Keynote speaker U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke with actor George Takei and former Secretary of Commerce Norman Mineta. Photo by Ramon Talusan.
The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) held its 15th annual gala dinner on May 19 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C.
The event featured U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke as a guest speaker and George Takei, who is well-known for his role as “Mr. Sulu” in “Star Trek,” acted as master of ceremonies.
That evening paid tribute to two Asian Pacific Islander Americans who have distinguished themselves for many years in giving back to their communities. President and CEO of APAICS William H. (Mo) Marumoto received (posthumously) the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award. Chief administrative officer of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Martha Choe received the Community Service Award.