Menlo College Students Build Civic Connections at Society of Heart’s Delight Gala Posted on May 11, 2026May 12, 2026 by George Retelas Menlo College students recently joined civic, business, and community leaders at the inaugural Society of Heart’s Delight Fusion & Future Gala, held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the San Jose Rotary Summit Center. The event brought together elected officials, business executives, nonprofit advocates, LGBTQ+ leaders, and cultural arts influencers, for an evening centered on belonging, civic engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration. Nathan Springer, Jason Galisatus, Dheryl Guerrero-Sy, and Orion Jenkins-Schell. Representing Menlo College at the gala were students Nathan Springer, Dheryl Guerrero-Sy, and Orion Jenkins-Schell. All three are currently interning with Galisatus Public Affairs and attended the event as invited guests. Heartbeat Drum and Face-Changing Opera performance. The evening began with a VIP reception and curated networking session, followed by a Heartbeat Drum and Face-Changing Opera performance that celebrated cultural tradition and artistic expression. The program was emceed by Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Duong. Featured guests and speakers included U.S. Congressman Sam Liccardo, Society of Heart’s Delight founder and CEO Michelle Zhang, Cayce Hill, Director of the Santa Clara County Office of Sustainability & Resilience, State Senator Josh Becker, and State Assemblymember Alex Lee. The evening concluded with a benefit silent auction and celebration hosted by Ryan Weible. Master of Ceremony by Betty Duong, Santa Clara County Supervisor. The Society of Heart’s Delight (SHD) was founded to support Asian immigrants, particularly Chinese immigrants, in becoming active and engaged participants in Silicon Valley. Through initiatives focused on civic engagement, mental wellness, and leadership development, SHD aims to cultivate emerging community leaders who contribute to regional resilience and shared prosperity. Opening Remarks by Sam Liccardo, U.S. Congressman. The evening featured remarks from community leaders and speakers who emphasized the vital role immigrant communities play in shaping the region’s future. Guest speaker U.S. Congressman Sam Liccardo reflected on the resilience of immigrant communities, sharing messages that resonated deeply with attendees. “We know it’s dark now but it’s been dark before,” Liccardo said. “We know what hate does, the last Chinatown to be burnt down happened not far from here. We will remind everyone how this nation was built… immigrant blood, sweat, tears, and spirit.” Founder’s Speech by Michelle Zhang, CEO for Society of Heart’s Delight. SHD founder Michelle Zhang also spoke about the importance of creating spaces where immigrants feel welcomed and supported. “Patience is incredibly important for immigrant communities as they navigate English-speaking environments,” Zhang said. “Chosen family is even more important for those that are immigrants. Language, cultural, and other barriers can make it harder for immigrants to feel welcome. Society of Heart’s Delight helps to break down those barriers.” For the Menlo students in attendance, the evening offered both inspiration and meaningful connections. “It was such a privilege to be able to come back to my home city of San Jose, from Menlo College and get to experience such an awesome and unique event exemplifying the effort immigrants put into our community and the effect it has,” said Orion Jenkins-Schell. “This is what we need in San Jose, which I hope can continue to inspire the rest of the state, and hopefully the nation.” Dheryl Guerrero-Sy and Michelle Zhang. Dheryl Guerrero-Sy reflected on the event’s impact from a personal perspective. “As a first generation Filipino-Chinese American it’s a privilege to be in a room with innovative minds and to connect with people like Michelle Zhang, founder of Society of Hearts Delight, who are building opportunities and spaces for under-represented communities to thrive,” Guerrero-Sy said. Their internship supervisor, Jason Galisatus, praised the students for their professionalism and dedication. “It’s such an honor and privilege to work with Menlo’s exceptional students through my consulting practice,” Galisatus said. “I’ve been astounded by their talent and work ethic and know they’re well on their way to achieve their goals.” Nathan Springer, Michelle Zhang, Dheryl Guerrero-Sy, and Orion Jenkins-Schell. The gala underscored Menlo College’s ongoing commitment to experiential learning and civic engagement by connecting students with influential leaders and organizations working to strengthen Silicon Valley communities through inclusion, collaboration, and public service. Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
