2025 Asian American Hero of Colorado Awards
Outstanding Leadership, Service, and Heroism
Since 2009, in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Asian American Hero of Colorado awards are held each May to recognize deserving individuals for their leadership, service, and contributions. Now in our 16th annual year, we are honoring seven awardees on Sunday, May 18, 2025:
Howard Chou
Commissioner, Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission
Member, Colorado Democratic National Committee
Shauna Medeiros-Tuilaepa
Owner, No Ke Aloha
Board Chair, Colorado Asian Pacific United
Courtney Ozaki
Founder and Creative Producer, Japanese Arts Network
Creative Producer, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Sabrina Sameshima
Children’s Program Senior Staff Attorney, Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network
Binisha Shrestha
Founder/CEO, Colorado Nepalese Community
Global Leaders Award 2024
Stephanie Tanny
Founder/CEO, Kasih Initiative
Former Commissioner, Denver Asian American & Pacific Islander Commission
Former Development Director/AAPI Organizer, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition
Young Hero Award: Nina Vendhan
Board Member, Youth Roots
MBA Candidate, Wharton School
All proceeds will go towards building the Social Fabric Hub, our new Asian Community Center!
Platinum Sponsor
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2025 Hero Awards Ceremony
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Awards and Lunch 11:00am to 1:00pm
Networking Reception from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Social Fabric Hub:
AANHPI Community and Cultural Center
67 Inverness Dr East, Unit C
Englewood, CO 80112
2025 Asian American Heroes Of Colorado
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2025 Asian American Heroes Of Colorado 〰️
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Founder/ CEO Colorado Nepalese Community
Global Leaders Award 2024
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Founder and Creative Producer, Japanese Arts Network
Creative Producer, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
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Owner, No Ke Aloha
Board Chair, Colorado Asian Pacific United
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Commissioner, Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission
Member, Colorado Democratic National Committee
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Founder/ CEO, Kasih Initiative
Former Commissioner, Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission
Former Development Director/ AAPI Organizer, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition
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Children’s Program Senior Staff Attorney, Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network
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Board Member, Youth Roots
MBA Candidate, Wharton School
2024 Asian American Heroes of Colorado
2023 Asian American Heroes of Colorado
2022 Asian American Heroes of Colorado
2019 Asian American Heroes of Colorado
2018 Asian American Heroes of Colorado
2017 Asian American Heroes of Colorado
2016 Asian American Heroes of Colorado
2015 Asian American Heroes of Colorado
2014 Asian American Heroes of Colorado
2013 Asian American Heroes of Colorado
2012 Asian American Heroes of Colorado
2011 Asian American Heroes of Colorado
2010 Asian American Heroes of Colorado
2009 Asian American Heroes of Colorado
Since 2009…
This award is given on behalf of Colorado’s Asian American Pacific Islander organizations.
This year’s awardees were selected by: Asian Chamber of Commerce, Asian Girls Ignite, Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Asian Roundtable of Colorado, Asian Vibes in Denver, Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership, Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network, Colorado Asian Pacific United, Colorado Dragon Boat, National Association of Asian American Professionals Colorado, and Sakura Foundation.
In 2025, 98 awardees will have been recognized.