2 minute read
ON SCENE: Asian American heroes awarded during heritage month
13TH ANNUAL ASIAN AMERICAN HEROES OF COLORADOPhotos Credit: Michael Ye
On Saturday, May 21, Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network honored the 2022 Asian American Heroes of Colorado at Happy Living Center in Aurora. The 13th annual awards ceremony recognized outstanding leaders in the Asian American community, who each received a congratulatory letter from Governor Polis that was presented by Andrés Carrera.
Advertisement
Each awardee was welcomed to the stage by their nominator. Award recipients then each shared words of gratitude to those who have supported them and advice for the younger generations.
This year’s Young Hero Award was given to Alyssa Nilemo, executive director of Asian Chamber Foundation of Colorado.
The other recipients included: Joanne Liu, co-founder and CEO of Asian Girls Ignite; Mimi Luong Ye, owner of Truong An Gifts in Far East Center; Dr. William Wei, history professor at University of Colorado-Boulder; Gary Yamashita, Chief Executive Officer of Sakura Square and Executive Director of Sakura Foundation; and Deborah Yim, president-elect of Asian Pacific American Bar Association.
The event concluded with a special recognition of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was given to Dr. Sumiko Tanaka Hennessy. As a founding boardmember and former Executive Director of Asian Pacific Development Center, her colleague Ivy Hontz introduced her by sharing stories of her perseverance to secure funding for the nonprofit organization in the 1980s. Hennessy received a standing ovation after her heartwarming acceptance speech.
The event was emceed by Denver7’s Bayan Wang and catered by No Ke Aloha and Taku Sushi.
Andrés Carrera, Mary Schultz (nominator), and Annie VanDan award Dr. William Wei (second from right).
Mimi Luong Ye thanked her parents for their inspiration and entrepreneurial spirit. A leader in Colorado’s Japanese American community, Alyssa Nilemo received the Young Hero Award recognition.
Mehgan Yen introduces award recipient Joanne Liu, co-founder and CEO of Asian Girls Ignite.
Stacey Shigaya and Gary Yamashita, colleagues at Sakura Square, hug after she introduces him for his award.
Carrera, Harry Budisidharta, and VanDan award Deborah Yim (second from right).
Celebrating the 13th year of the awards program, 17 past award recipients attended this year’s ceremony to honor the 2022 awardees.
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Dr. Sumiko Tanaka Hennessy (left) was nominated by Angela Cho (middle) and Ivy Honyz (right).
