AAPIs Leaders Gather During a Tumultuous Year of Immigration Attacks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025, LOS ANGELES, CA —For more than four decades, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) has stood at the forefront of the fight for civil rights and equity for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Now more than ever AJSOCAL calls on leaders, community members, and change-makers to come together for the 42nd Anniversary United In Action: Advance Together on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. The evening will bring together hundreds of leaders from law, philanthropy, business, arts, and entertainment to stand in unison against the ongoing attacks against immigrants. As both as a call to action and celebration, the gala serves as a reminder that joy is a powerful form of resistance and the only way forward is together. This event remains one of the largest and most visible convenings of AAPI leaders and allies in Southern California.
HONOREES, PRESENTERS, AND PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
These extraordinary leaders who embody courage, service, and justice will be honored at the gala. They join an impressive group of changemakers honored by AJSOCAL through its history.
- Paul Chan, longtime AJSOCAL supporter and Managing Partner of Bird Marella, will receive the Advancing Justice Legend Award, presented by Julie Su, former Acting U.S. Labor Secretary and AJSOCAL attorney. Chan has built an esteemed career representing Fortune 500 corporations, major financial institutions, and emerging technology companies, with expertise in complex civil litigation. He is a widely recognized and leading trial attorney as well as past Chair of the AJSOCAL Board of Directors.
- Chien Yu, a Pasadena Fire Department fire engineer and recipient of the Joseph Ileto Courage Award, will be honored for his selfless service during the devastating Eaton Fire. Even as his own home was destroyed, Yu worked tirelessly on the front lines to protect his community. His story of resilience and sacrifice, which captured national attention, stands as a powerful reminder of the courage of first responders. The Joseph Ileto Courage Award recognizes unsung heroes for their exceptional courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
The gala will also commemorate 30 years since the landmark Bureerong v. Uvawas case in El Monte, California—a legal victory led by AJSOCAL that freed 72 Thai nationals from modern-day slavery. The case, led by former staff attorney Julie Su, reshaped labor laws to prevent sweatshops, established protections for immigrant survivors of human trafficking, and set a new national standard for justice.
The gathering will also feature a performance by the acclaimed Asian Pacific Islander–founded, LA-based Kokoro Band, known for their spirited blend of traditional and contemporary musical influences.
The evening will be hosted by David Ono, award-winning news anchor for KABC-TV Channel 7. A trusted journalist and storyteller, Ono has long highlighted issues and voices from the Asian American community.
AJSOCAL is still accepting sponsorships and opportunities to attend or support at https://ajsocal.org/42nd-anniversary-fundraising-gala/
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 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.
ABOUT ASIAN AMERICANS ADVANCING JUSTICE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
AJSOCAL is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for AAPIs. By offering free legal help, engaging in impact litigation 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. AJSOCAL offices are located in downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, with presence in Sacramento, ensuring accessibility for all.
AJSOCAL’s 42nd Anniversary Gala is made possible by our generous sponsors:
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
Sidley Austin LLP
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
For a full list of sponsors and further information about the 42nd Anniversary Gala and ticketing details, visit AJSOCAL’s website.
Partial Sponsor List as of 9/18/25
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Shari Mesulam, shari@themesulamgroup.com, 310.663.0056
Liza Ameen, lameen@ajsocal.org, 213.241.0258