Meet 4 AAPI Changemakers in Sacramento

May 8th, 2023

In this age of breaking social barriers and creating inclusive spaces, the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (SACC) is recognizing four awardees who inspire us to continue pushing forward toward equity and unity. These individuals will be recognized during a private celebration of the Chamber’s 30th anniversary in 2023.

Our awardees’ passion for their fields and humanity toward others is what creates brighter futures. We are elated to celebrate the SACC’s 30th anniversary, and even more honored to celebrate four Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) changemakers in Sacramento during AAPI Heritage Month.

2023 Emerging Leader of the Year: Dr. Chao “Danny” Vang

Dr. Vang is receiving this award due to his dedication to the students and faculty at Sacramento State and his extensive work for the AAPI community. He currently serves as the Director of Educational Equity Access and Equity Strategist at Sacramento State. Dr. Vang has worked tirelessly to provide resources to underserved communities by overseeing global educational equity outreach programs and helping open cultural centers across Sacramento State’s campus.

“This award is dedicated to the trailblazers that have paved the path to make it a little easier for me. I am honored to be receiving this award. I also understand that I now have an obligation to continue mentoring the younger generation through my work and while making a positive impact in the community. More specifically, for the AAPI community, it is my responsibility to use my knowledge and experience to be the change. It is important that the right questions are asked to ensure underserved communities and families are given equitable educational, social, health, and economic opportunities.”
Dr. Chao Vang

2023 Fat Family Legacy Award: King Cong Brewing Company

Cong Nguyen, the owner of King Cong Brewing Company, has worked hard to bring people together across Sacramento. Nguyen opened the now esteemed and well-known brewery on Del Paso Boulevard in late 2017. Today, it is an adored space for community gatherings. Nguyen came from humble beginnings as a first generation American born to Vietnamese immigrant parents. Through his persistence and dedication as an entrepreneur, King Cong Brewing Company was born.

“This award represents my ability to accomplish things beyond what I have dreamed of. My focus has always been providing a great product in my industry and I never imagined the impact it could have for the AAPI community. I hope to continue to make a positive impact in my industry, community, and city.”
Cong Nguyen

2023 Corporate Steward: Dignity Health

Dignity Health is a healthcare provider dedicated to providing medical care to all people regardless of background, ethnicity, or circumstances. Dignity Health recently granted $1.15 million to 17 Sacramento-area nonprofits to address health disparities in vulnerable communities. Since 1991, the corporation has given approximately $91 million in grants to 3,800 healthcare improvement projects.

“Dignity Health is grateful to be recognized by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce with the 2023 Corporate Steward award. For more than 160 years, we have been committed to growing a healthier and stronger Sacramento Region. This includes support of the AAPI community — from serving on boards — to providing direct healthcare services in the community.”
the Dignity Health team

2023 Honoree: Dr. Richard Pan

Dr. Richard Pan has used his platform to uplift the AAPI community as a former California State Senator representing the 6th Senate District, which includes areas of Sacramento and Yolo counties. He established the state Racial Equity Commission which prohibited discrimination of business establishments based on citizenship, primary language, and immigration status. Dr. Pan started his career as a pediatrician and was a former UC Davis faculty member, but eventually made his way into politics as the first Asian American to represent Sacramento in the California legislature. He has made many accomplishments during his time in the State Senate such as being Chair of the Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (AAPILC) and Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Asian Pacific Islander Affairs. As AAPILC Chair, Dr. Pan created a $165 million API Equity Budget in 2021 which helps support AAPI organizations and media.

“As the first Asian American to represent Sacramento in the California legislature and a small business owner, I am honored to be recognized by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce. Asian Americans have played a prominent, if often unheralded, role in Sacramento and California history and economy for over 150 years. Yet, our community has also been a frequent target for exclusion and hate during that same history. I am proud to have led the Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus in securing the landmark $165 million API Equity Budget to support AAPI survivors of hate, our community and our businesses and additional state funds for our history to be taught in California schools and universities.”
Dr. Richard Pan

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at the AAPI Night Market on May 19, 2023, in Downtown Sacramento! More info here: aapinightmarketsac.eventbrite.com

Written by: Sia Patel