ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of AAPI New Jersey. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

AAPI New Jersey is gearing up for an inspiring celebration of local heroes and community leaders at its annual gala, taking place on Friday, Nov. 15 at The Grove, 691 Pompton Avenue in Cedar Grove.

This year’s event follows incredible organizational growth, building up from a staff of two to fifteen employees, nurturing and connecting other local AAPI organizations through the newly launched Asian American Coalition of New Jersey, deepening community outreach to include mental health support services, and policy and advocacy leadership in areas including immigrant rights, voting rights, and investing in healthy AAPI communities, among other efforts.

Reflecting the expanded strength and reach of AAPI New Jersey’s programming during its first year as a statewide organization—especially in the areas of education (through the Teach Asian American Stories initiative and Youth Leadership Program), advocacy, and community-building—the event is expected to bring together prominent community and business leaders, elected officials, and other key supporters for an uplifting evening.

The gala will recognize four individuals and organizations who have paved the way for Asian Americans in New Jersey and supported the AAPI community’s health and success with their groundbreaking accomplishments and generosity:

Connie Chung

Trailblazing Journalist | Inaugural Luminary Legend Award

Connie Chung paved the way for many women and Asian Americans alike. She made history when she became the first woman to co-anchor the CBS Evening News and the first Asian American to anchor any news program in the country.

Archana Athalye

Dynamic Cultural Educator | Luminary Award

Archana Athalye is Founder & Director of Kulture Kool South Asian Cultural Center and The Diversity Center. Her work is centered on fostering cultural understanding and advocating for multiculturalism in the NY/NJ Metropolitan area.

Atlantic Health System

Health Equity Leader | Luminary Award

Atlantic Health System (AHS) is dedicated to building healthier communities and improving lives for patients, consumers, and caregivers. Serving more than half of the state of New Jersey including 14 counties and 7.5 million people, AHS is dedicated to delivering high quality, innovative and personalized health care to all who enter its system.

Assemblymember Ellen Park

Pathbreaking Public Servant | Luminary Award

Ellen Park came to the United States as an immigrant who couldn’t speak a word of English and committed herself to building a better future for her family. She served on the Englewood Cliffs Borough Council from 2016–2018 and has been a member of the New Jersey Assembly since 2022, currently serving as Chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

AAPI New Jersey thanks its gala sponsors for helping to make this year’s celebration possible: Presenting sponsor Upgrade Services; Gold sponsor Johnson & Johnson; and Silver sponsors ENT Allergy and Associates, FINN Partners, Little Sheep Hot Pot, and T.S. Ma Chinese Cuisine.

For more information, visit https://aapinewjersey.org/events/luminary-gala-2024/.

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