San Francisco, CA — August 26, 1996 — The 12th Annual Miss Asian America Pageant, held at the esteemed Cathedral Hill Hotel in San Francisco, showcased the outstanding accomplishments of 21 remarkable delegates from various Asian backgrounds. Esther Hwang, a Korean-American contestant, was crowned Miss Asian America and Miss Talent, demonstrating exceptional grace and skill. The other winners included Cheryl Nunes as Miss Asian First Princess and Miss Asian California, Mimi Jung as Miss Asian Second Princess, Debra Ichimura as Miss Asian Third Princess, Ying Hu as Miss Asian San Francisco, Vivian Bohner as Miss Congeniality, and Ha Thai as Miss Scholastic Achievement. These accomplished individuals represented a diverse range of backgrounds, reflecting the rich tapestry of Asian American heritage. The delegates represented a wide spectrum of cultures, reflecting the beauty and complexity of the Asian-American experience.

Esther Hwang’s reign as Miss Asian America in 1996 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Since then, she rose to prominence fueled by a role with San Francisco’s former Mayor Willie L. Brown Jr. An honors graduate from UC Berkeley and a Juris Doctorate holder, Esther’s accomplishments extended to high-profile events in the fashion industry and non-profit work. A breast cancer diagnosis marked a turning point, but Esther emerged stronger. Today, Esther educates on CBD benefits and is dedicated to healing others.