Themed “Brightening Our Future Together,” the New York Asian Women’s Center (NYAWC) Phoenix Awards will honor author Sheryl WuDunn, the first Asian American reporter to win a Pulitzer Prize, at its benefit gala in Manhattan next week.

NYAWC is the largest Asian American domestic violence organization in the country; a premier human trafficking serving organization; and, a national demonstration project that provides model services to sexual assault survivors. For 34+ years, NYAWC has helped women and their children overcome domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual violence and other forms of abuse by empowering them to govern their own lives.

“Over the last year and a half, we have witnessed 50% growth, both in the size of our staff and budget,” said Board Chair Karen Elizaga. “Over the next year, as we approach 35, we envision even more growth. We have the courage to think bigger and to believe that not only can we serve our clients directly to support the now 1,400 women and children who come through our doors, but that we can do work to affect systemic change.”

The masters of ceremonies will be Nina Pineda of WABC-TV and Ernabel Demillo of CUNY-TV/Asian American Life. Speakers include gala co-chair Yogesh Bahl and executive director Larry Lee. Special guests and performers are auctioneer Charles Antin, comedian Aparna Nancherla and indie rock artist Queen V.

Sheryl WuDunn, the first Asian American reporter to win a Pulitzer Prize, is currently a co-founder of FullSky Capital, where she advises socially driven for-profit ventures, along with ventures in education, healthcare, new media technology, among other fields. She also is a senior managing director at Mid-Market Securities, a small banking boutique helping growth companies.