2nd Annual Asian American Stories Award Gala

Kristi Yamaguchi to be Honored as Legendary Storyteller and Dion Lim to Host 2025 Asian American Stories Gala

Saratoga, CA — March 25, 2025 — Silicon Valley Community Media (SVCM) is thrilled to announce that Olympic gold medalist and celebrated philanthropist Kristi Yamaguchi will be honored as the Legendary Storyteller at the 2nd Annual Asian American Stories (AAS) Video Contest Gala on May 1, 2025. The prestigious event will also be hosted by Emmy Award-winning ABC News anchor Dion Lim at HL Peninsula in Milpitas, California.

This year’s contest theme, “My Gift to America,” invites filmmakers, storytellers, and advocates to highlight the contributions of Asian Americans to the United States. The contest, open to both aspiring and established creators, provides a platform for sharing powerful stories of cultural impact, resilience, and identity. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2025.

A colorful celebration of storytelling, the AAS Gala is an opportunity for community leaders, businesses, and organizations to come together in support of AAPI representation in media. Attendees will enjoy an evening of inspiration, networking, and exceptional storytelling. Tickets for the gala are now available, and sponsorship opportunities are open for those looking to align their brand with this meaningful cause.

“Sponsorships for the contest and gala allow businesses and individuals to play a direct role in amplifying AAPI voices,” said Diana Ding, competition co-founder. “We invite organizations passionate about diversity and inclusion to support this powerful initiative.”

Last year’s inaugural contest saw over 70 impactful submissions, ranging from personal journeys to social justice narratives, all celebrating the theme “We All Belong Here.” With this year’s theme, “My Gift to America,” participants are encouraged to share their unique contributions and heritage through compelling visual storytelling. Videos must be no longer than 1 minute and will be rated by a panel of distinguished judges on originality, storytelling, production quality, and alignment with this year’s theme.

For information on purchasing gala tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and submitting contest entries by March 31, 2025, visit aastories.org.