Mission & Vision
Asian Hall of Fame is a cross-cultural educational and research institution dedicated to advancing national and global recognition of Asian and Indigenous legacy, developing early-career achievement, and promoting interracial collaboration.
- Mission & Vision Statement
163 Years in America
1863
First generation Chinn arrives in America to build the railroad.
1960
Third generation Seattle finance pioneer Robert Chinn opens the first Asian owned bank in the United States.
1986
Robert Chinn Foundation is established in Seattle.
1994
Robert Chinn Foundation opens Asian Resource Center in Seattle Chinatown International District.
2004
Asian Hall of Fame is created as a private fundraising dinner for Asian Resource Center.
2016
Asian Hall of Fame receives first multiyear sponsorship from Moet Hennessy.
2019
Robert Chinn Foundation appoints first Asian Hall of Fame CEO. Broadens mainstream recognition to international Asians, Indigenous Asians, and Native tribes.
2020
Asian Hall of Fame becomes a nonprofit 501(c)(3).
Relocates headquarters from Seattle to Glendale. Launches Goodwill Ambassadors with Robby Krieger of The Doors as its first honoree. Launches full-year of virtual programming.
2021
Leads national movement against hate crimes.
Receives Founders Support from Seattle Seahawks, Microsoft, Oracle, Boeing, Amazon, Wells Fargo, Ben Bridge Jeweler, Robert Chinn Foundation, Gates Foundation, St. John and its founder Marie Gray.
2022
Launches first year of live programming. Hosts its first Los Angeles gala. Disney and Wells Fargo become strategic partners. Expands Workforce Development Program to neurodivergent fellows.
2023
Inducts first Native American honoree. Releases second charity music album. Press coverage surpasses 6.5 billion media impressions in 11 countries.
2024
Millennium Hotels & Resorts becomes Official Hotel Partner. KTLA becomes Official Media Partner.
2025
Joins forces with Women Investing In Nurses Guild and expands philanthropic impact to 177 grant partners. Launches Women In Tech, Entertainment & Sports scholarship fundraisers in Portland, Pasadena, Bellevue. Press coverage surpasses 10.1 billion.
2026
Launches expansion to Hawaii. Anchors Honolulu as beneficiary city of AHOF scholarships for sex trafficking survivors.
2027
Launches expansion in Tokyo.
Since 1863
Asian Hall of Fame dates back to 1863 when its founding family came to America, established Robert Chinn Foundation in Seattle, and in 2004, started Asian Hall of Fame. It has since evolved into a distinguished platform that attracts patrons and luminaries from around the world, inspired by its lasting legacy and philanthropic impact. By engaging mainstream audiences, Asian Hall of Fame aims to uplift all communities and foster greater cross-cultural content, commerce, and culture.
Cultural Milestones
In 2014, Robert Chinn Foundation sold its community center to Gates Foundation, and allocated resources to bolster Asian Hall of Fame. Two years later, Moet Hennessy advanced a multiyear sponsorship, reshaping Asian Hall of Fame into a prominent experience. Securing nonprofit status in 2020 enabled the charity to integrate international Asians and Indigenous leaders, and a new Goodwill Ambassador program to broaden its mainstream reach.
Lasting Impact
In 2020, the Asian Hall of Fame became a nonprofit charitable foundation. It directs 65% of its budget to scholarships, heritage programs, and trauma advocacy. Its philanthropic work generated 10.3 billion media impressions worldwide. This year, the proceeds will support the charity's Women In Tech, Entertainment & Sports Program and Founders Campaign to establish the Asian Hall of Fame Center.