PACE Honors Five Decades of Community Empowerment at 50th Anniversary Gala
Los Angeles, CA (October 1, 2025) – On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE) celebrated its 50th Anniversary Gala at the historic Biltmore Los Angeles, drawing nearly 500 guests from across the region, including government leaders and corporate and community partners.
The evening, emceed by Emmy Award-winning ABC7 news anchor David Ono, featured powerful performances, moving stories, and tributes to PACE’s half-century legacy of advancing equity and economic opportunity in Los Angeles. The program opened with a dynamic taiko drum performance by LA Taiko Collective, followed by welcome remarks from PACE President & CEO Kerry Doi.
Highlights included remarks from Supervisor Hilda Solis, Senator Maria Elena Durazo, and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, as well as a traditional Korean fan dance performance by Jung Im Lee Korean Dance Academy.
The celebration culminated with the presentation of three awards:
- Mia Yamamoto – Empowerment Leader Award
A trailblazing criminal defense attorney and lifelong advocate for justice, Yamamoto was recognized for her extraordinary courage and decades of work advancing equity, particularly for queer and trans communities. - Warren Furutani – Lifetime Achievement Award
Educator, activist, and former California State Assemblymember, Furutani was honored for his lifelong dedication to civil rights, education, and community empowerment, including his role in preserving the legacy of Japanese American incarceration during WWII. - U.S. Bank – Community Champion Award
Honored for its deep investment in building vibrant communities, U.S. Bank was recognized for its long-standing partnership with PACE and commitment to supporting economic empowerment in Los Angeles.
Distinguished guests Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez and Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez also joined the celebration, offering remarks that underscored the importance of PACE’s work. The program further featured moving client stories, showcasing the real-life impact of PACE’s services on families and individuals across Los Angeles.
“For 50 years, PACE has been rooted in the belief that everyone deserves opportunity, dignity, and the chance to thrive,” said Kerry Doi, PACE President & CEO. “Tonight, we not only celebrated our legacy, but also renewed our commitment to empowering economic opportunity for generations to come.”
