The Serica Initiative and its legacy partners have a rich legacy of celebrating AAPI pioneers and leaders in the U.S.-Asia business community. From honoring visionary women at our Women’s Conferences & Galas, to honoring trailblazers with our Serica Galas, our events are a celebration of excellence and empowerment. Over the past 8 years, we have recognized the achievements of over 35 distinguished honorees, 15 Rising Stars and showcased the expertise of over 100 speakers.


Women’s Conferences & Galas
(2017 - Present)
In 2017, Anla Cheng set out to achieve a great feat in bringing together outstanding women who work in China and Asia-related finance, business, culture, and politics to the stage to talk about their experiences.
The China business and policy world, especially when it comes to speakers in public forums, is dominated by men, but there are innumerable remarkable women whose voices need to be heard. This conference was dedicated to providing a platform for those voices. Originally launched as the SupChina Women’s Conference & Gala, the event has since evolved into the AAPI Women’s Conference & Gala, hosted by The Serica Initiative. Anla set out to not only honor remarkable women with established careers, but also recognize upcoming talents with the Rising Star award. These women are nominated by the community and then voted on by an established panel of judges.
This yearly flagship event brings together powerful AAPI women in business, politics, culture, and more. It continues to celebrate inspiring Asian women leaders that are making astounding waves in business and society, some who have been staples in their communities for decades, and some of who are just getting started making their mark on the world, and helping it evolve into a fruitful place for all.
Check the links to read more about each year’s event and the powerful impact it had in the community. To get involved in the 2025 Women’s Gala held on May 22, 2025, please contact us at events@sericainitiative.org.

"Many thanks for an incredible evening celebrating so many remarkable women, and the valuable impact they are creating. Each one was just as inspiring as the next!"
Christine Goppel, Cartier
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2024
Anita Bhatia
Founder of Impact Commons, Former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women
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2024
Barbara Bouza
Former President, Walt Disney Imagineering, Asia/Global Experiences & Theme Parks
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2022
Joyce Chang
Global Head of Research and a member of the management committee for J.P.Morgan
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2021
Wei Sun Christianson
Managing Director and co-CEO of Asia-Pacific, Morgan Stanley
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2023
Amy Chua
Yale Professor and International best-selling author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
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2022
Merit Janow
Dean of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
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2024
Shinta Kamdani
Owner and CEO of Sintesa Group
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2021
Yue-Sai Kan
Emmy-winning TV host and producer, entrepreneur, fashion icon, best-selling author and humanitarian
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2020
Yang Lan
Award-winning TV Host known as "The Chinese Oprah", and Chairperson of Sun Media Group
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2023
Dora Fugh Lee
Renowned Chinese-American Painter & Artist
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2024
Loida Lewis
Former CEO of Beatrice Foods, Chair of the Reginal F. Lewis Foundation, Attorney, Philanthropist, and Best-selling Author
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2023
Stella Li
President, BYD Americas
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2024
Roberta Lipson
CEO of New Frontier Health and founder of United Family Healthcare
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2024
Chen Man
Top Fashion Photographer, Cinematographer, and Digital Artist
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2024
Sheila Lirio Marcelo
Co-founder & CEO of Ohai.ai, Founder & Former CEO of Care.com
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2024
Ng Gim Choo
Founder and Chairwoman EtonHouse International Education Group
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2022
Katherine Tai
U.S. Trade Representative and Ambassador
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2023
Yuja Wang
Globally Acclaimed Concert Pianist
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2024
Sheryl WuDunn
Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist and Author

2020
Janet Yang
Award-winning producer and President of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Women Trailblazer Honorees
Each year, we honor the trailblazing women who are shaping the future of business, arts, and society. These leaders are recognized for their visionary leadership, impact, and commitment to empowering others.
Serica Galas
(2021 - 2023)
Our Serica Galas spotlight the changemakers who are shaping the future of the AAPI community. From virtual events to in-person galas, these celebrations are a platform for honoring influential figures across business, culture, and philanthropy.
Click the link to learn more about each event:

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2021
Sharon Chan
VP, JLABS Asia Pacific
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2023
Patricia Chin
Co-founder of VP Records
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2022
Andy Kim
Former US State Rep, and now first Korean American US Senator of New Jersey
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2022
Annie Liang-Zhou
CINGS Co-Founder and President Emeritus, Philanthropist & Activist
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2023
Wendy O'Neill
Life Trustee of the Rockefeller-funded Asian Cultural Council
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2021
Richard Park
Partner, Ascend Partners, CEO, Rendr, Co-Founder & Former CEO, CityMD
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2021
Susan Rockefeller
Filmmaker, Philanthropist and Global Advocate for a Sustainable Future
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2021
David Jr. Rockefeller
Chairman Emeritus, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Philanthropist and Climate Activist
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2021
Jane Sun
CEO, Trip.com
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2023
George Takei
Star Trek Actor, Civil Rights Activist
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2022
Jennifer Wu
Founding Partner, Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone Law

2023
Frank Wu
President of Queens College, Former Committee of 100 Chairman, Author of “Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black & White”
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2022
Yong Zhao
Current CINGS President, Founder Junzi Kitchen & Nice Day Chinese
Serica Award Honorees

Get Involved
Whether you’re interested in attending our events, nominating a Rising Star, or supporting our mission through sponsorships and donations, The Serica Initiative welcomes you to be part of this legacy. Here’s how you can contribute:
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2022
Di Cai
Partner, Sanders Capital, LLC
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2024
Eden Cai
Co-founder and Managing Director, Garden Star Group
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2023
Victoria Lee
Co-founder of Welcome to Chinatown
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2019
Rui Ma
Creator and Host, TechBuzz China
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2018
Cindy Mi
CEO, VIPKid
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2024
Karen Mu
Managing Director, Investment Banking Global Head, Asia Banking at Alliance Global Partners
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2021
Jiayan “Jenny” Shi
Documentary Filmmaker
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2022
Nika Soon-Shiong
Founder, Fund for Guaranteed Income, PhD Candidate at Oxford University, Social Activist
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2023
Sisi Sung
Academic researcher & author of The Economics of Gender in China
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2020
Virginia Tan
Founding Partner, Teja Ventures
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2024
Gia Vang
Journalist + Non-Profit Co-Founder | The Very Asian Foundation, Daughter of Hmong refugees
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2023
Ruby Wang
Medical Doctor; Managing Director, Lintris Consulting; Digital Health Council, UK Royal Society of Medicinex
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2020
Emma Yang
CEO and Founder, Timeless
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2018
Ingrid Yin
Co-founder, MayTech Global Investments
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2019
Carrie Yu
CEO and Founder, The Bulk House
Rising Star Honorees
The Rising Star Awards recognize young, dynamic leaders under 40 who are blazing trails in their industries. These women represent the next generation of changemakers, innovators, and leaders.