Our History

During its early years, PAAWBAC developed an informal network for sharing information among women in the Bay Area and throughout the state and nation. PAAWBAC collaborated with other community organizations and leaders to organize programs of relevance to API women. In 1981, PAAWBAC hosted the State Asian-Pacific Women’s Conference, “Women in Action”. Throughout its history, PAAWBAC continued to sponsor programs of relevance to API women in areas such as career advancement, relationships, educational equity, health care, business/economic development, risk-taking, and political empowerment. 

A signature event that continues to this day is the recognition of local API women. PAAWBAC began bestowing its Woman Warrior awards starting in 1983, to recognize API women for outstanding accomplishments as well as significant contributions to the community. One-hundred and one API women were honored as Woman Warriors. In 2006, PAAWBAC changed its focus to the younger generation with the Monarch Leadership awards, given to up-and-coming API women under 35 years of age who were making outstanding contributions at a young age. In 2019 the Woman Warrior awards were revived and PAAWBAC re-established outreach through newsletters and sponsorships of community organizations and events.