The Asian Hall of Fame Heritage Gala celebrated cultural achievement and community investment at the Biltmore Los Angeles on May 1, bringing together hundreds of guests to honor trailblazers while funding scholarships for the next generation.
CBS LA anchor Suzie Suh guided the evening, which featured heritage costumes representing Asia, Latin America and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization emphasized what it calls "interracial synergy," intentionally highlighting connections across communities.
The gala announced 103 scholarships through the Women In Tech, Entertainment, Science & Sports program, with funding available to applicants from all racial backgrounds.
The 2026 inductee class reflected the organization's values. Hideo Nomo, the legendary pitcher nominated by the Los Angeles Dodgers, became the first baseball player ever enshrined in the Asian Hall of Fame. Muralist Robert Vargas was named Goodwill Ambassador.
Melinda Rogers, a San Marino philanthropist, was honored as Woman of the Year. Her younger brother William presented the award. Rogers wore a custom Korean hanbok designed in collaboration with Anna Kim at her Koreatown boutique.
Loida Nicolas Lewis, an inductee since 2007, participated in a fireside chat exploring family legacy and community empowerment.
The evening featured a Heritage Costume Show with pageant winners, performances by musician Maki Mae with pianist Jason Lo and cellist Ryan Phipps, and the Los Angeles Taiko Collective. An 18-carat gold ring donated by Vartan Kazanjian of Estate Jewelers of South Pasadena was raffled to support the scholarship program.
Established in 2004, the Asian Hall of Fame has spent two decades advancing what it calls "mainstream recognition of Asian and Native legacy." Past inductees include Connie Chung, Kristi Yamaguchi and Margaret Cho.
