Highlights and more from our 33rd Inspiration Awards Gala!
What an unforgettable evening of generosity and celebration last week at our 33rd Inspiration Awards Gala at Cipriani South Street! The celebration raised an impressive $3.1 million for Asian American youth from low-income backgrounds.
Be sure to watch the highlights featuring SungBeats’ performance and moving speeches from Ashley Ye (Gala Student Speaker), Jiyoon Chung (Executive Director), Preeti Sriratana (Chairman of the Board), honorees Suni Lee and Joan Shigekawa, and more. The record-breaking $1.4 million paddle raise, led by BD Wong, will support our programs—continuing our mission of breaking barriers and building a world without limits for Asian American youth.
Our heartfelt gratitude extends to everyone who joined our celebration—whether you were with us or cheering us on from afar, your support made this evening possible!
What an unforgettable evening of generosity and celebration last week at our 33rd Inspiration Awards Gala at Cipriani South Street! The celebration raised an impressive $3.1 million for Asian American youth from low-income backgrounds. Be sure to watch the highlights featuring SungBeats’ performance and moving speeches from Ashley Ye (Gala Student Speaker), Jiyoon Chung (Executive Director), Preeti Sriratana (Chairman of the Board), honorees Suni Lee and Joan Shigekawa, and more. The record-breaking $1.4 million paddle raise, led by BD Wong, will support our programs—continuing our mission of breaking barriers and building a world without limits for Asian American youth.
Our heartfelt gratitude extends to everyone who joined our celebration—whether you were with us or cheering us on from afar, your support made this evening possible!
“Never let anyone, including yourself, place limits on your dreams. If you believe in yourself and put in the work, you’re already on your way. Every accomplishment—whether it’s an Olympic medal or the incredible achievements we’ve heard from Apex youth tonight—is built on the strength of those around us. Behind each success is a village lifting us up, voices that remind us of our strength when we doubt ourselves, and a community that shows us what’s possible when we forget.”
—Suni Lee, 33rd Inspiration Awards Honoree
“I know firsthand that being fearless and unstoppable at any age can be a powerful force for change, so my message for the Apex youth is ‘You already have some ideas of what you are meant to do. Treasure them and nurture them. Do not give up on what your intuition is telling you that you need and want to do or whom you want to become.’”
—Joan Shigekawa, 33rd Inspiration Awards Honoree
“I feel so proud of the person I am now—being able to share my story publicly and creating a space where emotions and vulnerability are seen as strengths rather than weaknesses.”
—Ashley Ye, Youth Speaker
“Never let anyone, including yourself, place limits on your dreams. If you believe in yourself and put in the work, you’re already on your way. Every accomplishment—whether it’s an Olympic medal or the incredible achievements we’ve heard from Apex youth tonight—is built on the strength of those around us. Behind each success is a village lifting us up, voices that remind us of our strength when we doubt ourselves, and a community that shows us what’s possible when we forget.”
– Suni Lee, 33rd Inspiration Awards Honoree
“I know firsthand that being fearless and unstoppable at any age can be a powerful force for change, so my message for the Apex youth is ‘You already have some ideas of what you are meant to do. Treasure them and nurture them. Do not give up on what your intuition is telling you that you need and want to do or whom you want to become.”
– Joan Shigekawa, 33rd Inspiration Awards Honoree
“I feel so proud of the person I am now—being able to share my story publicly and creating a space where emotions and vulnerability are seen as strengths rather than weaknesses.”
– Ashley Ye, Youth Speaker
GENERATION FEARLESS honors those who have transformed barriers into bridges for the next generation.
For questions, please reach out to us at events@apexforyouth.org
Apex for Youth’s Career Connections Program helps alumni bridge the gap from college to career with mentorship, industry panels, and networking opportunities.
March at Apex for Youth was filled with learning, mentorship, and community engagement! From career exploration to game design and family nights, see how we empowered Asian American youth this month.