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CMP Gala

2025 CMP Law & Justice Gala on April 24th

2025 HONOREES

Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY)

AABANY was founded in 1989 to address the lack of representation and support for Asian American attorneys in New York. They now stand as one of New York’s most prominent minority bar associations, with over 1,400 members, including practicing attorneys, judges, professors, and law students. AABANY continues to champion diversity, mentorship, and legal advocacy for the Asian American community.

Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY)

AALFNY was established by the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) in 1993 to promote the public good through establishing programs designed to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and to defend human and civil rights. They educate the public on the issues of Asian Americans and promote understanding among ethnic groups in New York, as well as encourage community understanding of legal processes and governmental agencies.

Edward J. Cuccia, Esq.

Edward J. Cuccia has been a practicing attorney for almost 20 years. Admitted to the Bar in 1990, Edward, an immigration guru, enjoys speaking with clients about the various legal issues that arise in their lives. A litigation specialist, Edward appeared before the Immigration Court and the Department of Homeland Security all over the nation. He is an advocate for the community on many public policy issues that affect Chinatown, in which he and his wife reside and his law practice headquarters.

Spirit of Immigrants Award

Nikki & Hailey Kwok

Sisters Nikki and Hailey joined CMP’s Out-of-School Youth Program (Now Train & Earn) as new immigrants from Hong Kong. Through the program, they improved their English, digital skills, and basic skills. They were introduced to the world of work, explored various career pathways, and received college counseling, guidance, assistance, and enrolled in college upon completing the program. Now the sisters are proud graduates of John Jay College of Criminal Justice and chose the career paths in law and justice. Nikki becomes a member of NYPD, and while Hailey is a full-time Financial Aid Coordinator at CUNY School of Professional Studies, she also works as a part-time paralegal in a law firm.

（Additional Honoree to be Announced)

SPONSOR PACKAGE / TICKETS

Please purchase your packages/tickets/ads before the gala

 
 
 
 

I/We cannot attend but wish to make a tax-deductible donation to support CMP’s work.

 
 

*Please choose “2025 Gala” in the checkbox

 
 

For further information about the 2025 Gala, please feel free to contact us at honglee@cmpny.org or shirleyzou@cmpny.org.

2024 CMP Gala: AccomplisHERS - Honoring Women’s Career Achievements

THANK YOU!

CMP's 2024 Gala: AccomplisHERS - Honoring Women’s Career Achievements was successfully concluded on April 18th. Close to 440 guests join us for a night of recognition, networking, and philanthropy. The event aims to celebrate Women in the Workplace, acknowledging their fresh perspectives and creative energy that enrich our professional community, as well as to recognize their contributions as impactful citizens in society.

This event would not have become possible without YOUR contributions. Your generous support will enable us to enhance service delivery, maintain quality oversight, address evolving community needs, and further our mission to foster career advancement and economic self-sufficiency.



Congratulations to Our Honorees

Mrs. Amy Mak Chan

Mrs. Amy Mak Chan is the President of the Fook Funeral Group. She has more than thirty years of experiences in funeral service. Her high standards and attention to details continue to inspire those around her to provide the best and personalized service that is tailored to each family. Mrs. Chan runs her business with great success, but with a woman’s compassion. In 1997, Mrs. Chan established the Celestial Love Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that works to help those who do not have any direct family members or means to fulfill their final journey in this world.

 

Isabel Ching, LMSW

Isabel Ching is Executive Director of Hamilton-Madison House, a nonprofit settlement house established in 1898 to provide a safe home for New Yorkers citywide to thrive. Isabel has been with HMH for 27 years, providing both direct services and executive-level leadership to the organization. Isabel is the first Asian American woman to head up a New York City settlement house, and is the only Asian American Executive Director in the 126 years of history of Hamilton-Madison House.

 

Amy Ho, CPWA, CFP

Amy Ho is Managing Director, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Group, Business Operations & Control Executive at Bank of America.  She oversees the ongoing execution and development of effective risk governance across the CAO organization.  Amy is active in corporate employee resource groups.  She is Enterprise Co-Chair of the Parents & Caregivers Network, and legacy mentor for Women’s Exchange as well as the Cherie Blair Foundation’s Mentoring Women in Business program.  Amy gives back to the place where she spent her formative years.  She is on the Board of Managers and Chairs its Board Development Committee for the YMCA of Greater New York, Chinatown Branch.

 

Baayork Lee 

Baayork Lee is a pioneer for Asian American women in theatre arts.  Born in New York’s Chinatown, she made her Broadway debut in the King and I at the age of 5.  In 1975, Baayork participated in the workshops from which A Chorus Line was developed.  Along with the cast, she won the 1976 Theatre World Award for Ensemble Performance for the show.  Baayork performed in and choreographed many shows throughout her career.  She founded the non-profit NAAP (the National Asian Artists Project) to showcase the work of Asian-American theatre artists.

 

Melody (Qinqing) Gu

Melody Gu is a Finance Manager at WPP, a world leader in communications, experience, commerce, and technology. She started her journey as an immigrant in late 2007. Facing the challenges of learning a new language, adjusting to new culture and customs, and deciding what to do with her future, she enrolled in a full-time, 13-week program at CMP, where she learned English, computers, cultural immersion, and career/college preparation. With CMP’s encouragement and assistance, she pursued a college education and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Queens College. Melody joined the world’s largest media investment company GroupM, a WPP company, in 2014, and now manages the Finance Department at the WPP company Midas Exchange, supervising and mentoring a team of 20-plus people.

 
 

Thank You to Our Sponsors


Time & Location

Thursday | April 18, 2024 | 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Terrace on the Park

(52-11 111th St, Queens, NY 11368)

 

Sponsor Package / Tickets

Please purchase your packages/tickets/ads before the gala

Purchase sponsorship/tickets/ads

*Click the image to download the file

I/We cannot attend but wish to make a tax-deductible donation to support CMP’s work.

 
 

*Please choose “2024 Gala” in the checkbox

 

Media Coverage
 

For further information about the 2025 Gala, please feel free to contact us at honglee@cmpny.org or shirleyzou@cmpny.org.

Thank you for your interest. Please stay tuned for CMP 2025 Gala!

Highlights from previous gala

Thank You for Supporting CMP Breakthrough Rising Gala!

We would like to say a big Thank You to our amazing supporters again for supporting our Breakthrough Rising Gala! The event would not have become possible without YOUR contributions. All funds raised will help us better deliver mission critical services, ensure quality oversight, and respond to emerging community needs. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!!!

Congratulations To Our Honorees:

Breakthrough Leadership Awards

 

Steve Chen - President, Crystal Window & Door Systems

 
 

Jeffrey Kwan - Owner, Canal Sound & Light

Jeffrey Lam - Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Lam Generation

 
 

Yvonne Tsang - Co-Founder, eRxCity Corp., and Vice President, Prosperity Enterprises Company

 

Spirit of Immigrants Award:

 

Andy Wang - Franchisee, Bonchon Chicken

 

Major Sponsors:

Ambassador

 
 
 

Benefactors

Collaborators

Devotees

Endorsers

1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

Chinese Chamber of Commerce of New York

Condon O'Meara McGinty & Donnelly LLP

Ms. Suzanne Goon Mark

Lam Group

Prosperity Enterprises Co.

UA3

 

Click on the image to view the full sponsorship package

CMP 2023 Breakthrough Rising Gala will be taking place on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Terrace On The Park (52-11 111th St, Queens, NY 11368). The theme of the gala is to acknowledge young or second generation business leaders who infuse new vision, bold business approach, and creative energy that elevate their family businesses to the next level, as well as to recognize their contributions as impactful citizens in society.

Breakthrough Leadership Awards:

  • Steve Chen - President, Crystal Window & Door Systems

  • Jeffrey Kwan - Owner, Canal Sound & Light

  • Jeffrey Lam - Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Lam Generation

  • Yvonne Tsang - Co-Founder, eRxCity Corp., and Vice President, Prosperity Enterprises Company

Spirit of Immigrant Award:

  • Andy Wang - Franchisee, Bonchon Chicken

Please join our honorees and support the work that CMP does in our community by committing to a sponsorship, or purchasing tables, tickets, or journal ads. Your support will help us deliver mission critical services, ensure quality oversight, and respond to emerging community needs, all the while enjoying an evening of celebratory programs and networking opportunity in this inspirational event.

For further information about the 2023 Breakthrough Rising Gala, please feel free to contact us at honglee@cmpny.org or sonyalin@cmpny.org. Thank you in advance for your support!

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Thursday, Join Our Special Guests To Celebrate CMP's Virtual Annual Gala

CMP’s first ever virtual gala “Rise Above the Storm” is coming on Thursday, October 15th at 6pm EST.

Watch special guests and CMP Ambassadors of Hope Celia Au from Netflix’ Wu Assassins, Chen Tang from Disney’s Mulan, and award-winning musical guest Feifei Yang join forces to support CMP.  Hear how our program participants went from recipients of help to become providers of services. 

Preview our virtual gala preview here:  Rise Above the Storm - Preview.

Click here or follow our Facebook Page for more information about our gala.

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Celia Au

Ambassador of Hope

Born in Hong Kong and raised in New York City, Celia Au spent her childhood in her parents’ video rental store where the stories and visions of international filmmakers sparked her passion for cinema.  Film and television consistently inspired her childhood career aspirations – first, she wanted to become a lawyer, then a police officer, then a marine, then a Kung Fu master…and then even a Power Ranger!  It wasn’t long before Au realized that it would be impossible for her to have all these professions.  The only way to bring these professions to life was to go onscreen and become the best actor she could be.  

Au went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Baruch College (CUNY) in Manhattan, where she created her own major: Graphics, Marketing, and Communications and minored in Theatre Arts. Au has made a splash in the entertainment scene and has become well-known for playing a variety of characters, from an assassin to a surfer, from an escort to a slew of cold-blooded villains. 

Au can be seen in Netflix’s “Wu Assassins” (2019), Comedy Central’s “Awkwafina is Nora From Queens” (2020), AMC’s and Paul Giamatti’s dramedy series, “Lodge 49” (2018 - 2019).  Additional television and film credits for Au includes, CBS’s “Madam Secretary” (2017), Marvel’s and ABC’s “Iron Fist” (2017), “In A New York Minute” (2019), Martin Scorsese’s and A24’s action drama, “Revenge of the Green Dragons” (2014), “People, Places, Things” (2015), and an upcoming film  “Shoplifters of the World,” opposite Joe Manganiello.

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Chen Tang

Ambassador of Hope

Chen Ying Tang has an international background that instilled in him early a lifelong love and curiosity for different cultures, peoples, and experiences. Fluent in both Mandarin and English, he has been able to bridge a gap between both Hollywood and China during his career.

He has acted in numerous films and television series, most recently as "Yao" in the Disney live-action remake of “Mulan” (2020) directed by Niki Caro, and as the main cast member "Hong" of the Bruce Lee inspired Cinemax show “Warrior” (2019) from Jonathan Tropper and Justin Lin.  Other recurring credits include “Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (2013), “Bosch” (2014), “Grey's Anatomy” (2005), and “Being Mary Jane” (2013), among others.

Born in Kobe, Japan, and spending his childhood in Guangxi, China, Chen Tang belongs to the ethnic minority Zhuang group from Southern China.  After immigrating to the United States, Chen's family settled in the Deep South in Memphis, Tennessee. Not knowing anything different, his first accent in English was a natural Southern accent.  Though he always stayed connected to his Chinese roots, he still feels very much rooted to the Southern culture he grew up in.

Chen once had aspirations of being a soldier, but soon fell in love with acting instead.  He went off to Boston, and then later New York City to pursue his craft. Sporadic work began to come his way on the New York stage, in television, and independent films, and he eventually made the move to Los Angeles to pursue his passion in front of the camera. Chen has consistently been noted for a "rare, chameleon-like ability to transform" in his work, resulting in many roles that appear, sound, and feel very distinct from each other.

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Feifei Yang

Musical Guest

Feifei Yang is an award-winning musician, singer, instructor, and an arts entrepreneur. Hailed as "The Chinese Huqin Girl Stepping into Hollywood" by SinoVision, she is an Erhu and Banhu performance expert and vocalist whose talents are revolutionizing the global music and entertainment scenes. Indie Nation noted she is "an extremely talented pop star in the making. Her potential is truly endless." Skope Magazine highly recognized Feifei as an extraordinary artist who has "endless musical talents. Feifei is one who you will never know what to expect next." Feifei's contribution to Chinese music was commended by Agence France-Presse as "testing the possibilities of fusion by bringing jazz and other Western forms to performances on traditional instruments.”

Feifei Yang has contributed her talents to notable venues and institutions including the United Nations, Time Square Countdown Stage, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Carnegie Hall, the NBA's Barclays Center, CBS, WNBC, Summer Stage and New York Fashion Week, among several others. She is a dual 2017 Global Music Award Winner – Female Vocalist & Popular music. Feifei has been a judge for the China Central Television (CCTV) network's China Youth Talent Show Contest and Super Baby Talent Show Contest in North America, the SinoVision network's Annual American Youth Talent and Art Contest and the National Youth Music Competition in Liaoning, China.

Join Us, October 15th! CMP 2020 Virtual Gala "Rise Above The Storm"

The year of 2020 is a year of challenge of human resilience on a global scale. The worldwide pandemic has caused health, social, and financial hardship to countless families and individuals in our community.

Despite our own challenges, CMP stayed with our clients like a guiding light inside an imposing storm. During our October 15th gala, we will share with our supporters stories of individuals in our community and the impacts that we had with these individuals.

Please join us on October 15th, and continuously support the gala, the organization and CMP’s work in the community.

Together, we will all Rise Above the Storm.

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CMP 2020 Gala Has Been Postponed!

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In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, and to ensure safety of our donors, honorees, supporters, and staff, CMP announces that our 2020 Career Building Awards Gala has been postponed to Tuesday, September 29, 2020. Location remains unchanged, at Edison Ballroom (240 W 47th St, New York City).

Each year, CMP celebrates distinct individuals and entities that made impactful contributions in a selected occupation. In 2020, we pay special tributes to leaders in the Manufacturing sector, recognizing their critical roles in strengthening our economy. Our honorees will be:

  • Crystal Window and Door Systems

  • CJ Food

  • Wonton Food

Please join us on September 29th to salute our honorees and support the work of CMP. By committing to a sponsorship, or purchasing tables, tickets or journal ads, your generous support will help us place workers in jobs, help small business to start, ensure program quality oversight, and respond to emerging community needs!

Here is the Gala Sponsorship Package. Questions can be directed to Hong Shing Lee at honglee@cmpny.org / (646) 292-9669 or Sonya Lin at sonyalin@cmpny.org / (646) 292-9667.

Thank you, and we hope all is well with you and your family!

Thank You for Supporting CMP 2019 Career Building Awards Gala!

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Over 350 guests joined us at CMP 2019 Career Building Awards Gala on April 18th at Edison Ballroom to celebrate the accomplishments of our honorees who established distinctive careers in the fields of Engineering and Technology! THANK YOU to all of our generous sponsors and supporters for making our annual gala another huge success and supporting CMP’s mission in helping immigrants and low-income New Yorkers to become economically self-sufficient!

 

Congratulations to the Honorees:

Career Builder Awards

 
Dr. Karen Eng, President & CEO of CSMI

Dr. Karen Eng, President & CEO of CSMI

 
 
Mr. Bill Z. Tan, Founder & CEO of Transcendent Endeavors

Mr. Bill Z. Tan, Founder & CEO of Transcendent Endeavors

 
 
Mr. Raymond H. Yu, President of Yuco Group

Mr. Raymond H. Yu, President of Yuco Group

 

Exemplary Volunteerism Award

 
Katelyn Hong & Sean Hong, Founders of UA3

Katelyn Hong & Sean Hong, Founders of UA3

 
 

Spirit of Immigrant Award

 
Mr. Kevin (Guoqiang) Wang (Left), Assistant Civil Engineer of MTA

Mr. Kevin (Guoqiang) Wang (Left), Assistant Civil Engineer of MTA

 
 

THANKS TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS!

 

Mission Partners

1199SEIU

1199SEIU

Yuco Group

Yuco Group

 
384 Grand Street HDFC & UA3

384 Grand Street HDFC & UA3

 

Ambassador

 
Cathay Bank

Cathay Bank

 

Benefactor

 
Transcendent Endeavors

Transcendent Endeavors

 

Collaborators

Chung Pak LDC

Chung Pak LDC

Bytesbot

Bytesbot

LAW OFFICE OF DEBORAH CHAN, P.C.

Po Wing Hong Food Market Inc.

Po Wing Hong Food Market Inc.

TD Bank

TD Bank

Life Financial Management

Life Financial Management

Twin Marquis

Twin Marquis

 
Flushing Bank

Flushing Bank

 
Two Bridges Neighborhood Council

Two Bridges Neighborhood Council

Lau N. Son Produce

Lau N. Son Produce

 

Devotees

Asian American Federation

Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc

Customers Bank

David Chin General Insurance Brokerage , Inc.

Fook Funeral Group

Nulife Enterprise USA

UnitedHealthcare

Endorsers

1199SEIU

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Bohea Associates

Brooklyn Chinese-American Association

Condon O’Meara McGinty & Donnelly, LLP

Ms. Suzanne Goon Mark

Hamilton Madison House

HMH – City Hall Senior Center

Klein Law Group

Lam Group

Ms. Winnie Li

Royal Business Bank

UA3

Wonton Food Inc.

CMP 2019 Gala Spirit of Immigrant Award Recipient: Kevin Wang

This week CMP is pleased to introduce our last but equally important honoree:

Spirit of Immigrant Award

Kevin (Guoqiang) Wang

Kevin (Guoqiang) Wang emigrated to the U.S. from Fuzhou, China in 2009. As a new immigrant facing the challenges of language and cultural barriers, he used to work only in low-skilled, low paying jobs.  Just when he felt helpless and hopeless about his future, he was connected to CMP, which opened the first door towards his professional journey. Kevin now is working at MTA as an Assistant Civil Engineer.

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Interested in knowing more about Kevin’s inspiring experience? Join us on April 18th  to celebrate and learn more!

2019 Gala Exemplary Volunteerism Award Recipients: Katelyn Hong & Sean Hong

This week CMP is pleased to introduce Katelyn Hong and Sean Hong among our six Gala award recipients: 

Exemplary Volunteerism Award recipients 

KATELYN HONG & SEAN HONG

Katelyn Hong and Sean Hong, who are sister and brother, are Founders of UA3. They have developed a passion for bettering the community at an early age and improved their fellow schoolmates’ access to basic digital  necessities – computers, tablets and Wi-Fi, which are essential for students to become successful in today’s world!

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2019 Gala Career Builder Award Recipient--- Dr. Karen Eng

CMP is pleased to introduce one of our five 2019 Career Building Awards Gala honorees:

Dr. Karen Eng is the President & CEO of CSMI, a leading engineering firm in the FDA & USDA regulated industries. Karen is very passionate about entrepreneurship and is active in mentoring women and minority-owned business owners with an emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Look for more information in our future postings, and join us at our April 18th gala to celebrate Karen’s accomplishments. Thank you!

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2019 Gala Career Builder Award Recipient --- Raymond Yu

CMP is pleased to introduce one of our 2019 Career Building Awards Gala honorees!

 Raymond Yu is the President of Yuco Management, Inc. and Yuco Real Estate Company, Inc. As New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s (HPD) largest Asian-American-owned affordable housing development partner, Raymond and his companies have been committed to improving low-income families’ living conditions through designing and building affordable housing. Look for more information in our future postings, and join us at our April 18th gala to celebrate Raymond’s accomplishments. Thank you.

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2019 Gala Career Builder Award Recipient — Bill Tan

CMP is pleased to introduce one of our 2019 Career Building Awards Gala honorees！

Bill Tan is the Founder and CEO of Transcendent Endeavors.  The firm uses technology to optimize workflow among health care providers, and improve language access in minority communities.  Look for more information in our future postings, and join us at our April 18th gala to celebrate Bill’s accomplishments！

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CMP 2018 CAREER BUILDING AWARDS GALA

Our 2018 Career Building Awards Gala was a huge success! Over 460 guests joined us in celebrating the "Food Service Career" night on April 26th, 2018 @ Edison Ballroom. Congratulations to our honorees Asian American Restaurant Association (AARA), Mr. Spencer Chan, Lau N. Son Produce,  Korea Ginseng Corp.- CheongKwanJang Red Ginseng, Chef Wan Lung Kwan and Mr. Jack Ho.

Special thanks to all of our honorees, sponsors, donors, guests, volunteers and supporters for making the Gala another success!