OLYMPIA—The Korean American Bar Association (KABA) of Washington has bestowed its 2011 President’s Award to State Rep. Cindy Ryu, the first Korean-American woman to serve in the Washington State House of Representatives.
The coveted award is presented annually to an individual whose accomplishments have advanced the interests of Korean-Americans at large, but in particular those residing in the state of Washington.
“Receiving this award from KABA and its President, Jerry Chiang, is an honor I will cherish for the rest of my life,” said Ryu, who makes her home in Shoreline and represents the 32nd District in the Legislature.
The award was presented at the annual KABA banquet on Feb. 17.
Ryu was unable to accept the award in person because Feb. 17 was also API Legislative Day, a day when Asian Pacific Americans come to Olympia to voice concerns and celebrate their heritage. Rep. Ryu delivered a brief acceptance speech on video and was represented at the banquet by her husband, Cody Ryu.
In her acceptance speech, which can be seen on her legislative website, Ryu said that the values represented by KABA are especially important in the current political environment.
“KABA is rightly known as a champion of immigrant rights,” Ryu said. “And this is a time when we truly need champions.”
Ryu also said it was important for people to stand together for “economic justice and budget justice” as lawmakers decide how to solve the state budget shortfall.
“We are deeply, deeply concerned that a disproportionate share of budget cuts will fall on the backs of those who can least afford them,” Ryu said.
Chiang said the 2011 President’s Award was presented to Ryu “because many of your accomplishments, including being the first Korean-American woman to be elected mayor, exemplify how far Korean-Americans have come in our society and serve as an inspiration for how much is possible.”
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