A retired research molecular biologist from the University of Minnesota, Pearl Lam Bergad has been an active volunteer in the Asian community of the Twin Cities, particularly in the arts and Chinese senior affairs. In 1995 she initiated and managed efforts at The Chamber Music Society of Minnesota to commission a new concert to commemorate World War II in Asia. The world premiere of Hún Qiáo [Bridge of Souls], A Concert of Remembrance and Reconciliation, featuring cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Society musicians, took place at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in 2001. 

In 2002, she was honored by President George W. Bush for her many volunteer activities, and subsequently she received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota and a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Asian Pacific Minnesotans. In 2022, she received a Distinguished Achievement Award from Carleton College, and the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota named its eighth undergraduate Guild in her honor. 

Since its founding, she has served as the volunteer executive director of the Chinese Heritage Foundation.