The winners of the just concluded Asian American Tell Your Stories Video Contest 2025 with a theme My Gift to America will be announced on May, 1, 2025 during the awards night to be held at H.L. Peninsula Restaurant, Milpitas, according to Diana Ding, chair of this year’s video contest representing the Silicon Valley Community Media.

Diana Ding announced that ABC News reporter and Bay Area local celebrity Dion Lim and Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens will be the MCs for our Asian American Stories Gala Dinner on May 1!

Dion is well-known for her impactful journalism and commitment to the community. She is an Emmy Award-winning TV news reporter and the author of “Make Your Moment”. She was also named, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, as one of the 2021 Gold House’s most impactful Asians for storytellers.

She will be joined by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, a proud representative from the 26th Assembly District, located in the heart of Silicon Valley within the Santa Clara County. A native of Silicon Valley, Ahrens is deeply committed to addressing the challenges faced by his constituents in one of the most dynamic yet demanding regions of California. Assemblymember Ahrens is the Co-Chair of the California Legislative Technology & Innovation Caucus, and a Member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus and the Bay Area Caucus.



Also, we’re excited to share that ABC TV is our official media sponsor for the event.

Silicon Valley Community Media, the non-profit arm of Ding Ding TV, has served the Asian American community for over a decade. Our studio, a community hub since 2011, hosts nearly 100 events annually, empowering the AAPI community and inspiring social change. One of the main projects, Builders of The Silicon Dream is a documentary to heal and uplift. Another main project is the annual Asian American Stories Video Contest.

This year’s video competition was chaired by Diana Weiping Ding, founder and chair, Asian American Stories, CEO of Ding Ding TV; Joel Wong, president of National Asian American United (NAA United) and Francis Espiritu, president/publisher, Philippine News Today, as co-chairs.

The organizers said: “It will be an evening filled with joy, appreciation, and recognition, for the talented storytellers who have shared their unique experience and perspectives with the world and a celebration of the vibrant and diverse narratives of the Asian American community.”

When Silicon Valley Community Media launched the Asian American Stories video contest last year with a theme All of Us Belong Here, there were 72 who joined. This year, with a theme My Gift to America, there were 93 contestants with 10 entries from the youth category reaching the finals and 20 in the adult category.

The members of the board of judges are Co-chair and chairman of the board of judges Joel Wong; Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gilmor; Filipino American Media Leader Don Orozco; Mattie Scariot, Director of the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival;  Piyush Malik, Startup Executive, entrepreneur, board adviser; Media Editor Sandy Close; Beverly Molina, Santa Clara Firefighter and author; Tony Shyu, Hollywood award winning TV and Film Director; David Louie, Post Editor, Reporter, ABC-owned KGO-TV; Richard Flanders, Governor, Rotary International; and Elpidio R. Estioko, author, educator PR pro, journalist and author of  the book “Unlocking the Chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream” now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris Publishing.

The award ceremony will showcase the award-winning videos and creators, along with a performance that highlights the culture and heritage of American children. In sharing the contestant’s 1-minute video, board of judges’ chair Joel Wong said: “The contestant will share his/her story with millions of people; engage with acclaimed filmmakers and influential leaders; get a ticket (worth $150) to the award ceremony; win $5,000 (total $20,000) in grants for the contestant’s future production; win a sponsored trip to Washington DC by UCA; and 1st 20 submissions will receive AAS T-shirt.”  

Celebrating Asian American Stories recognizes AAPI Story Tellers which kicks-off the Asian-Pacific Heritage Month. The award ceremonies will be on May 1, 2025 to be held at the HL Peninsula Restaurant, 1365 Ranch Dr., Milpitas, CA 95035.

This year’s competition will be highlighted by Olympic skating legend Kristi Yamaguchi who agreed to participate in the legendary Storyteller Award.

California State Representative Ash Kalra, on the other hand, in an interview with Diana Ding at the Ding Ding TV Studio in Santa Clara, emphasized the importance of the contest, not only for Asian Americans, but to all Americans especially immigrants in the US who are the backbones of the country. He also urged everyone to participate in the contest by telling their stories, so others can learn from them. As I See It, it is a learning opportunity for all!

Congratulations, in advance, to all winners!

I would say, all the 93 entries are all winners! As one of the 11 judges, I enjoyed going over their entries and learned how diverse our Asian American community is!

Your support is vital in continuing this work—please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help sustain our efforts in supporting filmmakers and uplifting Asian-American voices through public media and events.

Again, congratulations! See you at the Awards ceremony.