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EVENT LEADERS
The AAPI Culture Fest would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our incredible volunteers and team leaders. Their passion, time, and commitment to planning and organizing this event brings our vision to life, creating a space to celebrate and showcase the rich diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures in Colorado.
Our team leaders have played a crucial role in guiding the festival’s direction, coordinating performances, curating the AAPI Pop-up Art Auction, and ensuring that every aspect of the event runs smoothly. Alongside our volunteers, they have worked tirelessly to support local artists, uplift our community’s heritage, and create an inclusive and vibrant gathering.
We are deeply grateful for their leadership and dedication in making this celebration possible. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to bringing this event to life!
Summer Eun Lee, Volunteer Team Leader
Founder of Send HEPi Pathways
CEO of NordlyUS Capital
SummerEun Lee is the founder of Send HEPi Pathways, a mentorship initiative that champions immigrants and young adults by providing them with the tools for mental health, financial literacy, and personal growth. She is also the CEO of NordlyUS Capital, a commercial lending brokerage firm that connects investors, developers, and business owners with strategic financing solutions for their real estate ventures. Through her sharp industry insight and “people first” approach, she helps clients structure deals that create long term value and community impact.
Alana Kahalamapuana Pettaway, Performance Team Leader
Commissioner, Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission
Currently, Alana Kahalamapuana Pettaway serves as a Commissioner on the Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission and as the Performances Team Lead for the AAPI Culture Fest. Growing up between the vibrant culture of the Rockies and the rich traditions of the Hawaiian culture, Alana has always been guided by the principles of community, respect and resilience. In 2023, she created the marketing design for the Colorado4Maui benefit, which included several Polynesian organizations that came together to raise awareness and fundraise to help those affected by the wildfires in Maui. With a strong sense of responsibility toward supporting the AAPI community, Alana works to bridge the gap between cultures, creating opportunities and fostering inclusivity. “Pūpūkahi i holomua”
Cameron Green, Art Alley Team Leader
Co-Chair, Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission
Cameron Green is a first-generation Cambodian American adoptee born in California and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He holds an M.A. in History from the University of Wyoming. A mission-driven leader, he joined Creative West (formerly the Western States Arts Federation) in 2021 and now serves as the Regional Engagement Manager. In this role, he leads innovative programming, acts as a strategic thought partner and manages consulting services for the organization’s portfolio of state arts agencies in the West. He believes strongly in volunteerism and community service, and in addition to his work as a commissioner for the Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission, he serves on the boards of Colorado Dragon Boat and Art of the Rural, and volunteers with Playground Ensemble. He is an alum of several leadership programs, including Colorado Business Committee for the Arts Leadership Arts (2023-2024), Colorado Dragon Boat Emerging Leaders Program (2024-2025), and WESTAF's Emerging Leaders of Color (2021). He strives to empower individuals and communities by fostering collaboration and building trust through arts, culture, and creativity, driven by a vision for a more healthy, vibrant, and connected world.
Taemy Kim-Mander, Community Partnership Co-Leader
Co-Chair, Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission
Taemy Kim-Mander is a Korean American entrepreneur and board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) based in Denver, Colorado. Originally from Los Angeles, she relocated to Colorado with her family in August 2020 and founded Open Heart Behavior Services in August 2022. She is passionate about her work with clients and families with developmental disabilities and/or autism. She serves as co-chair on the Denver Asian American Commission, where she works to build belonging and provide visible leadership for the next generation of Asian Americans.
Taemy is committed to living according to her values - combining her professional expertise in behavior analysis with her dedication to community service and cultural advocacy. Through her business and community involvement, she strives to make a meaningful impact while staying true to her identity and purpose.
Gigi de Gala, Community Partnership Co-Leader
Co-Chair, Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission
Gigi de Gala was born in the Philippines and is a dedicated community leader committed to equity, cultural inclusion, and public service. She has held key leadership roles including Board Chair of the Asian Pacific Development Center, Board Chair of Leadership Aurora, Co-Chair of the Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership, and Area Governor of District 26 Toastmasters. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Aurora Mental Health & Recovery, where she previously served as Vice Chair. In addition, she is Secretary of the Asian Roundtable of Colorado and a member of both the National Federation of Filipino American Associations – Region V and the Philippine American Society of Colorado. As a licensed substitute teacher, Gigi shares her passion for education and youth development in the classroom, inspiring curiosity, resilience, and confidence in her students. Beyond education, she champions the Action Against Hate initiative, volunteers with Junior Achievement to promote youth financial literacy, and supports the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show. She also assists immigrants and refugees through citizenship workshops with the Cultural Development & Wellness Center (formerly the Asian Pacific Development Center). Gigi’s dedication has been recognized with the Junior Achievement – Rocky Mountain Apple Award and the CACEN Asian American Hero of Colorado Award. In every role, she leads with compassion, purpose, and a deep commitment to helping individuals and communities thrive.
Jory Zhang, Executive Producer of AAPI Culture Fest & Sponsorship Team Leader
Commissioner, Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission
As a seasoned data professional with expertise in compliance and risk management, Jory brings a unique blend of technical skills and community leadership experience. Currently, Jory serves as the Commissioner of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission of the City of Denver, fostering collaboration between the AAPI community and city agencies. Additionally, Jory holds the position of Vice President of the Asian Roundtable of Colorado and Executive Producer of the AAPI Culture Fest.
With a strong educational foundation from the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business, Jory is dedicated to leveraging my expertise to drive positive impact in both the private and public sectors.
Angela Schmer-Han, Marketing Team Leader
Executive Board Member, Asian Roundtable of Colorado
Angela is a Korean American author, illustrator, and community leader based in Denver, Colorado. As a visual storyteller, she is passionate about fair representation in media. Through her writing and visual work in editorial and young adult publishing, she champions stories around diaspora and identity, translating immigrant and third culture experiences into media that redefines what protagonists get to look like. As a board member of Asian Roundtable of Colorado, Angela has worked to empower local AAPI individuals and communities through resources and support focused on building resilience and local connection.
