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Elevating Colorado's Asian communities through cultural exchange since 2009.
Attend the 2022 Asian American Hero of Colorado Awards Ceremony!
Happy Living and Wellness Center
14015 E Evans Avenue, Aurora, CO 80014
Tickets: General $40 | Student $30
Table of 8 for $280

Saturday, May 21, 2022 | 10am to 12pm
The 2022 Asian American Hero of Colorado Awardees will be featured in Asian Avenue Magazine's May edition.
From left: Deborah Yim, Alyssa Nilemo, Dr. William Wei, Gary Yamashita, Dr. Sumiko Tanaka Hennessy, Mimi Luong Ye, and Joanne Liu.
Congratulations to the 2022 awardees!
Joanne Liu
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Co-Founder & CEO, Asian Girls Ignite
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Chair, Colorado Asian Pacific United
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Commissioner, Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission
Dr. William Wei
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State Historian, History Colorado
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Boardmember, Colorado Asian Pacific United
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History Professor, University of Colorado
Gary Yamashita
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Chief Executive Officer, Sakura Square LLC
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Executive Director, Sakura Foundation
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Community Grantmaking Committee, Rose Community Foundation
Mimi Luong Ye
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Co-owner, Truong An Gifts in Far East Center
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Founder, Sweetest Day CO
Deborah Yim
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Owner & Managing Attorney, Primera Law Group
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President-Elect, Asian Pacific American Bar Association
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Commissioner, Denver Immigrant and Refugee Commission
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Legal Counsel, Asian Real Estate Association of Greater Denver
Young Hero Award: Alyssa Nilemo
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Executive Director, Asian Chamber Foundation of Colorado
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Dharma School Superintendent, Denver Buddhist Temple
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Mirai Generations Leadership Program Graduate, Sakura Foundation
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Sumiko Tanaka Hennessy
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Founding boardmember and former Executive Director, Asian Pacific Development Center
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Co-founder, Asian Chamber of Commerce
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Co-founder, Crossroads for Social Work (for mental health professionals in Japan and the U.S.)
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Former boardmember, Women's Foundation of Colorado
We have reached the max capacity for the event and
are no longer selling tickets. Thank you!
Each year, in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the awards ceremony honors an extraordinary group of local heroes in May.
Join us to hear their inspiring stories as we recognize this year’s awardees over a dim sum and sushi brunch!
Or send a check payable to: CACEN
P.O. Box 221748
Denver, CO 80222
Contact us with questions:
303.937.6888
This year's awardees were selected by: Asian Chamber of Commerce, Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Asian Pacific Development Center, Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership, Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network, Colorado Dragon Boat, Community Organizing for Radical Empathy, Sakura Foundation, Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, National Association of Asian American Professionals Colorado.

About

OUR VISION
We envision equitable spaces in Colorado for Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) to be able to be their authentic selves. For AANHPIs to feel valued, engaged, socially connected to their communities.
OUR MISSION
Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network (CACEN) is a 501c3 organization founded in 2009. The organization’s mission is to elevate Colorado's Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities and address inequities through cultural exchange and education.
CACEN's programs and activities:
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Promote Asian cultural education and awareness through various activities, including, but not limited to, publishing periodicals that focus on aspects of Asian culture and experience in the US.
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Build bridges of awareness, knowledge, and understanding between Colorado’s diverse Asian communities and the general public.
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Enhance cultural exchange through hosting and organizing social and educational activities, including, but not limited to, language classes and cultural lessons on Asian traditions and lifestyle.
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Preserve cultural values and heritage through activities and programs which highlight, celebrate, share, and teach the virtues of the foundations of Asian cultures.
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Provide support and services to local Asian communities through various activities, including, but not limited to, leadership programs, scholarship and achievement awards, and additional charitable undertakings.
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Develop and expand services and activities based on fulfilling our foundational goal, as opportunities and needs arise within our local community.