5 AAPI Change Makers To Be Honored at the 4th Annual AAPI Night Market on May 30
In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month and National Small Business Month, the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (SacAsian Chamber) will proudly spotlight five inspiring individuals and organizations whose stories embody leadership, resilience, and service to the community at this year’s AAPI Night Market.
These 2025 AAPI Honorees are blazing trails across government, business, sustainability, and community advocacy. Together, they represent the heart of our mission: building an inclusive, prosperous future by uplifting those who lead with vision and heart.
Join us as we celebrate these extraordinary honorees at our 4th Annual AAPI Night Market on May 30—a dynamic celebration of culture, entrepreneurship, and unity in the heart of Sacramento.
2025 Honoree: Congresswoman Doris Matsui
U.S. Representative for Sacramento, California
A steadfast champion for Sacramento and beyond, Congresswoman Doris Matsui has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2005. As a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, her leadership has been instrumental in securing over $4 billion in federal funding for regional flood protection and critical infrastructure projects.
Her legislative impact spans health care, clean energy, and technology equity. She played a key role in shaping the Affordable Care Act, championed telehealth expansion, and co-authored the CHIPS for America Act, advancing broadband access and innovation. Matsui also leads the charge on environmental protections, clean energy, and digital inclusion—all while remaining a dedicated supporter of the arts and Sacramento’s cultural identity.
Before Congress, Matsui served in the Clinton White House and held influential roles in the city’s arts and nonprofit sectors. Her legacy continues to shape the Sacramento region—and inspire future generations of AAPI leaders.
Emerging Leader of the Year: Rosemarie Dauz
Community Outreach Program Manager, Golden 1 Credit Union
Rosemarie “Rosie” Dauz is a powerful voice for community empowerment and cultural representation. As Community Outreach Program Manager at Golden 1 Credit Union, she leads initiatives that uplift underserved communities across California, applying her communications expertise to build deep, meaningful impact.
A proud Sacramento State alumna, Rosie is also an accomplished entrepreneur through her event business, Rose to the Occasion. Her leadership shines through service with My Sister’s House, Filipino Fiesta, and the Philippine National Day Association, as well as through her role as Board Secretary for the CalAsian Foundation.
Rosie is a product of leadership programs like SacAsian’s Catalyst and the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program and has been honored as a Comstock’s Emerging Leader and a Sacramento Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree. Her work bridges community, corporate, and cultural spheres with authenticity and vision.
Fat Family Legacy Award: Acheson Wine Company
Owner: Loraine Scott
With a revolutionary model rooted in sustainability and style, Acheson Wine Company is redefining what a local winery can be. Founded by Loraine Scott in Midtown Sacramento, the winery eliminates packaging waste by serving wine on tap, saving more than 65,000 glass bottles from landfills to date.
Loraine’s decades of hospitality experience—from New York’s Fred’s at Barneys to Sacramento’s bustling food and beverage scene—inform her commitment to eco-conscious innovation. Beyond business, she gives back through nonprofits like Saint John’s Program for Real Change, Chalk It Up, and the SPCA.
Acheson Wine Company stands as a beacon of environmental responsibility, local pride, and female entrepreneurship—a true reflection of Sacramento’s evolving business landscape.
Corporate Steward of the Year: Sutter Health
As one of California’s leading not-for-profit healthcare providers, Sutter Health is redefining what it means to care for communities—through innovation, access, and unwavering compassion. Headquartered in Sacramento, Sutter Health serves more than 3.5 million Californians across a broad, integrated network of hospitals, clinics, and caregivers.
With a mission rooted in wellness, equity, and patient-centered care, Sutter Health delivers high-quality, personalized services through its connected care model—meeting people where they are, when they need it. Their approach emphasizes not only clinical excellence, but also the social determinants of health that shape lives and outcomes.
Sutter Health’s impact is deeply felt in the Sacramento region and beyond, where they actively partner with community organizations, invest in underserved populations, and cultivate the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Through their dedication to advancing care and championing community well-being, Sutter Health remains a powerful force in building a healthier, more inclusive future for all.
Community Impact Award (In Memoriam): Sonney Chong
Sonney Chong’s sudden passing this past December left a profound void in the Sacramento community. A tireless advocate, connector, and friend, Sonney dedicated over four decades to uplifting the AAPI community and building bridges across diverse groups.
He was a founding member and longtime Chair of CAPITAL (Founding Chair, CAPITAL (Council of Asian Pacific Islanders Together for Advocacy & Leadership), which at its peak represented over 91 organizations. Under his leadership, CAPITAL became a rare and powerful coalition uniting Sacramento’s many AAPI voices. Our own President & CEO, Pat Fong Kushida, has known Sonney since she first joined the Chamber in 1998, and our organization has worked alongside CAPITAL for many years. His unwavering commitment to advocacy and community-building has left an indelible impact on Sacramento’s AAPI community.
Sonney was a constant presence at community events and worked closely with groups including Asian Resources, Inc., CACS, OCA Sacramento, and the Iu Mien Family Association. He also built lasting partnerships with LGBTQ+ groups, CAIR, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and Filipino, Hmong, and Korean nonprofits. Sonney had strong ties with local government leaders such as Illa Collin, Roger Dickinson, Jimmie Yee, and Patrick Kennedy. He served on the California State Fair Board, CSU Alumni Association, and the Asian Dentists Association of Sacramento.
His presence and leadership leave a lasting legacy of unity, service, and advocacy for generations to come.
Celebrate With Us!
Join us in honoring these trailblazers and enjoying a night of live entertainment, cultural celebration, and small business love at our 4th Annual AAPI Night Market on Friday, May 30 from 5-10 PM on Capitol Mall, downtown Sacramento. Let’s close AAPI Heritage Month and National Small Business Month with pride, unity, and purpose.