Energizing the Next Generation!
APA Heritage Awards & Gala Reception
Thursday, May 1, 2025
5:30pm
Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco
Join us at the 21st Annual APA Heritage Awards & Gala Reception, San Francisco’s official AAPI Heritage Month celebration!
The APA Heritage Awards is a signature program of San Francisco’s celebration of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Every year, the AAPI Heritage Celebration Committee honors civic organizations that have achieved significant milestones in serving the community.
Meet the Honorees
Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco – 60th Anniversary
The Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco (CCC) celebrates 60 years as a vital arts and cultural institution, uplifting Chinatown and advocating for equity through contemporary arts and education. Founded in 1965 amid the civil rights movement, CCC emerged as a bold response to racism, displacement, and gentrification. From a hard-won cultural space, it has evolved into a dynamic hub that shifts narratives, supports innovative art, and advances social justice.
CCC amplifies marginalized voices, reclaims public space, and strengthens community through exhibitions, festivals, and educational programs. Signature initiatives include C.H.A.T. (Chinatown History Art Tours), the XianRui Artist Series, and the 41 Ross Artist-in-Residence program. With locations at 750 Kearny Street, 41 Ross Alley, and the newly acquired 667 Grant Avenue, CCC continues to champion immigrant and LGBTQIA2S+ rights. Recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and other major foundations, CCC celebrates its 60th anniversary with Chinatown Pride, the Hungry Ghost Festival, the Grant Street Anniversary Festival, and its annual Gala.
Website: https://cccsf.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cccsanfrancisco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCCSanFrancisco
“Celebrating 60 years of the Chinese Culture Center reminds us how far we’ve come and how far we must go. The arts are a direct challenge to injustice. We’ll continue standing up for immigrants, LGBTQIA2S+, and those needing a voice, pushing the next generation toward a truly inclusive democracy.”
— Jenny Leung, Executive Director
Japan Society of Northern California – 120th Anniversary
The Japan Society of Northern California (JSNC) is a 120-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to building bridges between Japan and the Bay Area. The organization was founded by Americans and Japanese residents in the Bay Area to spread knowledge about Japan and combat anti-Asian discrimination. It was revitalized after World War II through the joint efforts of prominent Bay Area businesspeople and Japanese Americans.
JSNC’s mission is to deepen understanding and connection between the Japanese and American communities in both the Bay Area and Japan.
Throughout its history, JSNC has worked closely with members of the Japanese American community to fight jingoism and anti-immigrant sentiment through advocacy and an active agenda of educational programs.
Today, JSNC’s unique programs draw on the diversity, expertise, and innovation of the Bay Area—highlighting the contributions of Japanese Americans and companies, and celebrating our historic ties to Japan.
Website: https://www.usajapan.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japansociety_sf/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/japansocietysf/
“In 1905, the founders of the Japan Society of Northern California saw education as a key to building bridges between people. Our mission to increase understanding and connection between the Bay Area and Japan remains critical in today’s world.”
— Steve Pollock, President
Korean Center, Inc. – 50th Anniversary
Korean Center, Inc. (KCI) has proudly served the Korean and Korean American community for 50 years, promoting cultural awareness, educational programs, and community support. Based in San Francisco, KCI offers a wide range of services including Korean language programs, cultural events, and community engagement initiatives.
As a nonprofit, KCI is dedicated to bridging cultural gaps and fostering connection through language and heritage. Over the years, it has evolved into a hub for both the Korean community and the broader public, with a focus on strengthening intergenerational ties and expanding opportunities for youth and young adults.
As KCI celebrates this milestone, the organization remains committed to providing a platform for cultural exchange and growth, ensuring a bright future for all generations.
Website: https://koreancentersf.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sfkoreancenter/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koreancenterinc/
“As we celebrate 50 years of service, we reflect with gratitude on our journey and the impact we’ve made. Looking ahead, we remain committed to empowering the next generation, expanding our reach, and creating spaces where everyone can connect, learn, and grow in the spirit of Korean culture.”
— So-Eun Park, Board Chair
Pacific Asian American Women Bay Area Coalition – 45th Anniversary
The Pacific Asian American Women Bay Area Coalition (PAAWBAC) was founded in 1980 to promote the personal, professional, and political development of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) women. Its mission is to uplift the voices and leadership of API women to create a just, healthy, and vibrant society.
PAAWBAC sponsors programs relevant to API women in areas such as personal relationships, career advancement, community advocacy, and political empowerment. It also collaborates with individuals, leaders, and community groups on issues impacting API women.
In 1983, when API women were rarely recognized for their achievements, PAAWBAC established the Woman Warrior Awards to honor those who distinguished themselves professionally while advancing API communities. PAAWBAC continues this tradition and has also introduced the Monarch Leadership Awards to celebrate young API women making significant early-career contributions. Funds raised through these events support scholarships, community grants, and most recently, mentorship programs.
Website: https://www.paawbac.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paawbac/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paawbac
“We are grateful that, 45 years ago, a group of Asian Pacific Islander women came together to advocate for our interests by forming PAAWBAC. While the visibility and impact of API women has since grown, the need to uplift our voices and aspirations remains, and PAAWBAC will strive to continue that mission.”
— Katherine Lee, PAAWBAC Board Member
This year’s theme, “Energizing The Next Generation,” highlights the importance of youth leadership.
Our event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
About Us
The APA Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) cultural heritage and fostering community collaborations.
To kick off the month-long celebration, the AAPI Heritage Celebration Committee hosts the annual APA Heritage Awards and Gala Reception. This signature event includes honoring achievements, showcasing unique cultural performances, and offering a festive AAPI culinary experience.
To engage the community, the Foundation curates the AAPI Heritage Celebration Guide, which provides information about cultural events and educational opportunities offered by Official Celebration Partners:Asian Art Museum, Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), and San Francisco Public Library and various community organizations.
To amplify awareness of the Month and the significance of this pan-Asian celebration, the Foundation implements a visibility campaign in collaboration with media partners and over 100 civic and community organizations serving as publicity partners.
Thank You
2025 Sponsors and Partners
Your support of the APA Heritage Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, makes this celebration possible. To learn about future sponsorship opportunities, please contact Claudine Cheng at Claudine@apasf.org
LISTING AS OF APRIL 8, 2025
Heritage Champions
Heritage Captain
Heritage Partners
Heritage Friends
Community Sponsors
- Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation
- Asian America Foundation
- Asian American Donor Program
- Asian Peace Officers Association
- Asian Firefighters Association
- Association for the Advancement of Asians / APAPA-SF
- Center for Asian American Media
- Chinatown Community Development Center
- Chinatown Merchants Association
- Chinese American Citizens Alliance SF Lodge
- Chinese Chamber of Commerce
- Chinese Historical Society of America
- Committee of 100
- Friends of the San Francisco Public Library
- Hawaii Chamber of Commerce of Northern California
- IFundEducation, Inc.
- Irene and Dan Riley Family Fund
- Japan Society of Northern California
- Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California
- Japanese Community Youth Council
- Japantown Community Benefit District
- Japantown Merchants Association
- Justice for Vicha Ratanapakdee Foundation
- Korean Center, Inc.
- Nihonmachi Street Fair, Inc.
- OCA – San Francisco Bay Chapter
- On Lok
- PAAWBAC
- Rose Pak Community Fund
- Sakura Matsuri, Inc.
- San Francisco Community Health Center
- San Francisco Hep B Free – Bay Area
- San Francisco Planning & Urban Research (SPUR)
- San Francisco Unified Lions Club
- SF – Ho Chi Minh City Sister City Committee
- SF – Manila Sister City Committee
- SF – Osaka Sister City Committee
- SF – Seoul Sister City Committee
- SF – Taipei Sister City Committee
- Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center
- The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)
- USF Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service