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Nearly Four Decades of
Empowering Asian Women

Our History

Founded in 1985 by Rose Chung at the Asian Arts Festival in Santa Clara, California, the Miss Asian Global Pageant was a response to the underrepresentation of Asian women in mainstream pageantry and Hollywood. Chung emphasized, “true representation goes beyond visibility; it’s about empowerment. It’s about proclaiming that Asian women deserve the spotlight.” The pageant set out to challenge stereotypes, break barriers, and champion the belief that beauty transcends cultural boundaries. Its evolution from Miss Asian California (1985) to Miss Asian America (1991) and ultimately to Miss Asian Global (2012) marked a significant stride toward greater inclusivity.

Today, the Miss Asian Global Pageant remains a crucial force for representation, providing Asian women a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are.  As the longest-standing Asian pageant in the U.S., it serves as a reminder to the world that every woman, regardless of her background, deserves acknowledgment and value. This journey is more than just a crown; it’s about rewriting the narrative of beauty and self-worth.

In 2014, the Asian America Foundation (AAF) was introduced as a dynamic nonprofit organization devoted to uplifting exceptional Asian women. That same year, the Imagine Talks leadership conference was launched—an initiative by AAF to create a new space to showcase prominent Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voices and amplify transformative ideas. Together with the pageant, Imagine Talks is paving the way for a future where young Asian women will step forward in the world with greater pride and confidence.

SINCE 1985

Miss Asian California

Formerly named Miss Asian of California
SINCE 1991

Miss Asian America

SINCE 2012

Miss Asian Global

Strengthening Asian Voices & Connections

Our Pageant

Since 1985, the Miss Asian Global Pageant has been a beacon of empowerment for young Asian women. Rooted in a vision to redefine conventional standards of beauty and strength, the pageant emerged as a response to the misrepresentation or absence of Asians in mainstream media. Today, as the longest-running Asian American pageant in the world, its relevance to young Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women is more important than ever.

The Miss Asian Global Pageant has never been a celebration of just beauty, but a movement for a more inclusive, engaged, and empowered future for the AAPI community. As we look to the future, the Pageant remains a beacon of hope, continuing to inspire generations to embrace their unique strengths and celebrate their cultural heritage. Together, we illuminate the path for more accomplished women to rise and leave their mark on the world. Join us on this extraordinary journey of empowerment, celebration, and change.

Civic Engagement:
  • We envision an empowered AAPI community actively participating in shaping policies that profoundly impact their lives.
  • Young Asian women now stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way, we are fostering a society where the AAPI voice is a driving force for change.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Former Governor of California
Mentorship:
  • We facilitate meaningful human connections and provide AAPI young professionals with essential tools to make a positive impact in their communities. The pageant has provided a platform for nearly a thousand impactful Asian women.
  • By instilling a sense of service and civic duty, we are nurturing a generation dedicated to creating positive societal transformations.
Speaker
Representation:
  • The Pageant’s commitment to representation goes beyond the stage. It’s about creating a narrative where the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Asian women are acknowledged and celebrated.
  • Our aim is to ensure that the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives within the AAPI community is not only heard but celebrated on a global stage.
KRON 4
Fala Chen

Trailblazers Inspiring Future Generations

Our Alumni

Mona Lee Locke

Journalist · First Lady of Washington State

Mona Ann Lee

Miss Asian California 1986

Gwendoline Yeo

Actress

Gwendoline Yeo

Miss Asian America 1995

Fala Chen

Actress · Director · Writer

Fala Chen

Miss Asian America 2022

Julie Luck

News Anchor

Julie Esguerra

Miss Asian California 1992

Stephanie Lin

News Anchor

Stephanie Lin

Miss Asian America 2015

Amrapali Ambegaokar

Actress

Amrapali Ambegaokar

Miss Asian First Princess 1999

Jennifer Field

Actress · Producer

Jennifer Field

Miss Asian America 2006

Trisha Bantigue

Tech Entrepreneur

Trisha Bantigue

Miss Asian Global 2017

Carol Chen

Entrepreneur · Fashion Designer

Carol Chen

Miss Scholastic Achievement 2004

Samantha Mui

Culinary Author

Samantha Mui

Miss Asian Congeniality 2017

Amy Chanthaphavong

Executive Coach

Amy Chanthaphavong

Miss Asian America 2009

Emma Marriott

Tech Entrepreneur · Investor

Emma Marriott

Miss Asian Global 2014

Jenn Chung

Beauty & Wellness Entrepreneur

Jennifer Chung

Miss Asian America 2014

Pamela Lagera

Medical Doctor

Pamela Lagera

Miss Asian Global 2015

Emily Tang

Creator · Journalist

Emily Tang

Miss Asian America 2012

Emmeline Ye

Veterinarian

Emmeline Ye

Miss Asian Charity & Miss Asian STEM 2019

Joanne Leung

Immunology Research Doctorate

Joanne Leung

Miss Asian First Princess & Miss Asian STEM 2016

Lisa Yan

AI Software Engineer

Lisa Yan

Miss Asian Global 2022

Over the years, the pageant has provided a platform for nearly a thousand impactful Asian women, serving as relatable role models and inspiration for young generations. Titleholders and delegates have excelled in various underrepresented career fields, breaking barriers for others to follow suit. Our pageant alumni include former Washington state first lady Mona Lee Locke, actress Gwendoline Yeo, actress Fala Chen, news anchor Julie Luck, broadcast journalist Stephanie Lin, actress Amrapali Ambegaokar, actress Jennifer Field, entrepreneur Trisha Bantigue, fashion designer Carol Chen, author Samantha Mui, executive coach Amy Chanthaphavong, tech entrepreneur Emma Marriott, beauty & wellness entrepreneur Jenn Chung, medical doctor Pamela Lagera, journalist Emily Tang, veterinarian Emmeline Ye, researcher Joanne Leung, and software engineer Lisa Yan. These accomplished women demonstrate that dreams can be realized regardless of societal norms.

On A Mission To Elevate
More Asian Women

Our Nonprofit

The Miss Asian Global Pageant is presented by the Asian America Foundation (AAF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2014 to uplift the diversity, strength, and resilience of remarkable Asian women. Through initiatives like the annual Miss Asian Global Pageant and Imagine Talks leadership conference, we create spaces for community learning, connect aspiring leaders, and amplify transformative ideas. AAF’s success is driven by 200+ dedicated volunteers and community support. Your generous donation is pivotal in building a thriving community of empowered Asian women—please contribute today!

AAPI Excellence at
Imagine Talks

Our Leadership Conference

Created in 2014, Imagine Talks has grown to be one of the most respected Asian American leadership conferences. This annual event showcases prominent Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voices who work hard to further our representation in politics, entrepreneurship, mainstream media, and the celebration of our cultures. With its mission to advance women’s empowerment, social impact, and entrepreneurship, the event is an additional platform to amplify bold ideas and further the mission of the Asian America Foundation. With goal to inspire people to break through personal boundaries and transcend cultural borders, Imagine Talks honors innovators, philanthropists, educators, entertainers, and thought leaders in the AAPI community.

Meet Our Dynamic Team

Our Team
Ethel Reddy

Ethel Reddy

President, Asian America Foundation

Vincent Ma

Vincent Ma

President, Miss Asian Global

Rose Chung

Rose Chung

Founder, Miss Asian Global

Francis Kong

Francis Kong

Leadership Director, Miss Asian Global

Asian America Foundation

Board of Directors:
  • Ethel Reddy – President
  • Alex Fong – member
  • Amanda Lee – member
  • Dr. Francis Kong – member
  • Jennifer Chung – member
  • Rose Chung – member
  • Vincent Ma – member
Advisory Board:
  • Julunda Gean Mendoza
  • Alexander Nguyen
Our Lifelong Champions:

Longest serving officers

  • Rose Chung – Founder
  • Janice Hom – Pageant Advisor
  • Penny Wong Belleza – House Mother
  • Julunda Gean Mendoza – Administrative Director

Miss Asian Global

Production Team:
  • Alex Fong – Finance Director
  • Alexander Nguyen – Relationships Manager
  • Andreas Zhou – Lead Photographer
  • Amanda Lee – Coronation Director
  • Aymi Lin – Social Media Director
  • Betty Lem – Promotions Director
  • Brian Louie – Production Director
  • Cindy Chiu – Program Book Director
  • Cindy Phillips – Special Events Coordinator
  • Crisly Cuento – Back of House Volunteers Coordinator
  • Elizabeth Lee – Mini MAG Mentor
  • Emily Smith – Artistic Director
  • Ethel Reddy – Make-up Consultant
  • Fernando Mendoza – Production Assistant
  • Francis Kong – Leadership Director
  • Janice Hom – Pageant Advisor
  • Jennifer Chung – Mini MAG Mentor
  • Jonathan Lee – Photography
  • Kylie Chang – Mini MAG Mentor
  • Liezl Ferando – Pageant Director
  • Russell Fung – MAGineer
  • Ryan Fung – MAGineer
  • Sidney Siu – Assistant Pageant Director
  • Stephen Chan – Social Media Contributor
  • Thomas Li – Creative Director
  • Valerie Foo – Ticket Sales Director
  • Vincent Ma – President
Tabulators:
Mah & Associates

Our Legacy

A Look Back at Our Past Queens, Titleholders, & Delegates

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