Beyond Essential: CMAA's 39th Annual Gala

Come celebrate with us virtually on November 12th!

Buy Tickets Here!

At this year’s virtual Annual Gala, “Beyond Essential,” we are highlighting CMAA’s COVID-19 relief efforts and especially recognizing the essential work of CMAA’s Community Care Program (CCP). Despite the pandemic and its risks, our courageous home-care aides have continued to work in person every day in order to provide crucial in-home caregiving services that our homebound elderly and disabled clients rely on to live independently. Come celebrate our community and its perseverance!

Our Visionary of the Year Awardee:
Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam

Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam was born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago. He is the proud son of Indian immigrants, the first Asian American to serve in the Illinois Senate, and the first Indian American to serve in the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Villivalam has been a true champion for CMAA by advocating for the needs of our low income immigrant and refugee population and CMAA's Community Care Program in particular. Thank you for all of your support, Senator Villivalam!

Our Duc Hwang Founder's Award for Immigrant Success: Erikka Wang of Akira

Erikka Wang was born in China and became the co-founder and co-owner of AKIRA at 24 years old. In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors of its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 33 locations and an online webstore, shopakira.com. We are proud to share that Erikka is a supporter of CMAA, and we are inspired by her success as an Asian American female entrepreneur -  learn more about this remarkable woman at our event!