Asian American Federation Honors Trailblazers at 37th Annual Impact Awards Gala
Celebration Recognizes Fearless Asian American Leaders and Celebrates Advancements in Community Safety, Economic Empowerment, Immigrant Protection, and Mental Health Services
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New York, N.Y. –– Nearly 350 supporters came together on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Tribeca 360 in Manhattan for the Asian American Federation’s (AAF) 37th annual Impact Awards. This annual event honors leaders whose accomplishments reflect AAF’s mission to uplift and empower New York’s Asian American community. Attendees included a diverse mix of local and national supporters, featuring prominent business and creative leaders, donors, media representatives, elected officials, and members from AAF’s network of 70 affiliated organizations.
“This past year we faced cuts to social services, threats to our democracy, and the fear of mass deportations. I wish I could say those crises are behind us. But we know the truth: they have only grown. And the fear we feel is not abstract.” said Catherine Chen, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian American Federation. “Despite everything happening in the world, we are still here. We are resilient. Tonight, we are surrounded by and celebrate the people who prove that our community does not back down: Justin Go and his pro bono counsel, who turned unimaginable grief into a national movement for community safety and advocacy. Hae-Lin Choi, whose leadership with Hands Off NYC has galvanized our community when standing up has never been more urgent. Their courage is what inspires us to keep advocating for an equitable budget in Albany, and to keep fighting for every Asian New Yorker. We are never alone in this fight, and the work of our honorees tonight is proof of that.”
“We need more mental health resources for people who are in crisis.. It takes commitment. It takes sustained funding for housing, treatment, and programs that actually reach people in need, before something goes wrong.” said Courage Honoree Justin Go, Advocate. “I know this will not fix everything. It will not erase hatred overnight. But we have to start somewhere. We need more courage. More love. We need to care for each other.”
“We are defending our communities and democracy by building people power, training thousands of New Yorkers on Know Your Rights, coordinating city-wide nonviolent resistance, and strengthening every neighborhood to stand against authoritarian threats with care, solidarity, and collective action,” said Leadership Honoree Hae-Lin Choi, co-founder of Hands Off NYC. “This is why the Asian American Federation matters so profoundly. And this is exactly why Hands Off NYC must be a movement that Asian New Yorkers are not just invited into — but are leading.”
“We aren’t just “getting through” this moment. We are using this moment to get stronger. We’re moving resources where they’re needed the most. We’re breaking down barriers that slow us down. We’re making sure every Asian New Yorker can move forward with dignity,” Chen added.
The three-hour event was hosted by emcee Nina Pineda, award-winning broadcast journalist with WABC-TV in New York, with performances by the Ajna Dance Company.
Below is the full list of honorees, elected officials, and government personnel.
Honorees:
Courage Awardees
- Justin Go, Father of Michelle Go and advocate. Champion of the Michelle Alyssa Go Act HR 5462
- Judge Marilyn Go, First Asian American woman to serve as a federal judge, now retired
- Lawrence G. Wee, Partner at Milbank LLP
- Jennifer H. Wu, Founding Partner at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman and Stone, LLP
Leadership Awardee
- Hae-Lin Choi, Co-founder of Hands Off NYC
Elected Officials:
- Letitia James, Attorney General of New York
- John Liu, New York State Senator
- Grace Lee, Assemblymember, 65th District
- Shekar Krishnan, Council Member, D-25, Chair on Oversight and Investigations
- Linda Lee, Council Member, D-23, Chair on Finance
Government Personnel:
- Kiara Royer, Director of Special Events, Office of the Manhattan Borough President, Brad Hoylman-Sigal
- Faiza Ali, Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs
- Adam Chen, Director of Asian-American Outreach, Office of the New York State Attorney General Letitia James
- Alex He, Deputy Secretary to the Speaker for Intergovernmental & External Affairs, New York Assembly
- Linda Nguyen, Chief Community Engagement Officer, NYC Department of Small Business Services
- Ravi Reddi, Outreach Director, Senator Kristen Gillibrand
- Eva Wong, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health
- Lei Zhu, Comptroller’s office
- Joon Ahn, Speaker Menin’s office