN Cancer is the leading cause of death in Chinese, Filipino, Korean and Vietnamese individuals and ranks second in Asian Indian, Native Hawaiian and Japanese individuals. When access to prevention, screening, and care improves, so do outcomes. Please stand with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) to advocate for policies that help everyone prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

Join us at fightcancer.org

Striving Toward Equity at Every Step of the Kidney DaVita Care Journey DaVita is dedicated to contributing to equitable health care access and outcomes for the patient communities we serve.

©2025 DaVita Inc. GA22-001

Cargill

The American Medical Association is committed to taking measurable action and building data-driven solutions to ensure a healthier future for all. We are honored to recognize the APAICS for their dedication to and profound impact on the Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander community.

Business Roundtable

Building a stronger future together.

GM is proud to celebrate the 32nd Annual Awards Gala with the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) and honor its champions and leaders.

General Motors

gm.com ©2026 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

NCTA

CONGRATULATIONS TO APAICS ON ITS ANNUAL AWARDS GALA AND TO THIS YEAR’S HONOREES. We are proud to support APAICS and its work to strengthen leadership and representation in public service.

Congratulations APAICS

Reproductive Freedom for All

Reproductive Freedom For All is proud to be in partnership with you in pursuit of reproductive freedom and abortion access for everybody.

dnc

Building Connections.

East West Bank has been a bridge to new eastgiving west bank possibilities, people the confidence to reach further. Our commitment to building a foundation of collaboration and understanding strengthens connections, helping communities come together and grow stronger. Working together, we can take the future further.

eastwestbank.com

Entertainment Software Association The Entertainment Software Association is proud to support

APAICS

and celebrate Asian American & Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, uplifting the voices, achievements, and impact of the AA & NH/PI community.

NAB

America’s broadcasters are proud to support the 32nd Annual APAICS Awards Gala and celebrate those who serve and uplift communities nationwide.

WeAreBroadcasters.com nab.org

The Future is Equal At Exelon, we believe the best ideas emerge when Exelon individuals from diverse backgrounds collaborate to tackle our biggest business challenges.

We encourage curiosity, value diverse perspectives and never stop looking for ways to be, work and do better. We know the future is in our hands.

That’s why we’re looking for people with the power to make a difference.

Learn more at exeloncorp.com.

UPS

Lyft

We’re proud to support the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies

Paramount

For over 50 years, InterDigital has designed and developed foundational technologies that

Interdigital

enable us to connect, experience, and impact the world like never before. InterDigital's research and innovation is at the heart of the world's most advanced wireless, video, and AI-powered products.

Corewell Health

Disney

AAJA/ Dot Movement

Biotechnology Innovation Organization

SPIRITS SPONSOR OF TONIGHT’S GALA

We’re in relentless pursuit of breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.

We innovate every day to make the world a healthier place.

It was Charles Pfizer’s vision at the beginning and it holds true today.

Learn more at Pfizer.com

Pfizer

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SILENT AUCTION DONORS Alaskan/Hawaiian Airlines Alisa La American Airlines Anju Chef Kevin Tien Chef Masako Marishita Chef Tim Ma Cheryl Hori/Pacific Campaign House Comcast NBCUniversal Irene Bueno Jacob Aki Jean Lee Joon Kim

Joyce Liu Kim Delevett Krish Gupta Lucky Danger McDonald's MGM Resorts Mona Mohib Moon Rabbit Susan Jin Davis Purple Patch Universal Studios as of May 1, 2026

PLEAS E S CA N T O PART I C I PATE I N T H E

SILENT AUCTION Bid big and give back! Support APAICS while bidding on a host of items, including unique dining experiences at top restaurants like Anju and Purple Patch, great escapes and luxury stays in Puerto Rico or Las Vegas, and amazing prizes.

Click here to participate in the Silent Auction for your chance to win big and make an impact! Proceeds from the Silent Auction fund APAICS Fellowship and Internship Programs.

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S P EC I A L T H A N K S APAICS INTERNS: Natalie Chamberlain Jayden Yu 4Wall Entertainment Events DC Event EQ Flowers at 38 Give Butter Les The DJ MGI Corporate Gifts MJ Valet Summit Print & Design, Inc. Well Dunn Catering Kaz Sasahara, Photography Sound Impact Chris Tsou, Videography Veng Group Ivory Zorich Events Jenn Goodrich Design Martha Watanabe Special thanks to all our volunteers and the National Building Museum staff.

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A PA I C S S TA F F Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke President & CEO Dian Herrman Chief Operating Officer Tania Laden VP of Development and External Affairs Sirat Attapit VP of Programs and Community Engagement Freguenet Demisse Deputy Director of Operations Gwenna Claproth Communications Manager Annie Nguyen Special Assistant to the President & CEO Cazzandra Costa Senior Operations Associate Mia Kawamitsu Senior Programs Associate Albert “AJ” Yuan Senior Development Associate Thien Huynh Programs Associate Lucien Lasocki Development Associate

A B O U T A PA I C S MISSION The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) is a national non-partisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander participation and representation at all levels of the political process, from community service to elected office. ​ PAICS programs focus on developing leadership, building public A policy knowledge, and filling the political pipeline to pursue public office at the local, state, and federal levels.

OUR HISTORY APAICS was founded alongside the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) in 1994 by former Secretary Norman Y. Mineta and former Delegate Robert Underwood. ​ riginally founded as the Congressional Asian Pacific American O Caucus Institute (CAPACI), APAICS continues to support CAPAC by serving as a resource to Congress and promoting a politically active and civically engaged community.

D O N AT E PLEASE CLICK HERE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO APAICS. Thank you for your generous support!