Asian & Native Women Impact Fund

Philanthropic program since 2020 | Founders & Co-Chairs: Inductee Sonita Lontoh, Global Council Founder Sue Taylor

10% of every $100 raised supports Asian Hall of Fame’s remarkable Asian & Native Women Impact Fund, a unique pathway that advances confidence in women in tech, entertainment, and the arts. Through a comprehensive approach, the program offers education and workforce development grants, then connects women with paid projects and executive networks. Proceeds from this year’s season equip women with support and funds scholarships, technical grants, and work stipends.

Second Chance Program
The fund’s Second Chance Program supports single mothers and women who have experienced homelessness, teenage pregnancy, and other interruptions to their education. This crucial lifeline enables women to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.

Julia S. Gouw Asian Women in Entertainment Prize
The first endowed prize of its kind in the United States, the prestigious accolade is endowed by Inductee Julia S. Gouw. It includes a generous grant and a unique opportunity to feature in a documentary, cultivating respect for dedicated Asian women in the entertainment industry.

A Few True Stories!

  • After hitting the glass ceiling, a Korean manager with an MBA partnered with Asian Hall of Fame’s executive mentors to launch an XBox Hackathon game for the charity. She regained her confidence, and was recruited by Microsoft.

  • A Native American-Hispanic musician overcame homelessness with the support of Asian Hall of Fame's work stipends and opportunities to collaborate on Grammy projects. She regained economic stability, and launched a small business.

DRAGON ZOOM revenue invests in BIPOC women-led projects and team member scholarships.

Currently, mobile games are dominated by male-centric, medieval narratives. DRAGON ZOOM is the first mobile game to feature a female main character jumping through Asian landscapes to help her brother find their way home.

DRAGON ZOOM was conceived by Robert Chinn Foundation Board Fellow Wilson Huynh and funded by the Seattle-based philanthropy to advance women and girls in STEAM. Microsoft Hackathon volunteers provided technical upgrades and marketing plans for the game.

Digital Media Equity

Iconic collaborations.

To accelerate iconic collaborations in technology, media and entertainment, Asian Hall of Fame is strategically located at the Los Angeles studio of The Door’s guitarist Robby Krieger.

It is a Founding Supporter of the Academy Museum along with its partner Robert Chinn Foundation.

Its Digital Equity Initiative produces and promotes high-impact Asian content and will launch an audiobook, charity album and mobile game this year.

Music.

Seasonal Songbook was a charity album released on October 2020. The album and concerts shipped 25,800 PPE to 71 organizations. In 2021, it raised funds to support hate crime survivors.

  • 13-language soprano Maki Mae

  • Robby Krieger of The Doors

  • Ringo Starr’s engineer Bruce Sugar

  • Ed Roth (Annie Lenox, Joe Walsh)

  • 7-time GRAMMY Award-winning bassist Kevin Brandon

  • Guitars Jimmy Kimmel Live’s Toshi Yanagi. Dan Pearson (Macy Gray), Joe Calderon (Dianne Reeves)

  • Drums: Leo Costa (Herb Alpert, Sergio Mendes), Rock Deadrick (Ziggy Marley)

  • Asian Hall of Fame Choir