Asian American Stories Events

These stories are a testament to our community’s heart, resilience, and creativity. They showed the gift we give to America – not just our labor, art, and ingenuity but also our humanity. They are all woven into this nation’s identity.

This year’s entries celebrated unsung heroes of our communities – like Ghino Lee’s mother, who helps elderly Korean Americans navigate legal challenges, to Amanda Nguyen, who turned her trauma into nationwide legal reforms for survivors. Others celebrated institutions and organizations like the Chinese Hospital, which has protected its community for 125 years, or Friends of Children with Special Needs. We saw the stories of Vicki Manolo Draves, an Olympian who broke barriers, and Mr. Fu, a baker whose pastries carry the taste of tradition and love.

Younger generations shared their stories – like Kaihua Skyler Chong, who practices the Chinese martial art of Wushu, or middle schoolers from SFHSA, who are documenting their teacher’s immigration journey.

Kristi Yamaguchi, the first Asian American to win a gold medal in a Winter Olympic Competition, was honored as the Legendary Storyteller.

Asian American Stories 2025 Award ceremony and Gala also featured a lively auction led by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens and Assemblymember Alex Lee. Some of the coveted items included a dinner with celebrated actress Joan Chen and Dion Lim, ABC News Anchor, and a dinner experience with chef Lawrence Chu and Kristi Yamaguchi.