The awardees were recognized and honored at APABA-DC’s 2024 Annual Gala held on October 15, 2024.

Washington, D.C. – The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of the Greater Washington, D.C. Area (APABA-DC) recognized and honored the recipients of its annual awards at APABA-DC’s 2024 Annual Gala, which was held on October 15, 2024 at the InterContinental Washington, D.C. - the Wharf.

·        Pioneer Award: APABA-DC's Pioneer Award recognizes the outstanding achievements, commitment, and leadership of an individual who has paved the way for the advancement of APA attorneys.

This year’s Pioneer award recipient is Commissioner Christy Romero Goldsmith

• ·        Community Appreciation Award: The Community Appreciation Award recognizes an individual or organization in the Greater Washington, D.C. area such as community leaders, judges, or leaders of other bar associations who has demonstrated strong support for APABA-DC and its members.

This year’s Community Appreciation Award recipient is the Honorable Jason Park

• ·        Member Appreciation Award: The Member Appreciation Award recognizes outstanding individual service to APABA-DC.

This year’s Member Appreciation Award recipient is Arjun Amernath

• ·        Rising Star Award: The Rising Star Award recognizes talented individuals within the APABA-DC community, who are under the age of forty and have achieved prominence and distinction in their respective field while demonstrating a strong commitment to APABA-DC and the APA community.

This year’s Rising Star Award recipient is Gisela Perez Kuzakawa

“APABA-DC is proud to honor this year's award recipients, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication to justice, and a deep commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion within our community. Their achievements are a testament to the strength and resilience of the AAPINH legal community. We are thrilled to celebrate their contributions, which inspire us all to continue striving for equity and empowerment in our profession and beyond,” said APABA-DC President Angeline Chen.

The recipients of this year's annual awards, together with this year's Diversity Champion, Amazon’s Legal Department, were recognized and honored at APABA-DC’s 2024 Annual Gala.