Chinese Mutual Aid Association Gala Brings Out the Stars

Miguel Alba, Office of Diversity, Equity & Engagement | Posted on April 28, 2023

The Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) hosted their annual 2023 Voice and Vision gala recently at Galleria Marchetti in Chicago in the presence of key community, political and business leaders from across the city—including representation from the UIC Office of Diversity, Equity & Engagement.

CMAA is an important partner with UIC and its executive director, Dennis Mondero, serves on the UIC Chancellor’s Asian Community Advisory Council, along with other Asian civic and business leaders.

“This is a wonderful organization that helps a great deal of people navigate everything from social services, adult education, youth programs and employment to citizenship and so much more,” said Miguel Alba, senior director of community relations at UIC. “The leadership and staff are strong community advocates and we’re very pleased to support their work.”

The event honored diverse young leadership with the 2023 Visionary of the Year Award being presented to Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-17th), Illinois State Representative, and the 2023 Duc Huang Founder’s Award for Immigrant Success being presented to Hoan Huynh, (D-13), Illinois State Representative.

  1. Attendees at the CMAA event
    Charu Thakral, PhD, executive associate vice chancellor, UIC Office of Diversity; Grace Hou, secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services; and Miguel Alba, senior director of community relations and external communications, UIC Office of Community Relations
  2. Attendees at the CMAA event
    Miguel Alba, senior director of community relations and external communications, UIC Office of Community Relations; Grace Chan McKibben, executive director, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community; and Charu Thakral, PhD, executive associate vice chancellor, UIC Office of Diversity
  3. Attendees at the CMAA event
    Miguel Alba, senior director of community relations and external communications, UIC Office of Community Relations; Charu Thakral, PhD, executive associate vice chancellor, UIC Office of Diversity; and Ben Lau, executive director, Chinese American Museum of Chicago
Modified on May 01, 2023