Renegades | 2026 Gold100 Edition

Welcome to Renegades, Gold House’s editorial series spotlighting Asian Pacific leaders and creatives who are carving their own paths and defying stereotypes along the way.

On May 9th, we gathered our community for our annual Gold Gala in Los Angeles, California to celebrate cross-industry excellence through the nation’s most-recognized Asian Pacific award—the Gold100—along with special multicultural Gold Gala awards. For this week's Renegades, we revisited past features to showcase just how integral community has been to their individual careers and our shared success. Read all seven original features here!

I have been very fortunate to have found such an amazing filmmaking family to work alongside of. When I stand on our sets, I see myself reflected in the people that surround me. I encourage young filmmakers to seek out their people. Surround yourself with collaborators who don’t just see your vision, but [also] feel the weight and the beauty of the culture you’re bringing to the screen.

Durald Arkapaw on what she hopes to see more of from our community in the future

I think just watching my parents work really hard in the kitchen, be sweaty, and devoted and then clean up and come out to the front of the restaurant and be able to interface with people of all ages and all walks of life and make each of them smile and fill not only their belly but their hearts. To me, their ability to do that was like a superhero and showed me a way of how to be a bridge in a community while also doing what you love.

Chu on his experience at his parents' restaurant that shaped his cultural identity

One of the biggest challenges in transitioning to a full-scale studio was building a team that could bring my vision to life while still maintaining the authenticity that originally resonated with our audience. I love being in front of the camera because it allows me to engage with viewers on a personal level, but I also have a deep passion for the behind-the-scenes process—developing new ideas, writing, and producing content that reaches beyond what I could accomplish alone. Having a diverse, global team has been essential in sharing unique voices and perspectives that resonate with our 125 million+ followers. So for me, it’s not about choosing between being in front of or behind the camera—it’s about finding the right balance to create the most impact and reach the most people.

Mann on his biggest challenges and how to make the most impact

I think nature is us and we are nature, and you could say one person’s relationship with nature is not that different [from] one person’s relationship with the community. So this one-ness is what I’m interested in. I think I’ll continue exploring different ways humanity could strip away the illusions of separation and to feel more “one” with everything around us.

Zhao on themes she wants to explore

I think about the great tapestry that has woven this country—the cultures, the languages, the different histories of all the people who make America great. So when I am reporting on any community, I let my curiosity lead. I ask questions, I am open to receiving information, and if I don't agree, I ask more questions to better understand. My job is not to convince people of anything. It is to provide the best research and information and subject matter experts to tell a story that people can learn from to live their own best lives. I know my parents read and watched a lot of news to understand life in America, so it's a great privilege and responsibility to have this job.

Nguyen on how her immigrant experience influenced the way she approaches storytelling and journalism

The Asian and Asian-American experience has so many facets and so many textures, I hope I continue to get opportunities to explore new arenas with each project.

Lee on being compelled to explore or reframe aspects of Asian culture through Western media

I’m so honored to be recognized as a Gold100 Honoree, of course, but I feel so like… [it’s] not imposter syndrome, but I don’t know what to think about my legacy. I feel like I’m just doing what everyone else [in my position] would have done.

It’s surreal to be among a list of so many impressive people who are doing great things for the world and for the youth. I’m just glad I get to be here.

Liu on being recognized as a Gold100 Honoree

See the full 2026 Gold100 List here!