Over the years, AAJA Sacramento has been fortunate to be led by dedicated leaders who have worked hard to advance our mission of diversity and inclusion.
AAJA Sacramento was founded in 1985, the fourth chapter to join what is now an organization of more than 1,600 members in 20 chapters across the United States and Asia.
AAJA Sacramento has been recognized with several national AAJA awards, including Chapter of the Year in 2006 and 2010; Sandy Louey named Chapter President of the Year in 2013; and Pamela Wu selected as Member of the Year in 2015.
Chapter history
KCBS-TV (Burbank) anchor Tritia Toyota served as the keynote speaker at the event, which celebrated (national) AAJA’s 15th anniversary. Four local pioneers were honored: Lonnie Wong (Fox 40 News), Judy Tachibana (Sacramento Bee), Gay Lum (Sacramento Bee), and K.W. Lee (Sacramento Union).
Connie Chung was in Sacramento to anchor the “CBS Evening News” and to promote CBS affiliate KOVR-13 at the time of the luncheon. Chung would leave CBS one month later. The benefit also celebrated the chapter’s 10th anniversary.
Pictured: Lonnie Wong, Cynthia Gouw, Mark Morodomi and Ben Wong.
The two chapters took a whitewater rafting trip on the south fork of the American River in Sacramento.
The seventh annual Scholarship Awards were held on the paddlewheel river boat, The Matthew McKinley, which plied the Sacramento River. A buffet dinner was served.