Experience a breathtaking celebration of culture and connection.
Presented by
November 15, 2025 | 5-10 pm
Hyatt Regency Austin
Ovation is the annual celebration of Asian Pacific American heritage and accomplishments hosted by the
Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce.
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WHAT: 2025 GAACC Ovation Gala - Illuminate The Night
WHEN: Saturday, November 15th, 2025 | 5-10 pm
WHERE: Hyatt Regency Austin
208 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, Texas 78704
For additional information, including event schedules, parking information, and what to expect,
check out our Know Before you Go message:
Silent Auction
Bidding is open for the 2025 Ovation Gala Silent Auction!
Whether you're looking for a stunning new addition to your art collection, heirloom-quality jewelry, a chef-guided hands-on dumpling-making class for you and 11 of your friends, or a true "bucket list" VIP sports experience, this auction has something for you.
We deeply appreciate the generosity of all who donated or provided items for this auction (proceeds benefit the year-round work of the GAACC):
Lauren Hua & Nichole Nicolet
Austin FC
Robert & Emily Lee
Max Hoberman
Chef Uyen Pham
Kasama Tastings
Stella Lumina Photography
Anyone can bid online for these fantastic packages - not just Ovation attendees!
What's Happening at Ovation?
We work to curate the best Asian-oriented experience possible for you at Ovation with stellar entertainment, thoughtful, dynamic inspiration, and connections galore.
Keynote Speaker: Anh Selissen
Anh Selissen is the Chief Information Officer for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), where she leads more than 700 technology professionals supporting one of the nation’s largest and most complex transportation networks. Since taking on the CIO role in 2019, she has redefined the function of IT within the agency, transforming it into a mission-aligned, customer-focused division that delivers measurable impact for the business and the public it serves.
Under her leadership, TxDOT has implemented award-winning platforms like TxDOTCONNECT and the Consultant Certification Information System (CCIS), digitizing critical functions such as project delivery and vendor management. She also launched a forward-thinking AI program grounded in transparency and public trust, including one of the most comprehensive AI strategic plans in state government.
Anh’s best-in-class leadership is not only seen through her highly strategic vision, but also in her commitment to people and culture. She built a team-first organization centered on service, values, and inclusion, mentoring rising leaders, empowering diverse voices, and promoting a culture of trust and innovation. Recognized as both a State IT Leader of the Year and SIM Austin IT Executive of the Year, Anh embodies the modern public sector CIO: a business strategist, technology innovator, and authentic leader who brings others along with her.
Connect With Anh:
ATX KDC
Established in 2007, ATX KDC is UT Austin's premiere K-pop and modern Korean dance team. They are very involved in the local community - performing for various on and off-campus events such as Unity Talent Show, CSA Mid-Autumn Festival, TASA Night Market, Dallas K-fest, and many more.
ATX KDC's passion extends beyond live performances - they also love to create covers for their YouTube channel. Through these efforts, they hope to share their passion for dance with UT, with Austin, and beyond.
Connect With ATX KDC:
Sway With Pray
SWAY WITH PRAY is more than a dance studio—it's a space where Bollywood dance meets joy, inclusivity, and artistry. Here, every step, every beat, and every class is infused with the energy and spirit of Bollywood, offering a warm and inviting space for all levels. Whether you’re a bride dreaming of a mesmerizing Sangeet performance, a beginner looking to embrace Bollywood’s rhythmic charm, or someone seeking to experience the joy of dance, Sway with Pray is ready to welcome you into this world of rhythm and expression.
From the moment young Prayrana Sharma watched her first Bollywood movie, something came alive! Growing up in Hyderabad, India, she was captivated by Bollywood icon Sridevi, who could tell stories with just a look and express a world of emotions through her graceful movements. Mesmerized by this artistry, Prayrana began practicing those captivating dance sequences on her own.
Now a dedicated Bollywood Dance Teacher in Austin, Texas, Prayrana is committed to sharing the magic of Bollywood dance with everyone.
Nagavalli
East and West co-mingle harmoniously in Indian-American, Austin-based musician, Nagavalli. Nagavalli’s music, described as “Eastern Soul”, blends east-Indian soul with delicate touches of pop, rock, trance and pure eastern tradition. Nagavalli’s repertoire ranges from her original songs in English to east-Indian spirituals, creating sounds both unique, yet familiar, which often results in the listener achieving a state of meditative tranquility.
“Nagavalli’s voice and spirit give me the depth of experience I long for in music and rarely reach”, says Eliza Gilkyson, renowned Austin-based folk musician.
Nagavalli grew up in Mumbai, India bringing the rich, soulful music of her home to Austin, Texas where they have brought a variety of artists representing genres such as Latin, American rock and jazz to East-Indian and Middle-Eastern classical and folk into the studio to refine her eclectic sound.
Connect With Nagavalli:
Mahi Dance
Founded by Mahi Zaman, Persian Dance (New Style) instructor and choreographer, dancer, performer, and model with 12 years of teaching experience, Mahi Dance is a celebration of movement, culture, and emotion — blending Persian grace with modern rhythm.
Each performance reflects the beauty of Persian heritage and the power of dance to unite hearts beyond borders.
Connect With Mahi Dance:
Sangat Singh
"Hey, I’m Sangat Singh — a fusion percussionist from San Antonio. I play the dhol among many other instruments and love bringing big energy to weddings, parties, and cultural events.
Drumming is my passion and my way of connecting with people. I’m very excited to be a part of this event."
Connect With Sangat Singh:
DJ Alireza
"Since childhood, music has always been a part of my life. I grew up in a family that understood music deeply, and that environment shaped who I became. I attended music school at a young age where I learned several traditional Iranian instruments — which became the foundation of my artistic identity.
Later, when I moved to the United States, I continued my journey both in Nursing and in DJing / music production. Combining these two worlds allows me to express emotion, culture, story, and energy in a unique way. Music keeps me balanced, grounded, creative — and helps me become a better human being every single day."
Connect With DJ Alireza:
Emcees
Jenni Lee
Jenni Lee is an investigative reporter and midday anchor at KVUE, ABC's affiliate in Austin, Texas.
Jenni joined the KVUE News Team in June 2015. The veteran journalist has worked in the Austin TV market since 2001.
Before arriving in Austin, Jenni worked at KBTX-TV in Bryan and College Station after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin.
For more than 20 years now, Jenni has been breaking and covering stories important to our community and to our world.
Jenni's work has been recognized by numerous organizations: the Radio Television Digital News Association; the Texas Association of Broadcasters; the Lone Star Emmy Chapter; the Texas Medical Association, the American Cancer Society; the American Water Works Association; the Diversity Council and the Austin Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities.
Connect With Jenni:
Jessica Cha
Jessica Cha joined the KVUE News team in March of 2024 as an on-air reporter and multi-skilled journalist.
She is originally from Greeley, Colorado, a town just an hour north of Denver. She graduated from CU Boulder, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism.
Prior to joining KVUE, Jessica spent two years working as a multi-skilled journalist and fill-in anchor at 13WMAZ in Macon, Georgia, telling stories "Straight from the Heart," ranging from gun violence to severe weather coverage to local politics.
She is Korean-American and can speak some Korean – she’s working on it! – and loves being able to tell community stories in a meaningful, creative and accurate way.
When she’s not working at KVUE, Jessica loves to read, play the ukulele, find new places to eat and hang out with friends and family.
Connect With Jessica:
MORE exciting Ovation 2025 performers will be announced soon. Stay tuned!
OVATION 2025 SPONSORS
Our generous Illuminate The Night sponsors make it possible for the GAACC to create and deliver programs in support of the AAPI business community in Central Texas throughout the year.
THANK YOU!
CELESTIAL SPONSOR
(PRESENTING SPONSOR)
GOLDEN CARPET SPONSOR
JADE BLOSSOM SPONSOR
(CENTERPIECES)
SILK LANTERN SPONSOR
(COCKTAIL RECEPTION)
SPICE ROUTE SPONSORS
EVENT PRODUCTION PARTNERS
The Ovation Gala is 100% produced by small, local businesses.
"ILLUMINATE THE NIGHT" DETAILS
When
Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 5-10 pm
Where
Hyatt Regency Austin
Attire
Come dressed to impress! As always, black tie, cocktail wear, or traditional Asian attire are welcome!
Light- and illumination-inspired attire, accessories, or other fashion elements are encouraged. Have fun expressing your vision of what it means to illuminate our collective path to the future!
