About the APEX Awards Gala

For the past sixteen years, APEX has strived to be the premier membership organization for Asian Pacific Islander Americans in Southern California. Deeply committed to excellence in professional development, community service, and cultural awareness, the APEX Board and its members have had a lasting positive impact on the community through its programs and events. As an all-volunteer organization, APEX has seen many dedicated people contribute to its success since 1993, and in September 2009, APEX will pay tribute to them at the 16th Annual APEX Awards Gala, Reaching New Heights: Empowering the Community.

On September 26, 2009, the APIA community will come together to celebrate the 16th Annual APEX Awards Gala. Presented at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, the Awards Gala recognizes and honors prominent APIAs who are opening doors for more APIAs to rise as leaders in the community. Celebrating APEX's 16th Year Anniversary, the Gala is not only a celebration of APEX and the communities' current accomplishments, but it is a reflection of what the organization has meant to the lives of many in the Southern California region.

Awards: (See Honorees Page for more information)

APEX Award for Excellence in Arts and Entertainment
Award based on an individual or company's demonstration of strong leadership for advancing the Asian Pacific American community in the arts and entertainment industry.

APEX Award for Excellence in Community Service
Award based on an individual or company's dedication to philanthropy and ability to empower the greater Los Angeles community and its residents.

APEX Award for Excellence in Corporate Leadership
Award based on an individual or company's focus and ability to incorporate philanthropy and community service within their overall corporate culture.

APEX Inspiration Award
Award that recognizes individual(s) whose dedication, contribution and leadership is inspiring other Asian Pacific Americans (APA) to become leaders of their community through community service, professional development or cultural awareness.

APEX 2009 President's Award
The APEX President recognizes a dedicated individual on the current board of directors to recieve this honor.

APEX Youth Leadership Art Award
The APEX Excellence in Youth Leadership Award aims to inspire leadership in the next generation of Asian Pacific Islanders. It recognizes youth whom have demonstrated excellence as leaders in their school or community, and creates another avenue for creative expression where art has been drastically reduced from school budgets. In addition, the award is an opportunity for the Asian American community to acknowledge and support outstanding youth.

Entertainment: (See Entertainment Page for more information)
Each year APEX searches the community for local cultural and upcoming entertainment.