✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
A glittery, VIP-packed gala celebrated Asian American youth, with big names like Lana Condor and Eileen Gu in attendance. It was a night of culture, change, and real impact—no one’s talking about it because they should be.
Okay but like WHY is no one talking about this glitter bomb of a gala? Thursday night at Cipriani South Street was basically a VIP-level dream come true for Asian American youth—because someone finally decided to throw a party that’s actually for them. Over 600 people showed up in their finest, including Aya Kanai, Melody Lee, and Ray Chan, who co-chaired the 34th Inspiration Awards Gala. The vibe? A mix of cultural leaders, philanthropists, and influencers who don’t just talk about change—they make it.
Actress Lana Condor and philanthropist Michael Chung were the night’s shiniest stars, but the real MVPs were the guests. Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu flew in from LA just for this, and Avantika kept the energy high with her killer hosting skills. The honorees? They didn’t just talk about their wins—they spilled about how mentorship and representation are the secret sauce to lifting up the next gen. And let’s be real, the live paddle raise? That’s how you turn a night of glam into a real impact.
Designers like Sandy Liang and Kim Shui, plus entrepreneurs Andrew Kwon and others, filled the room, proving that creativity and giving back don’t have to be mutually exclusive. The $3.7 million raised? That’s not just numbers—it’s thousands of kids in NYC getting access to education, mentorship, and career prep. Jiyoon Chung, the exec director, dropped a mic: “Every dollar tonight is a lifeline for these kids.” No fluff, just straight-up truth.
So what’s the takeaway? First, community is the ultimate flex. Second, when you mix culture, philanthropy, and A-list energy, magic happens. And third, this gala wasn’t just about sparkle—it was about building a future.
💫 What’s your favorite part of the night.
What’s your favorite part of the night? Drop your thoughts below!
❓ People Also Ask
Who were the co-chairs of the 2026 Inspiration Awards Gala?
Aya Kanai, Melody Lee, and Ray Chan co-chaired the 34th Inspiration Awards Gala.
Who were the standout guests at the gala?
Lana Condor and Michael Chung were standout guests, with Eileen Gu and Avantika also making notable appearances.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇