“He Pūkoʻa Kani ʻĀina—a coral reef that grows into an island.”
November 5th, 2026
Annual Gala
About
As TeachAAPI celebrates its 5-Year Anniversary, we invite our community to reflect on a powerful Hawaiian proverb: He Pūkoʻa Kani ʻĀina—a coral reef that grows into an island.
This year’s gala honors the belief that lasting change is built through many small contributions working together toward a shared vision. Just as tiny coral polyps collectively form a thriving island over time.
This milestone gala will bring together educators, community leaders, corporate partners, philanthropists, and advocates for an unforgettable evening celebrating the collective impact we have created together.
This evening is not only a celebration of how far we have come—it is an investment in what comes next. Together, we will continue building toward a future where every student can see themselves reflected in the stories they learn and the communities they help shape.
Honorees
We are honored to have the opportunity to showcase the significant impact of the following organizations:
Impact Honoree
Kenneth Lin and Siriwan Singhasiri Foundation
Kenneth Lin and Siriwan Singhasiri are first-generation immigrants whose lives were shaped by family sacrifice, education, and the pursuit of opportunity. Kenneth was born in China and immigrated to the United States at age four. Siriwan was born in Thailand and immigrated at age five. Both grew up in working-class immigrant families in Las Vegas, where they later met. Today, they are raising their two children, Brandon and Stella, with the same appreciation for resilience, cultural identity, and the power of education.
The Kenneth Lin and Siriwan Singhasiri Foundation is dedicated to expanding educational opportunity and economic mobility for underserved communities. Through their support of TeachAAPI’s work in Nevada, the Foundation is helping bring AANHPI history, culture, and contributions to students across the Clark County School District—one of the nation’s largest school districts. Together, we are creating more inclusive classrooms where every student has the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the stories they encounter.
School Partner Honoree
Mirman School
Since its founding in 1962, Mirman School has been the only school in Los Angeles mission-bound to serve highly gifted children. They cultivate the boundless potential of highly gifted children, nurture their passions and talents, and develop a diverse community of creative and constructive lifelong learners.
Mirman School partnered with TeachAAPI to weave Asian American and Pacific Islander history into its existing curriculum. Led by Monica Sone, Fourth Grade Teacher and Lower School DEI Coordinator, the school adopted TeachAAPI’s turnkey lessons and resources to fill specific gaps and give students a more complete understanding of American history.
“For some students, it was the first time they saw themselves reflected in the curriculum, which fostered a sense of belonging and validation…TeachAAPI has made teaching APISA-related topics feel much more accessible and manageable. Knowing that the resources have already been thoughtfully vetted means I don’t need to reinvent the wheel.”
Meet Our MC
Sandra Endo
Sandra Endo is an award winning television news anchor on Good Day LA, KTTV Los Angeles, Fox 11 News. She anchors from 9AM-12PM, covering a range of topics from the latest breaking news to fun feature trends and interviews with newsmakers and trendsetters. From the devastating wildfires to the excitement of the FIFA World Cup, Sandra informs viewers of the most current events happening across the region. She moved back to her hometown of Los Angeles after spending most of her career on the East Coast.
Before making the move to LA, she worked for CNN based in Washington DC. Her stories have appeared on prime time shows such as AC 360 with Anderson Cooper. She also reported on the devastating tsunami and earthquake that struck Japan in 2011, as well as the international conflicts in Egypt and the US involvement in Libya. Prior to joining CNN, Endo was a political reporter, host, and anchor for NY1, covering a wide array of campaigns, the transit strike of 2005, and reported around the clock after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
A California native, Sandra is a second-generation Japanese American whose grandfather was interned during WWII. She grew up playing basketball, swam competitively through college and competed in some triathlons. She is married with two kids.
Sponsorship Tiers
Our work is only possible through the generosity of donors like you.
Thank you for your meaningful support!
Champion
Sponsor TeachAAPI curriculum at a local public elementary school, directly impacting students with inclusive, identity-affirming education.
- Table for 10 guests
- Listing on invitation
- Online logo placement
- Name and logo placement on materials
Leader
Sustain our vital operations and help scale our mission, ensuring continued programming across current partner schools.
- VIP cocktail hour experience
- VIP table for 10 guests
- Listing on invitation
- Online logo placement
- Name and logo placement on materials
Visionary
Power innovation through the creation of new educational modules that deepen cultural literacy in classrooms. This tier includes naming rights to an on-site cultural “Activation Station.”
- VIP cocktail hour experience
- VIP table for 10 guests
- Live in-program acknowledgement
- Online top tier logo placement
- More…
Can’t Attend the Gala? Your Impact Still Has a Place
Whether you’re joining us at the Gala in person or celebrating from afar, you can make a lasting investment in the next generation of learners and leaders. Your sponsorship provides educators with high-quality resources and creates meaningful experiences that encourage students to explore AANHPI histories and cultures with curiosity, empathy, and joy.
Sponsor an Educator’s Gala Seat
Cover the cost of an educator’s gala ticket, allowing them to join us for an evening of celebration while honoring the impact of inclusive education.
Sponsor Activity Boxes for 150 Students
Provide hands-on learning materials that introduce 150 students to AANHPI histories and celebrations through engaging, classroom-ready activities.
Sponsor In-Person Cultural Performances for 5 Schools
Create memorable learning experiences by bringing professional cultural performers into five schools, connecting thousands of students with living traditions through music, dance, storytelling, and more.
Why Should You Donate?
With your generous support, we will work tirelessly to ensure the equitable perception of being Asian in America. Through your partnership, our work will include:
- Making strides towards equitable representation in classroom curriculum
- Ensuring children hear the stories and experiences of our diverse community
- Sharing anti-racism best practices and resources
- Being a conduit to highlight, celebrate and learn from Asian American professionals who are experts in their fields and who have made significant contributions to America and the world
Contact samantha@teachaapi.org for more information.
Previous Galas
