#United States #Atlanta #AAPI Heritage #GAPABA #Annual Gala

GAPABA's 12th Annual Gala Celebrated at the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association (GAPABA) is gearing up for its signature Annual Gala, set to take place on May 21, 2026, at the stunning Georgia Aquarium's Oceans Ballroom. This prestigious event is anticipated to gather nearly 600 guests, including notable figures from both the local and national legal communities. Attendees will include Chief Legal Officers (CLOs) and General Counsel from Fortune 500 companies, judges, elected officials, law firm partners, and influential community leaders.

At this year’s gala, five distinguished individuals will be honored for their remarkable contributions:

1. Jennifer Hightower, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Cox Enterprises, will receive the GAPABA Outstanding Leadership Award. This recognition is for her exemplary leadership within her organization and her support for small firms and pro bono initiatives.

2. Wab Kadaba, Chair of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, is to be awarded the GAPABA President's Award. Elected in 2024, Kadaba is noteworthy for being the first Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) to lead this international law firm.

3. The Honorable Bryan Ramos, Chief Judge of the City of Brookhaven Municipal Court, will be honored with the Judge Alvin T. Wong Pioneer Award. This prestigious accolade is named after the esteemed Judge Wong, a former Chief Judge of the DeKalb County, and he will present the award himself.

4. Kayla Chen, Senior Vice President and Wealth Strategist at Truist, will receive the Rising Star Award, acknowledging her impactful contributions to the GAPABA community and legal profession.

5. The Community Champion Award will be bestowed upon the Georgia AAPI Legislative Caucus, recognizing the efforts of eleven elected members of the Georgia General Assembly who represent the second largest AAPI Caucus in the nation.

Amara Sohn Walker, Vice President of Public Relations at Porsche Cars North America and former CNN anchor, will emcee the evening, adding a touch of glamour to the event.

The GAPABA Gala is not just a celebration of excellence in the legal field; it also marks the observance of May as AAPI Heritage Month in Georgia, a time to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander history and contributions to the community.

For further details about the gala and how to participate, visit GAPABA's official website or contact Alina Lee, GAPABA President, at (404) 548-2785 or via email at [email protected].

This year’s gala promises to be an evening of honor, recognition, and community engagement. Don’t miss the chance to see prominent leaders and celebrate their incredible achievements. Stay tuned for what is sure to be an unforgettable night at the Georgia Aquarium!