Program Guide
Our mission is to empower all Asian Americans by ensuring their voices are heard through their votes and by holding elected officials accountable.
-Association for the Advancement of Asians
Advancing Asian Pacific Islander Communities Through Increased Leadership and Civic Engagement
-Asian Pacific American Public Affairs
Event Schedule
6:00–6:45 PM — Reception (11th Floor)
Cocktails + Silent Auction
Cocktails + Silent Auction
6:45–7:00 PM — Transition
Close cocktails and move to the main ballroom (10th Floor)
Close cocktails and move to the main ballroom (10th Floor)
7:00–7:15 PM — Opening Performance
7:15–7:25 PM — Opening Remarks
Chairman Christopher Do & Keynote Mayor Daniel Lurie
Chairman Christopher Do & Keynote Mayor Daniel Lurie
7:25–8:00 PM — Dinner Service
8:00–8:10 PM — A Bit of Inspiration
Featuring Aniche & Howard
Featuring Aniche & Howard
8:10–8:30 PM — Honorees Presentation
Paul Yep, Chris Larsen, Ned Segal, Dr. Maria Su, & Liana Szeto
Paul Yep, Chris Larsen, Ned Segal, Dr. Maria Su, & Liana Szeto
8:30–8:45 PM — Intermission & Silent Auction Reminder
8:45–9:05 PM — K-Pop Performance by Gia
9:05–9:10 PM — Formal Program Close
9:10–11:00 PM — DJ, Networking, & Cocktails
Our Keynote Speaker
Mayor Daniel Lurie
Elected the 46th and current mayor of San Francisco.
In 2005, Daniel founded Tipping Point Community – a pioneer in anti-poverty initiatives across the Bay Area. Under his direction as CEO, Tipping Point raised over $500 million to house, employ, educate, and support hundreds of thousands of Bay Area families.
Former Mayor Ed Lee selected Daniel in 2013 to lead the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee, an effort that brought over $240 million in economic impact to the region.
Honorees
Public Safety
Chief Paul Yep
Appointed Chief of Public Safety (Jan 2025) and Interim Chief of Police (June 2025) under Mayor Daniel Lurie, leading citywide safety initiatives.
Over 28 years with SFPD, serving as Commander and leading divisions including Risk Management, Central/Northern/Richmond Stations, and Police Academy Training.
Recognized community leader, honored for building trust and engagement across San Francisco’s neighborhoods.
San Francisco native and proud Lowell High & SFSU alumnus; passionate about family, sports, golf, martial arts, and travel.
Chris Larson
Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of Ripple — a global blockchain payments company revolutionizing cross-border transactions.
Pioneering FinTech Leader — previously co-founded and led Prosper and E-LOAN, making E-LOAN the first company to provide consumers open access to their FICO scores.
Climate & Social Impact Advocate — through the Larsen Lam Climate Change Foundation, supports global climate initiatives and sustainable innovation.
Community Champion — drives local partnerships such as Avenue Greenlight (400+ neighborhood projects) and the SF Community Police Foundation, while advising civic and state initiatives to strengthen communities and governance.
Public Education
Dr. Maria Su
Superintendent of SFUSD, leading 49,000 students, 9,000 employees, and a $1.2B budget with a focus on excellence, equity, and fiscal stability.
25+ years of leadership in public service, education, and youth advocacy across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Former Executive Director of DCYF, managing a $350M budget and creating nationally recognized programs advancing equity and youth well-being.
Community-rooted leader, SF resident, and former SFUSD parent dedicated to building inclusive, student-centered partnerships.
Principal Liana Szeto
Founding Principal of Alice Fong Yu (AFY) K–8 School, the nation’s first Chinese immersion public school.
Pioneer of bilingual education since 1984, expanding AFY into a National Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished School.
Recipient of the Terrel H. Bell Award for outstanding national leadership in education.
Champion of multicultural learning, creator of AFY’s Cultural Exchange Program connecting San Francisco and China.
Economic Development
Ned Segal
Dedicated San Franciscan – Lifelong resident committed to the city’s growth and community.
Public & Private Leader – SF Chief of Housing & Economic Development; former Twitter CFO.
Strategic Innovator – Led finance and partnerships at Twitter, Intuit, and Goldman Sachs.
Civic Advocate – Active nonprofit leader supporting equity, education, and the arts.
