5 Change Makers To Be Recognized at 3rd Annual AAPI Night Market on May 31st
Embracing a time of progress and inclusivity, the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (SACC) shines a light on five remarkable individuals and organizations who embody the spirit of pushing boundaries for equity and unity. Join us as we honor these change makers at our 3rd Annual AAPI Night Market on May 31st, marking the end of AAPI Heritage Month.
Their unwavering passion and commitment to humanity pave the way for brighter tomorrows. Let’s come together to celebrate these trailblazers shaping Sacramento during AAPI Heritage Month.
2024 Community Impact Award: Jason Jong, Cultural and Creative Economy Manager, City of Sacramento
Jason Jong (he/him) is a community advocate, percussionist, and creator of meaningful cultural experiences. With a background in public sector roles at the City of Sacramento and Oakland, he brings over 30 years of experience in community causes and nonprofit work. He recently joined the City of Sacramento as Cultural and Creative Economy Manager for the Office of Arts and Culture.
Jason co-founded the Sacramento Asian Pacific Cultural Village, presenters of the Sacramento Asian Pacific Film Festival, and with The Creative Space, co-presenters of Asian Pacific CultureFest each May. He is a founding member of the APIs Rise Fund philanthropy group, has served on the board of directors for Asian American Liberation Network, E. Claire Raley Studios for the Performing Arts, and Iu Mien Community Services, and has provided cultural production support to several organizations, including ACC Senior Services, My Sister’s House, and the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce.
2024 Corporate Steward of the Year: Golden 1 Credit Union
Founded in Sacramento in 1933, Golden 1 Credit Union is member-owned, not for profit, with a people-helping-people philosophy. With more than 1.1 million members throughout California and over $20 billion in assets, Golden 1 is one of the largest credit unions in the United States, providing easy access to the financial solutions, resources, and support their members and communities need to improve their well-being. The credit union offers more than just lower rates on loans and low-to-no fee products, it has provided member givebacks, zero interest bridge loans during crises, and deepened its commitment to the community since Day 1.
Golden 1 is committed to creating a more equitable and financially inclusive California and invests in organizations making a positive impact in communities within the Greater Sacramento area and throughout the state. Throughout the past decade, Golden 1 has proudly supported hundreds of nonprofits through grants, scholarships, food banks, charity sponsorships, including AAPI organizations such as the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce. Golden 1 is also actively involved in expanding its corporate giving and social equity programs to further uplift diverse communities statewide.
2024 Emerging Leader of the Year: Franceska Gamez, Muralist/Owner, 1810 Gallery
Franceska Gamez, a versatile visual artist born in Manila and raised in the Bay Area, now resides in Sacramento. Her art, rooted in storytelling, community, and collaboration, spans large murals, immersive installations, and captivating sculptures.
Franceska co-founded 1810 Gallery LLC, uplifting underrepresented creatives and serving as Creative Producer at Lunarsol Studios, blending art and social impact. Honored with the Sacramento Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Awards and as a speaker at the Metro Edge Summit, Franceska’s activism extends through Trust Your Struggle (TYS) and her art is showcased globally, championing diverse voices.
2024 Fat Family Legacy Award: The Creative Space
Jennifer and Remy Tokunaga, Sacramento-native sisters and co-owners of The Creative Space, transformed their family-owned commercial building into a versatile event and small business hub in Midtown Sacramento. Despite opening just before the pandemic forced closures, they quickly adapted, pivoting to support struggling small businesses by hosting 125 pop-up events across various venues.
Their efforts to foster community engagement and uplift small businesses earned them recognition from the Sacramento City Council, Elk Grove’s Mayor, and ABC10’s Small Business of the Month Award in March 2023.
2024 Honoree: Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen, City of Elk Grove
Bobbie Singh-Allen, elected Mayor of Elk Grove in 2020, brings extensive leadership experience from her roles on the Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Trustees, where she served as Board President. With a background spanning over two decades in the private sector, she has led statewide associations and served as a government relations-public affairs consultant on various issues.
Bobbie is committed to transparent, accountable governance, championing collaboration, equity, and stakeholder engagement. She holds a J.D. from Lincoln Law School of Sacramento and a B.A. in Government from California State University, Sacramento.
A native of India and resident of Elk Grove for 30 years, Bobbie is a dedicated community leader serving on multiple boards and commissions, including Visit California and Greater Sacramento Economic Council. She has received numerous awards for her civic and community engagement, including being named “Woman of the Year” for Assembly District 9 in 2015.
Join us at our 3rd Annual AAPI Night Market on May 31st, celebrating these these change makers as we bring AAPI Heritage Month to a close. Get your AAPI Night Market tickets today!