"The voices of immigrant children and adults should not be silenced just because they have yet to learn English. When a child's home language and culture is not accepted or respected, that child feels valueless. Schools are suppose to be safe havens and therefore should not continue to give these messages of non-acceptance to non-English speaking children."

Dr. Gay Q. Yuen's involvement in education was a direct result of her own educational experience as a 1st-grade student at Castelar Elementary School in Los Angeles' Chinatown. Although she had just arrived from Hong Kong and knew little English, teachers often scolded and forbid her from speaking her native tongue at school, contributing to her sense of confusion and alienation growing up.

"While professional and leadership development is about investing in yourself, we want our generation to understand that it is just as important to invest in our community. We believe that success is empty without concern and compassion for others. By mentoring these future leaders one member at a time, we see ourselves as that vital farm system that helps identify and groom the future 'rock stars' of the Asian American community."

In 1993, Stephen Christopher Liu knew there was a gap that needed to be filled. He wanted that served professionals in the APA community, a resource that connected members with those with more experience, and a center that housed the vast talents of its members for the betterment of the community.

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." - Sir Winston Churchill

Chef Akira Hirose's generosity goes beyond his contributions to the culinary world as owner of Maison Akira, his Pasadena-based restaurant that has served French cuisine with a Japanese flair since 1998. He has shared his culinary passion with the causes and people who help define the Asian Pacific American community one meal at a time.

"My life's work comes from the philosophy that without dignity--little else matters. Social justice, respect for all, and inalienable human rights--such as livable wage jobs and decent affordable housing--are imperative in protecting people's dignity."

In the span of 33 years at the helm of Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE), Kerry N. Doi has touched the lives of more than 600,000 Asian Pacific Americans and other minority groups. Doi's passion, commitment and fighting spirit for economic and social justice have brought clients one-step closer to becoming economically independent through PACE services. The community development nonprofit organization provides assistance with employment, small business ownership, affordable housing, early childhood education, energy conservation and efficiency and other services. In addition, it employs about 400 full-time employees, holds more than 30 contracts and helps about 44,000 families a year. Doi serves as PACE's Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer.