The Y. Ping Sun Awards for Educators
Asia Society Texas believes that educators are essential in creating the next generation of global leaders and intercultural bridge builders. To this end, we have created the Y. Ping Sun Award for Educators to celebrate outstanding K–12 educators in Houston who have made global engagement and intercultural learning a part of their curriculum and classrooms.
The awards are given in two categories — Champions of Global Learning and Intercultural Bridge Builders — and come with a cash award and scholarship funds for Asia Society Texas educator resources such as professional development, school tours, and access to the Asia in the Classroom digital learning platform.
Recipients of the 2024 Y. Ping Sun Awards for Educators
Champions of Global Learning
Awardees are given a $1,000 scholarship for AST resources and a $2,500 cash award.
Gara Johnson-West | Hsiu Lien Lily Chiang | Shoulong Zhou |
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Intercultural Bridge Builders
Awardees are given a $1,000 scholarship for AST resources and a $1,000 cash award.
Jeevan Moses | Vehishta Kaikobad | Hsiao-chuan Teng |
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Nomination and Application Process
About the Y. Ping Sun Awards for Educators
The Y. Ping Sun Awards for Educators honors Asia Society Texas' dedicated former chair Y. Ping Sun, who embodies a passion for education, the spirit of generosity, and a deep commitment to serving the Houston community.
Ms. Sun's lasting impact in Houston is evidenced by her leadership as First Lady at Rice University and her service on various boards of cultural, educational, social services, and philanthropic organizations throughout the city. Ms. Sun deeply believes education is a transformative multiplier and has championed endeavors that will have a positive impact for generations to come.
Celebrating Ms. Sun's 20th anniversary in Houston, the Y. Ping Sun Awards for Educators launches in 2024 and honors her legacy of service with annual recognition of Houston-area educators who share her passion and commitment to serving young people and building bridges of cross-cultural understanding.
About Y. Ping Sun

A native of Shanghai, China, Y. Ping Sun attended Tianjin Foreign Languages School and Beijing Languages and Culture University. She received a full scholarship to Princeton University, where she graduated cum laude with an AB degree from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. She received a law degree from Columbia University School of Law, where she served as an editor of the Journal of Transnational Law.
After graduation, Ms. Sun practiced law in the New York offices of White & Case LLP and Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP.
Ms. Sun came to Houston from New York City in 2004, when her husband David Leebron became Rice University's seventh president. In Houston, Ms. Sun is of counsel with the law firm of Yetter Coleman LLP.
About Asia Society Texas
Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.