On Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. PT, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) will host the Congressional Leadership of the Year Awards Ceremony to honor local leaders and groups in the San Gabriel Valley who have contributed to their communities through service and leadership.
The Congressional Leadership of the Year Awards is an annual event recognizing the diverse leadership and volunteerism in the cities making up California’s 28th District. Each of the awardees was selected from nominations submitted by members of their community. The selected groups and individuals will receive this honor because of the commendable work they have accomplished in their field, as well as their dedication to communities in the San Gabriel Valley.
Event Details
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WHAT: Congressional Leadership of the Year Awards Ceremony
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WHEN: Saturday, August 15, 2026 | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. PT
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WHERE: Arcadia Community Center
365 Campus Dr
Arcadia, CA 91007
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RSVP & Access: Pull-asides with Rep. Chu and honorees may be arranged at the beginning or conclusion of the programming.
Honorees
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Building Bridges Award
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Ringo Chiu, Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, Temple City
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Business of the Year
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Fair Oaks Burger (Christy Lee and Janet Lee), Altadena
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Webster’s Community Pharmacy (Meredith & Michael Miller), Altadena
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Community Activist of the Year
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Javier Arellano, Owner of Taco Bout Good, Upland
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Ruben Karapetian, Executive Director, Armenian National Committee of America–Western Region, La Crescenta
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Nonprofit of the Year
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Altadena Meals on Wheels (Shannon Anderson and Shelley Mitchell), Altadena
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Volunteer of the Year
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Dean Sheldon Serwin, President, Oneonta Club Foundation, South Pasadena
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Otis Triplett, Pasadena Police Volunteer, Altadena and Pasadena
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Youth of the Year
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Mikaela Hong, Founder & Executive Director, Pediatric Hope Project, La Cañada Flintridge
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Lifetime Achievement Award
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Robert L. Gin, Alhambra Unified School District Board Member, Alhambra and Monterey Park
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Host: Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28)
