"The enthusiasm and spirit of collaboration among chapter members is evident in their work for this year's Silent Auction, in the events that they've organized, and in their recently launched Web site," according to a statement from the national board officers.

Louey, who accepted the award for the chapter, was surprised by the recognition.

"The strength of any chapter isn't built on one person, but the collective talents and efforts of all, board members and chapter members alike," she said.

Last October, AAJA Sacramento marked its 20th anniversary with a celebration that drew more than 150 people and raised a record $18,000 for chapter scholarships and programs.

The celebration honored chapter founders including Lonnie Wong and Sharon Ito, recognized local scholarship winners, and presented a preview of the KVIE documentary "Resettlement to Redress."

Some of the chapter's other accomplishments in the past year include awarding student scholarships, organizing a student workshop, providing convention stipends and professional development grants for members, and holding social mixers.

Membership has also increased in the past year.

At the Honolulu convention, AAJA Sacramento was one of four key chapters that organized the national silent auction, which raised more than $23,000 for scholarships and programs.