Dahni K. Tsuboi, J.D. Announced as New CEO of AJSOCAL
*Photos from the evening can be found HERE*
IMMEDIATE RELEASE, October 22 2025, LOS ANGELES, CA–Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) celebrated their 42nd annual gala–UNITED IN ACTION: ADVANCE TOGETHER–last Thursday night at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Over 500 leaders from law, philanthropy, business, arts and entertainment gathered in joyous resistance despite a year of ongoing attacks against immigrants.
The biggest moment of the evening was an official announcement made by AJSOCAL Board Chair Jade Leung–the introduction of the organization’s new CEO, Dahni K. Tsuboi, J.D. Flanked by the organization’s two former leaders Stewart Kwoh and Connie Chung Joe, Tsuboi was welcomed into the AJSOCAL family with resounding cheers. Tsuboi will join AJSOCAL in February 2026 upon completion of her work as interim COO at the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.
Dahni Tsuboi remarked,” The national reckoning our country is experiencing related to immigrant rights and social justice has fully reignited my calling for social justice. My experience in the nonprofit sector with civil rights, direct services, charitable and philanthropic organizations, has prepared me to meet this moment. There is no AAPI-focused organization in the country more impactful than AJSOCAL. I am truly honored to serve as the next CEO.”
Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community leaders were honored throughout the evening. Paul Chan, a 16-year AJSOCAL Board Member and Managing Partner of Bird Marella received the Legend Award for his service and championing justice for immigrants and communities of color. LA Councilmember Ysabel Jurado received the Trailblazer Award for being the first openly queer woman serving on the Council. Chien Yu, a 20-year veteran of the Pasadena Fire Department fire engineer received the Joseph Illeto Courage Award for fighting the Eaton Fire and sacrificing his own home to save others. Former Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor and former AJSOCAL Litigation Director Julie Su acknowledged the survivors of the Thai Garment Workers case Bureerong v. Uvawas who were present to celebrate 30 years since the groundbreaking ruling that reshaped labor rights in America.
During the evening, California Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who authored the California Safe Haven Act along with AJSOCAL to prohibit ICE from entering our schools–presented the Ileto Courage Award to Chien Yu. His wife, Hon. Kim Yu, a member of the Altadena Town Council, surprised him with heartfelt remarks from the stage.
Aligning with AJSOCAL’s advocacy efforts to bring LGBTQIA+ AAPI interests and voices into the legislative process, Alexander Rodriguez, the publisher of The Los Angeles Blade, presented the Trailblazer Award to LA Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. Jurado has been breaking barriers for AAPIs and redefining leadership at City Hall while creating opportunities where few existed for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Asian American communities.
Philanthropists Carlos and Genevieve Cabanilla spoke about their motivation to support AJSOCAL’s work during times of heightened fear and uncertainty among AAPIs. Throughout the evening, AJSOCAL Board Members Gloria Yip and Mike Eng encouraged guests to actively pledge donations which resulted in the organization meeting its fundraising goal of $1 million.
The evening ended with Brenda Tsay of the Lai Lai Ballroom. As the sister of the Monterey Park Lunar New Year Hero Brandon Tsay, she made remarks about joy as powerful resistance and how during and after hard times, we all need to get up to dance again. She encouraged guests to join her Lai Lai Ballroom dancers on the floor with a live performance by the multi-cultural band Kokoro.
Emceed by journalist David Ono, the gala featured attendees: CA State Assemblymember Mike Fong, journalist Hetty Chang, singer/rapper Alex Reid, artist Audrey Chan, indie rap artist Dan Matthews, rapper/activist Jason Chu, influencer Yoonj Kim, and members of AJSOCAL’s Board, Pro Bono Advisory Council, and Justice Giving Circle.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Founded in 1983, AJSOCAL supports over 15,000 individuals and organizations annually. By offering free legal help, engaging in impact litigation, conducting crucial research, and advocating for policy change, AJSOCAL prioritizes the most vulnerable members of AAPI communities while fostering a robust advocacy for civil rights and social justice. Offices are in downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, with satellite offices in Sacramento, ensuring accessibility for all. www. AJSOCAL.org
ADVANCING TOGETHER IN AN EVER-CHANGING LANDSCAPE
Founded in 1983 in the wake of the Vincent Chin case, AJSOCAL has grown into the nation’s largest AAPI legal and civil rights organization. For over 42 years, the organization has remained committed to adapting to the challenges of each era while keeping its focus on equity and opportunity. In 2025, AJSOCAL’s work has only grown more urgent. At this critical moment, AJSOCAL’s leadership on immigrant rights and key AAPI issues carries broad impact, shaping protections and opportunities that uplift us all as a community.
Today, AJSOCAL serves more than 15,000 low-income clients annually with helplines in multiple Asian languages, providing free legal services on immigration, eviction protection, family law, and healthcare access. The organization is among the immigration Rapid Response community partners protecting AAPI immigrants. It also leads advocacy efforts across California, from protections against ICE activity, data disaggregation and language access, housing, and protections against discrimination. AJSOCAL offices are located in downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, with presence in Sacramento, ensuring accessibility for all.
AJSOCAL’s 42nd Anniversary Gala was made possible by our generous sponsors. Find a full list of sponsors here.
PRESENTING
J.T. Tai Foundation
TITLE
Carlo and Genevieve Cabanilla Fund & Bahala Foundation
OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR
Los Angeles Blade
LEGEND
Bird Marella
RUBY
Plum Spring Foundation
U.S. Bank
CO-CHAIR
Cathay Bank
East West Bank
Hon. Mike Eng
JPMorgan Chase
Nielsen Corporation
PAFCO
Southern California Edison
UPS
The Walt Disney Company
PLATINUM
Turbo Charitable Foundation
GOLD
Big Time Affairs
Chung Intervivos Trust
Connie Chung Joe & Jeremy Joe
GloBeam
Harvard Law School Friends of Paul Chan
Health Net
Hon. Stephen Lam
IW Group, Inc.
Jamison Services, Inc.
Kaiser Permanente
Korean American Foundation | Robin-Hwajin Yoon Kim Foundation
Liang Ly LLP
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT PARTNERS
Bill Tan & Shelly Ushio
SoCal Gas
Sun Family Foundation
Takayesu Family Fund
Walter & Shirley Wang Foundation
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Liza Ameen, lameen@ajsocal.org, 213.241.0258
Shari Mesulam, shari@themesulamgroup.com, 310.663.0056
