The event raised funds for the Women in Tech, Entertainment, & Sports Scholarships, which support eligible applicants from 32 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Women from all racial and ethnic backgrounds are welcome to apply for 100 national scholarships designed to help recipients continue their education and pursue their personal goals.

Jim Etzel, CEO of Sport Oregon, received the Founders Award in recognition of his contributions as an inaugural member of the national scholarship committee.

Oregon State Representative Daniel Nguyen, the 2024 Person of the Year, delivered the opening remarks. He said he was energized by the enthusiasm in the room and the event’s growth, noting that attendance had doubled compared with last year.

Katherine Lam, founder and CEO of Bambuza Hospitality Group and the 2024 Person of the Year, said she was honored to host the event in Portland and bring together leaders from across the community. Her goal, she explained, was not simply to organize a celebration, but to create a platform where women’s voices could be heard and seen, and their important contributions recognized. She also hopes to inspire the next generation by showing young women the possibilities ahead and the dreams they can achieve.

Maki Hsieh, CEO of the Asian Hall of Fame, said Portland, located in the Pacific Northwest, is a city full of collaboration, creativity, and energy. She was delighted that the Hall of Fame had returned to Portland for the second time, with this year’s event doubling in size compared with last year. The gathering brought together committee members, elected officials, and beauty queens from nine states.

Hsieh also announced that the Hall of Fame will host its 22nd annual Person of the Year Awards Gala in Los Angeles on November 5. By expanding the Hall of Fame’s reach and experiences, she hopes to showcase Asian American excellence and the “secret formula” behind Asian success, inspiring and empowering Asian communities across the United States and around the world.

The evening’s featured speaker was Richelle Luther, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, and General Counsel of Columbia Sportswear. Luther shared how scholarships had profoundly shaped her life. She said that without people willing to lend a helping hand and give others opportunities to advance, she would not be where she is today as a member of the business community.

Scholarships also gave her the opportunity to experience life in Asia, including growing up in the region and later living in Japan. These experiences became an important part of her life. She emphasized that the Asian Hall of Fame’s scholarships and broader mission demonstrate the importance of shaping the future by investing in young people.

Carlos Quesnel Melendez, Consul of Mexico in Portland, said he was honored to represent the Hispanic community in support of the Hall of Fame’s mission. As members of minority communities, he noted, they share a commitment to promoting cultural diversity in Portland and throughout Oregon.

Emcee Elizabeth Dinh said she was proud to represent Vietnamese culture. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, she has lived in Oregon for 11 years. Her parents are Vietnamese immigrants, and she said she deeply values the principles they instilled in her: respecting and cherishing family, getting to know people from different backgrounds, and honoring each person’s unique story.

Four returning partners were recognized for their continued support of the event: Wells Fargo, OVACC (Oregon Vietnamese American Cultural Center), Sokol Blosser Winery, and Relay Resources.

In partnership with Relay Resources, the Asian Hall of Fame also introduced an Accessibility Ambassador Help Desk, offering sensory comfort toys, wheelchair chargers, and information about accessible facilities to help attendees with different needs participate comfortably in the event.

The evening’s musical performances featured Maki Mae, Nicole Ho (2025 Miss Asian America), and Camilla Shae.

Event talent ambassadors included Asian Hall of Fame Person of the Year Kristen Lui; Shivali Bloom (2019 Miss Oregon); Amber Pike (2027 Miss Washington Volunteer); Sarah White (2026 Miss Oregon Princess); and Juliana Yip-Ono (2024 Miss Oregon Princess).

A pop-up boutique at the event showcased and offered gifts inspired by celebrities and brands including Taylor Swift, Nirvana, the Seattle Seahawks, Chanel, Hermès, and Montblanc.

The evening concluded with a vibrant Heritage Costume Show, featuring traditional cultural attire and bringing the gala to a memorable close.