Asian Hall of Fame to Reveal Class of 2025 at California Icons Gala

Asian Hall of Fame: Honoring the Class of 2025

On May 1, 2025, the Asian Hall of Fame will celebrate its third California Icons Gala at the iconic Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. This highly anticipated event marks the announcement of the Class of 2025, recognizing individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the Asian and Indigenous communities in the U.S. and beyond.

The gala aims to promote and honor these contributions while also raising funds for important causes. Proceeds from the event will support the Women in Technology, Entertainment, and Arts Program, as well as a new initiative called the Guild of Women Investing in Nurses. These programs are designed to empower women in underrepresented fields, providing them with the resources and support necessary to succeed.

The evening will kick off with remarks from Charlie and Ling Zhang, inductees of the Class of 2023, alongside Fiona Ma, California's 34th Treasurer and a 2025 inductee. They will be joined by Cindy Y. Huang, founder of Edgewater Capital, also an inductee of the Class of 2025. One of the night’s highlights will be the presentation of the Woman of the Year Award to Lynn Valbuena, President of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and a descendant of Santos Manuel, who was inducted in 2023.

A Glimpse into the Evening

The event will feature a keynote address from Nancy Kwan, a cinematic icon and a 2021 inductee, who is expected to share insights from her upcoming memoir, "The World of Nancy Kwan." Julia S. Gouw, also an inductee from 2024, will present, alongside author Kevin Kwan, an inductee from 2018, further enriching the celebration with their narratives.

Attendees will include notable figures such as the Consul General of Hungary, Istvan Grof, and other esteemed individuals like Sharon Kwan, the Mayor of Arcadia and sister to inducted actor Ke Huy Quan. The event will also acknowledge Katherine Lam, Kristen Lui, and others who have played significant roles in their communities.

Entertainment for the night will be vibrantly presented by artists, including Ed Roth, the Musical Ambassador of Goodwill, alongside various performers from the Korean Dance Academy, the Chinese Dance Company of Southern California, and the debut of the Asian Hall of Fame's Dragon Crew directed by Aukai Cain.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary champagne and wine donated by Faith Ocean and Amryn Wines. The Charity Night Market will also showcase over 200 exclusive items from luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, and many more, along with memorabilia signed by stars like Shohei Ohtani and Taylor Swift.

The red carpet will begin at 4 PM, followed by a dinner from 6 PM to 8 PM, making this not just an award ceremony but a gathering of community, acknowledgment, and celebration.

Parking details include valet service at $35 and self-parking with validation at $25, ensuring convenience for all attendees. The Asian Hall of Fame encourages media representatives to request press credentials in advance through their official website.

About the Asian Hall of Fame

Established in 2004, the Asian Hall of Fame serves as a cultural, educational, and research institution, focusing on promoting and preserving Asian and Indigenous legacies in the United States and globally. Their intergenerational programming garnered over 10.3 billion media impressions last year and supports scholarships, trauma assistance, and heritage preservation efforts.

For media inquiries, please contact via email at email protected] or by phone at (626) 600-9418. For more information, visit the Asian Hall of Fame at [www.asianhalloffame.org.