CMP’s 2026 Gala — Peak Potentials: Careers in Sports & Athletics on April 30th

THANK YOU!

On April 30th, 2026, The CMP 2026 Gala — Peak Potentials: Careers in Sports & Athletics brought together more than 400 guests for an unforgettable evening celebrating leadership, perseverance, and excellence in Sports & Athletics. The event honored outstanding athletes, coaches, and community leaders whose achievements continue to inspire and empower the next generation of Asian American youth. Through meaningful conversations, powerful stories, and shared celebration, the Gala highlighted the important role sports play in building confidence, resilience, and opportunity both on and off the field.

Thanks to the incredible support of our sponsors, partners, and community members, this unforgettable event was made possible thanks to YOUR support. The Gala also strengthened CMP’s mission to advance workforce and small business development services for Asian Americans and underserved communities. Together, we celebrated the impact of this year’s honorees while reaffirming our commitment to creating pathways for future leaders to thrive, grow, and reach their fullest potential.


2026 HONOREES

 

Lei Wang

Lei Wang is a former Chinese Olympic épée fencer and one of the most accomplished figures in the sport. He won the silver medal in men’s individual épée at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, becoming the first Chinese male fencer to earn an Olympic medal, and later claimed the world title at the 2006 World Championships. Since retiring from competition, Lei has devoted himself to coaching and mentorship, serving on China’s national teams and later founding the Wang Lei International Fencing Club in the United States, where he continues to inspire young athletes through excellence, discipline, and a deep love for the sport.

 

Lily Yip

Lily Yip is a lifelong table tennis athlete and a trailblazer in the development of table tennis in the United States. Representing the Nation Team at the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. She won six medals at the Pan American Games and was inducted into the USA Table Tennis Hall of Fame in 2004. Beyond her success as an elite athlete, Lily has made a lasting impact as a coach and leader, guiding the U.S. Olympic Table Tennis Team and founding the Lily Yip Table Tennis Center, where she continues to nurture young athletes and advance the sport.

 

Tiffany Yip

Tiffany Yip won many local championships and was the All-American Swimmer at NCAA Championship in 1991 and 1992. She founded Dolphin Swimming in 1997, and is devoted to promoting students’ lifelong health, fitness, and character. Tiffany is an ASCA certified coach, a WSCA member, and an American Red Cross Water Safety Certified Instructor and Instructor Trainer. She trained numerous PSAL swimmers to compete throughout NYC and Long Island. Some of her swimmers continued to advance in their swimming careers, achieving gold medals in championships including NY Metropolitan, Eastern Zone, National Junior Olympics, and even Olympic Bronze Medal in 2012 and Silver Medal in 2016.

 

United East Athletics Association (UEAA)

Founded in 1976, UEAA began with a mission to support Chinese immigrant youth through sports, using athletics as a gateway to physical growth and positive engagement. Over time, UEAA evolved beyond sports to embrace a holistic approach that nurtures both the physical and mental well-being of youth and families, while expanding into education, cultural, and community services. Through this meaningful transformation, UEAA has become an essential and enduring pillar of the Chinatown community, empowering generations of Chinese Americans to find stability, opportunity, and a strong footing in American society.

Spirit of Immigrants Award: Xanthus Huang

Xanthus Huang is a former gold-medal collegiate swimmer from China who immigrated to the U.S. in 2012. He began his journey at CMP’s Out-of-School Youth Program (Now Train & Earn), where he received critical training in English, math, and work readiness, alongside college counseling and internship opportunities that furthered his confidence to pursue higher education. After earning a B.B.A. in Computer Information Systems from Baruch College, Xanthus joined Neuberger Berman in 2019 and rose rapidly to become Assistant Vice President and Developer III. As the Tech Lead, he is responsible for technical architecture and cross-team process optimization. Committed to the "relay race" spirit, he now serves as a Liaison for Neuberger Berman’s Celebration with Service program, leading 20+ colleagues in annual volunteer initiatives to help the next generation of immigrants at CMP.

Distinguished Career Award: Peggy Sheng

Peggy Sheng is the Deputy Director of the Tzu Chi Foundation, Northeast Region. Formerly the CEO of CAIPA MSO LLC and COO of CAIPA, she was the organization’s first employee in 1995 and retired in March 2025 after a distinguished 30-year career. Under her leadership, CAIPA expanded to over 1,400 providers serving 500,000+ Asian American residents in the greater New York area. Peggy was also instrumental in establishing the CAIPA Foundation, Inc., dedicated to mental and physical health education, elderly services, and closing health disparity gaps. Her career is defined by transforming healthcare delivery and her unwavering commitment to community philanthropy.


SPONSOR PACKAGE / TICKETS

Please purchase your packages/tickets/ads before the gala

 

I/We cannot attend but wish to make a tax-deductible donation to support CMP’s work.

 
 

*Please choose “2026 Gala” in the checkbox

 

For further information about the 2026 Gala, please feel free to contact us at honglee@cmpny.org or janicehu@cmpny.org.

 
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CMP 2026 Spring Job Fair in Flushing on March 25

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2026 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Is Open for Application NOW! (Deadline on 3/13)