Posted on May 13, 2026.
Asian Hall of Fame Heritage Gala Highlights Community Impact at Biltmore Hotel May 1 | Festive benefit funded scholarships for women, launched Heritage Costume Show
LOS ANGELES – Global ambassador Asian Hall of Fame hosted its Heritage Gala on May 1, 2026 at the iconic Biltmore Los Angeles, the historical venue of Official Hotel Partner Millennium Hotels & Resorts.
CBS LA Anchor Suzie Suh served as Master of Ceremonies of the festive, interracial Asian Heritage Month celebration brought to life by vibrant national costumes representing China, El Savador, India, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, US Virgin Islands, and Vietnam.
Guests from California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, and New York applauded the Class of 2026 Official Announcement, including Asian Hall of Fame’s first-ever Major League Baseball Inductee Hideo Nomo, nominated by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and DTLA muralist Robert Vargas as Goodwill Ambassador.
Dedicated San Marino philanthropist and Board of Governors Chairwoman Melinda Rogers was honored as the 2026 Woman of the Year, presented by her brother William Rogers. Chairwoman Rogers highlighted the endearing impact of family, and also delighted audiences with her custom Korean hanbok, designed alongside Anna Kim at her Koreatown boutique.
Distinguished philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis (Inductee 2007) shared an inspiring fireside chat with stories of family legacy and community empowerment. Guests received commemorative autographed memoirs, Nan Yang Delight , and SUP gifts. Inductees in attendance were Marc Anthony Nicolas, Kristen Lui, incoming Inductee Kitty Lo and Maggie Tseng, Official Design Partner of the Season.
The inaugural Heritage Costumes Show, sponsored by Meridien Vacation Homes, will return as the Induction Ceremony Finale at The Biltmore Los Angeles on November 7, 2026. Pageant winners included a Rose Pageant Princess, Miss Asia USA, Miss Teen Latina Global, Hi-Teen USA, Miss International US Virgin Islands, Miss Taiwanese American, and Mrs. Asia Glamour.
Maki Mae performed with pianist Jason Lo and cellist Ryan Phipps from her upcoming album release. Walter Nishinaka and Los Angeles Taiko Collective kicked-off raffle drawings, including a giant 18-carat gold ring donated by Vartan Kazanjian, owner of Estate Jewelers of South Pasadena. The intergenerational benefit funded Women In Tech, Entertainment, Science & Sports (WinTESS) scholarships for 103 applicants from all racial backgrounds.
ABOUT ASIAN HALL OF FAME Established in 2004, Asian Hall of Fame strengthens interracial synergy by advancing mainstream recognition of Asian and Native legacy. Inductees include Connie Chung, Kristi Yamaguchi, Margaret Cho, amongst others. https://www.asianhalloffame.org