Dr Gay Yuen is currently the Board Chair of the Friends of the Chinese American Museum of Los Angeles.  The mission of the Chinese American Museum (CAM) is to foster a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, America’s diverse heritage by researching, preserving, and sharing the history, rich cultural legacy, and continued contributions of Chinese Americans.  As Chair, she is currently leading a $4 million expansion of CAM to build additional exhibition and program spaces and to design and build a Unity Garden to commemorate the victims of the Chinese Massacre of 1871.

Dr Yuen, a longtime leader in education, has made a profound impact on the education of minorities and refugees in California’s public schools.  Yuen received her PhD from the USC Rossier School of Education, and also holds degrees from Cal State LA (MA) and UCLA (BA).  At Cal State La, she was professor and Chair of the Division of Curriculum and Instruction and oversaw the teacher credentialing programs for elementary, secondary and graduate education.  Yuen’s professional focus over her 45-year career has been on education equity and inclusion through the promotion of bilingual and multicultural education.  Her work has helped children in the US, as well as nations across the globe, to access education equity.

Gay Yuen was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chinese-American Elected Officials organization.  She was also recognized with Women of the Year Awards by Congresswoman Judy Chu and Assemblymembers Ed Chau and Mike Fong.  Last year she was awarded the Leadership Award by the USC API Alumni Association.  She was recently named to serve on the LA County Human Relations Commission for Los Angeles County by Supervisor Hilda Solis.

In addition to sitting on a number of non-profit boards, Gay Yuen is also an active participant and supporter of organizations and businesses in Chinatown and cities throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

Ms. Lai has dedicated much of her life to teaching, educating, and promoting Chinese culture through the art of Chinese dance. Her passion and dedication have inspired generations, preserving the beauty and significance of this traditional art form while fostering a deeper appreciation for Chinese heritage both within and beyond the community.

Ms. Lai's journey in Chinese classical dance began when she launched her teaching career at the Chinese Culture University in Taiwan. Her students have performed at prestigious venues and events, including the Olympic Games in Mexico, World Expo in Japan, Disneyland, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Hollywood Bowl, MGM Grand Las Vegas, Tournament of Roses Parade, Dolby Theatre, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Olympic Relay. They have also received multiple invitations from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office to perform at Double Ten National Day celebrations.

Ms. Lai is a distinguished leader in the arts and business communities, currently serving as the President of the American Chinese Dance Association, a role she has held in various capacities since 1996. She also serves as the Vice President of the Chinese Culture University of Southern California Alumni Association. In addition, Ms. Lai has held leadership roles in several organizations, including as a board member of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance of Southern California and as Vice Chair of the Performing Arts Foundation. She also served as the Secretary General and Event Chair of the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women for the Southern California Chapter.

Ms. Lai has served as a judge and advisor for numerous esteemed competitions, including the American Chinese Dance Association’s annual Dance Competition, the Performing Arts Foundation’s Asian American Scholarship Award Competition, the Miss Taiwanese American Pageant, and the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Pageant. Ms. Lai is the new President of the Chinese Culture University Alumni Association of Southern California (CCUAASC).