Portland, Ore. – – September 23, 2026 -- Asian Hall of Fame (AHOF) will host its annual Power of Portland gala at Waverley Country Club on September 25, raising funds for 100 National Scholarship Awards benefiting women in tech, entertainment and sports.
Scholarship fund draws applicants from 32 states and Puerto Rico
The awards support qualified women from all racial and ethnic backgrounds seeking to remain in school and advance career goals in technology, entertainment and sports sectors. KOIN 6 Anchor Elizabeth Dinh will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event, which runs from a 4:30 p.m. red carpet preshow through a dinner program ending at 7:30 p.m.
Sport Oregon CEO Jim Etzel receives inaugural Founders Award
Etzel will be recognized as an inaugural member of the National Scholarship Committee. Representative Daniel Nguyen, a 2024 AHOF Inductee, will deliver opening remarks welcoming the Consulate General of Mexico and dignitaries from nine states including Oregon, Washington, California, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina and New York.
Columbia Sportswear executive to deliver keynote address
Bambuza Hospitality Group Founder & CEO Katherine Lam, a 2024 Inductee, will introduce Distinguished Speaker Richelle Luther, EVP, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel at Columbia Sportswear.
Four corporate partners renew support commitments
Wells Fargo, the Oregon Vietnamese American Cultural Center (OVACC), Sokol Blosser Winery and Relay Resources have renewed their backing of the initiative. AHOF will also launch an Accessibility Ambassador Help Desk in partnership with Relay Resources, providing sensory fidgets, wheelchair chargers and accessibility information to attendees.
Pacific Northwest inductee roster includes former Washington governor
Established in Seattle, AHOF's regional inductees include former Washington Governor Gary Locke, Seattle Seahawks' Doug Baldwin Jr., and Soundgarden. The evening program includes performances by Maki Mae, Nicole Ho (Miss Asia USA 2025) and Camilla Shae, alongside a pop-up boutique featuring items from Chanel, Hermes and Montblanc, closing with a Heritage Costume Show.