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Written by Sally Kilby
Community leader Yuki Cutcheon was named by Congresswoman Judy Chu as the 2023 Woman of the Year for South Pasadena. Cutcheon was among 10 women in Chu’s jurisdiction honored at the 13th Annual Congressional Women of the Year event held at the Arcadia Community Center May 6. David Ono, anchor for ABC7 Eyewitness News and KDOC-TV, emceed the event. Lunch was catered by NBC Seafood in Monterey Park. Approximately 200 attended.
Chu highlighted Cutcheon’s efforts to uplift the Asian American Pacific Islander community. “In fact,” she said, “last year Yuki organized the first large-scale AAPI Heritage month celebration in South Pasadena.”
“Yuki’s effort at making it all happen could not have come at a more important time,” Chu said, “with anti-Asian hate incidents and crimes dramatically happening during the pandemic. It was more important than ever.” This year’s celebration is May 13, Chu said, and she said she plans to attend.
As president of the South Pasadena Chinese-American Club, Chu continued, Cutcheon led the club in creating alternative celebrations, distributing face shields and masks, and helping small businesses and restaurants.
In addition, Chu said, she has contributed in major ways to the South Pasadena Unified School District and the city. “She has held almost every PTA position and served as Council PTA president for two years,” she said. “She chaired a bond measure committee and helped secure $80 million for school infrastructure.”
In the city, Chu said, Cutcheon has co-chaired various tax measure committees, including a recent 2022 parcel tax renewal for the local library that passed by nearly 87%.
“She is a champion, eager to take on any challenge and is determined to achieve extraordinary results for her community,” Chu concluded.
After receiving the framed award, Cutcheon’s said the honor is “about sharing it with so many people in South Pasadena.” She introduced those in the audience who have been instrumental in her success. “Behind everything I’ve done is a huge support system of people doing the same things right alongside me,” she said.
Congresswoman Chu conducts Women of the Year programs annually. In her letter to those attending that appeared in the event program, she said that awardees are selected through an exhaustive and competitive process. “Being chosen among numerous worthy nominees is a testament to their commitment, dedication, and hard work to serve their neighbors and fellow citizens.” In addition to South Pasadena, awardees represented Alhambra, Altadena, Claremont/Upland, La Cañada Flintridge, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel and Sierra Madre.
