San Marino’s Chun-Yen Chen, executive director of the Asian Pacific Community Fund, was among the Congressional Women of the Year recipients recently honored by Rep. Judy Chu.
Chu hosted the annual Congressional Women of the Year awards ceremony on April 13 to celebrate women in the 28th Congressional District who have contributed to their neighborhoods and communities through service, organizing or leadership. The award, now in its 14th year, is given to women nominated by people in their own cities and communities.
“The annual Women of the Year awards ceremony is among the highlights of my year,” Chu said. “The honorees have stood out in our communities because of their commitment to give back to the San Gabriel Valley. Every single honoree has been selected through an exhaustive process that begins with a nomination from their neighbors, friends or family — the people in their communities who know them best and see their service up close.
“We received a flood of nominations from cities across the 28th Congressional District of California, and the winners stood out not only because of their passion and drive, but because of the admiration from their neighbors and fellow citizens. I’m so proud of these role models and am honored to be recognizing them.”
Chen brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, fund development and government budget analysis. Under her leadership, the Asian Pacific Community Fund has expanded to include more than 80 AAPI nonprofits, empowering the community through initiatives, such as the Asian Women Leadership in Philanthropy Fund.
Chen also spearheaded efforts to support victims of the Monterey Park Lunar New Year mass shooting and established the Brandon Tsay Hero Fund for mental health resources.
Chen, a Taiwan native, holds degrees in political science and public administration. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Chen has received prestigious awards, including the Asian Women Empowered Catalyst Visionary Award from the Asia Society Southern California.
Actively engaged in her community, Chen serves on various nonprofit boards and commissions, including the UC Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders and the Asian American Community Advisory Board. She also volunteers her time to support immigrant families in the San Marino Unified School District.
Some of the other 2024 honorees include Alhambra Unified School District Superintendent Denise Jaramillo, founding member of College Access Plan Monique Hyman of Pasadena, and South Pasadena Mayor and attorney Evelyn Zneimer.
First published in the May 2 issue of the San Marino Tribune
