APAC Annual Dinner – Asian Pacific American Coalition

APAC Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony
and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration

APAC’s signature event is our Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This spectacular dinner and awards ceremony is one of the premier events in the San Diego Asian American Community, as community leaders, business executives, nonprofits, and elected officials come together to recognize significant leaders in our community who influence change and champion civic engagement.

We recognize rising stars and seasoned community figures with awards, as well as provide scholarships to deserving students. We will also be celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Register by clicking here!

Mark your calendar for our 13th Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony on May 16, 2026!

APAC’s Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony will recognize individuals and organizations who have made a difference in our community through civic engagement; support APAC’s civic and economic empowerment initiatives and leadership development programs; select 2 recipients of the Tom Hom Scholarship; and celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Click on the image below to register for the event!

APAC 14th Anniversary Dinner & Awards Ceremony

Saturday, May 16, 2026

5:00pm-9:00pm

Jasmine Seafood Restaurant

4609 Convoy Street, San Diego, CA 92111

If paying by check, please make it payable to APAC and mail to:
APAC San Diego
PO Box 261243
San Diego, CA 92196

Click here for the Facebook event page

APAC Gala & Award Dinner 2026 Honorees:

1. Excellence in Civic Leadership and Volunteerism Award – Presented to Helen Quintanilla
This award is given to an individual who is an outstanding civic engagement volunteer and leader that goes above and beyond to serve their community through leadership, initiative, and advocacy. They help organize events, mobilize residents, educate the public, and collaborate with government and nonprofits to drive positive change.

2. Outstanding Organization Award – Presented to Kanaka Davis Trust Group
This award is given to an organization which actively supports the mission of the Asian Pacific American Coalition and its greater efforts to advance civic engagement in the Asian & Pacific Islander communities.

3. Rising Star Award – Presented to Ishaa Giridhar
This award is given to a young man or woman between the ages of 16 and 24 years old who takes an active role in advancing API civic engagement in San Diego and demonstrates the capability for future community leadership.

4. Lifetime Achievement Award – Presented to Dr. Mitsuo Tomita
This award is given by APAC to a community leader who has demonstrated an extraordinary personal commitment to his/her organization in the Asian community and has thus enabled the group to excel in fulfilling its mission and goals. It also recognizes the best in community spirit and encourages others to improve their communities through volunteer service, and civic participation.

5. Tom Hom Civic Engagement Scholarship
Presented to the following four winners: Tenzin Nima, Ellie Chen, & Tiona Troung
The Tom Hom Civic Engagement Scholarship is awarded to a full-time student enrolled in a San Diego County college, of API (Asian or Pacific Islander) descent, and has demonstrated volunteerism, work, or other activity related to civic engagement.

Read more about them here!

Click here for the registration link!

Sponsor the 14th Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony! Click here for the sponsorship form!

APAC Awards Gala Sponsors (interested in sponsoring our 2026 event – click here)