The Asian American Journalists Association honored the Very Asian Foundation (VAF) with a national Community Impact Award at the AAJA national convention in Washington, D.C.

Executive Director Soogi Hong, co-founder and NBC Bay Area anchor Gia Vang, and co-founder and KSDK anchor Michelle Li were on hand to receive the award.

The Community Impact Award recognizes those who champion the spirit of community through their work, leadership, diversity, and inclusion.

The Very Asian Foundation is a journalist-founded organization that launched after a racist voicemail that sparked a global moment of unity in January 2022. Since then, the organization launched The May Book Project, the Creators Microgrant Program, and has hosted events across the country. In May 2023, the FBI recognized VAF as part of the National Directors Community Leadership Award.