A special event in the United States has been shining a spotlight on the achievements of Asian American women, in areas ranging from academics to sports.

The awards gala for the Outstanding Asian American Women Who Dared – held in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley on February 13 – recognised 12 people, who said the event comes at a crucial time, especially with US President Donald Trump aggressively moving to stamp out traces of diversity, equity and inclusiveness.

“We’re entering a very special era in history, and it just makes us have to really step in and step up and work harder,” honouree Liu Xin – the founder of the Enlight Foundation, which focuses on education equality and helping youth engage in developing climate solutions – said.

A presenter at the show, Fiona Ma, is the first Asian American Woman to be elected treasurer of California.

“It’s been very difficult for me being an Asian woman moving up the ranks and politics. And, you know, tonight is about recognising other trailblazers and people who are really making a mark.”

And one of those making a mark is Sue Xu, the managing partner of venture capital firm Amino Capital.

She has contributed to the success of at least 45 companies with a total value of more than US$100 million.

She has also addressed the United Nations about the role of artificial intelligence in combatting human trafficking and promoting the welfare of women.

“I feel like, woman's voice hasn’t been heard. Especially nowadays, when you're talking about DeepSeek, talking about AI. And then I feel like a lot of times woman is victims of AI. And then, you know, South Korea, they just passed that out, criminalising possession for, you know, deep-fake pornography. I feel like as a woman, if we lead with responsibility, we have a chance,” Xu said.

While many of the honourees stem from the world of business and technology, artists were celebrated too.

Honouree Chen Jiebing is one of the foremost erhu virtuosos in the world.

The Shanghai native has been nominated for a Grammy and recently had the honour of Nasa using her music to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

“I want the world to see and hear the unique vocal expressions of this instrument and it’s versatility to incorporate with other Western styles of music such as jazz, and even American Blue Grass country style music.

Like all the honourees, Chen has daring goals. Hers is to someday elevate the erhu to be as widely recognised worldwide as the violin.