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”

Jane Sook Burke, Art Auction Team Leader

Co-Chair, Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission

Executive Director, Union Hall

Jane Sook Burke (she/her) is currently the Executive Director of Union Hall, a non-profit art gallery located in downtown Denver, which acts as an experimental incubator for emerging artists and curators. Just prior, from 2022–2024, she was the curator at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, where she organized over a dozen exhibitions featuring predominantly multidisciplinary, local artists. Previously, she was the curatorial fellow for the Textile Art & Fashion department at the Denver Art Museum, and co- produced multiple beacon exhibitions in collaboration with international artists, designers, and collectors during her eight-year tenure. Concurrently, she has served as an independent curator, juror, and advisor for galleries, universities, non-profit art organizations, and government agencies, which have collectively contributed to her ongoing research interest in the cross-cultural construction of identity through material and visual culture. She has previously held curatorial and collections positions at the Honolulu Museum of Art, The Contemporary Museum, and The East West Center Gallery in Honolulu, Hawai’i. Burke received a bachelor’s in studio art with an emphasis on painting from the University of Colorado at Boulder and obtained an interdisciplinary master’s degree in Asian Art history and Mandarin from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa.

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.

Karey Cha, Marketing Team Leader
Executive Director, Hmong American Association of Colorado

Karey Cha is a business management consultant, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to empowering small businesses and communities that she serves. Karey currently serves as the Executive Director of the Hmong American Association of Colorado, advocating for and supporting the Colorado Hmong community. As the founder of NCE Collective, she provides business operations management consulting services, helping small businesses streamline processes and drive growth. Previously, Karey worked in local government for nearly a decade, most recently serving as a City Clerk, overseeing administrative operations, policy implementation, and community and economic development for a California city serving over 125,000 residents. Karey is deeply passionate about serving the community, with her work focusing on community engagement, youth and leadership development, and business development.

Taemy Kim-Mander, Community Partnership & Event Coordination Team Leader
Co-Chair, Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission

Taemy Kim-Mander is owner and founder for Open Heart Behavior Services, is the community hub lead for the Asian Night Market and co-chair of the Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission. As an Asian American woman and small business owner, she is deeply devoted to giving back to her community and advocating for representation. Taemy is grateful for the safe and supportive space that Denver has provided her, and it is her mission to empower and uplift her community while fostering visibility for Asian American voices.