Legacy Philanthropists Honored at Heritage Gala

Apr 16

Sold-out benefit underwrites scholarships and microgrants for women

LOS ANGELES/April 16, 2026 – Global ambassador Asian Hall of Fame advances role models of the American Dream at its black-tie Heritage Gala on May 1, 2026 at The Biltmore Los Angeles, the iconic art deco venue of Official Hotel Partner Millennium Hotels & Resorts. Custom designs by Official Design Partner TAO will delight 150 patrons from California, Washington, Hawaii, and New York.

The sold-out benefit unveils Class of 2026 Inductees, welcomes Asian Heritage Month, and supports girls and women of all races with Women In Tech, Entertainment, Science & Sports (WinTESS) Scholarships. Last year, 120 scholarship hopefuls from 36 states, Puerto Rico, and 2 countries applied for grants ranging from $500 to $5,000.

Asian Hall of Fame Board of Governors Chairwoman Melinda Rogers will be honored as Woman of the Year, presented by her brother Sir William Rogers. The Rogers family established the Union Rock Company in the early 1900s, and it became the largest sand, rock, and gravel enterprise in the world. Their contributions were pivotal in constructing the infrastructure of Southern California, including projects that became the Pasadena Freeway, The Grapevine, and The Wedge at Newport Beach.

Since her appointment, Chairwoman Rogers expanded new collaborations with iconic experiences such as San Marino Motor Classic, The California Club, The Athenaeum at Caltech, and The Lincoln Club. She was instrumental in merging AHOF with the Women Investing In Nonprofits (WIN) volunteer guild of Pasadena, San Marino, and Arcadia philanthropists. Her enthusiastic vision launched a Honolulu expansion, and pivoted a quiet campaign for a future AHOF Center in Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley.

Distinguished author, attorney, and philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis (Inductee 2007) will share insights from her memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun? An Asian American Story of Love, Marriage, Motherhood, and Running a Billion Dollar Empire. Her late husband Reginald Lewis was the founder and CEO of TLC Beatrice, and recognized as America’s first Black billionaire.

The inaugural Heritage Costumes Fashion Show, sponsored by Meridien Vacation Homes, features runway models and pageant titleholders including 2025 Cultural Ambassador Nicole Ho, Miss Asia America Michelle Ho, and Mrs. Asia Kimberly Vodang. Grammy Voting Member Maki Mae will perform selections from her upcoming classical album New Moon, part of a six-album release. Taiko artist Walter Nishinaka and his ensemble will kick-off raffle drawings, including a signed Taylor Swift guitar and an 18-carat gold ring donated by Vartan Kazanjian.

Night Market opens at 4:30PM with over 200 curated gifts and a St. John trunk show. Dinner begins at 6:00PM. Attire is black-tie, formal, or heritage dress. Valet parking is $35, self-parking is $25 with event validation.

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About Asian Hall of Fame

HONOR LEGACY. ADVANCE PROSPERITY.
Established in 2004, Asian Hall of Fame is a cultural, educational, and research institution dedicated to advancing Asian and Indigenous legacy in the United States and globally.

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