Program Book 3

ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM BOOK

20 22

THE NATIONAL ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP PRESENTS

AAPISTRONG STRENGTH IN DIVERSITY SEPTEMBER 19-21, 2022 Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel 999 9th Street NW

ABOUT NATIONAL ACE The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) represents 2.65 million Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) small business owners in the United States. National ACE seeks to improve the economic, political, and social well-being of AAPIs by advocating for their business interests nationally, promoting issues that impact the small business community, improving economic development, advancing coalitions, enhancing community building, and fostering the next generation of AAPI entrepreneurs and executives. National ACE provides a unified voice for the business interests of AAPIs nationally.

National ACE has worked with its network of 120 affiliate AAPI business organizations and partners to develop various programs. This includes supporting capacity building through facilitating diversity, equality, and inclusion (DE&I), economic empowerment, traditional and alternative forms of financing, and in-language technical assistance.

National ACE conducted over 150 virtual events and provided consulting to help more than 16,000 small businesses recover, stay resilient, and access capital during the pandemic. Since 2021, approximately $6 million in grants have been administered. All programming and resources can be found at www.NationalACE.org and www.AAPISTRONG.com.

Quick facts about the impact of AAPI-owned businesses

2.65 Million

AAPI-owned businesses in the United States

5.1 Million

AAPI-owned businesses contribute 5.1 million jobs to the U.S. economy

$863 Billion

AAPI-owned businesses contribute $863 billion to the U.S. economy

$1.3 Trillion

Collective buying power of the AAPI community

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022

3:30pm - 4:30pm Opening Workshop: Executive Presence—Asian Style: Leverage Context, Build Charisma Meeting Room 15 3:30pm - 4:30pm Small Business Roundtable Quarterly Meeting(SBR Members Only) Meeting Room 16 5:00pm - 8:00pm Welcome Reception Potomac Ballroom

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 8:00am - 9:00am Registration Open Potomac Ballroom Foyer

8:30am - 10:00am Breakfast Plenary - The Strength & Importance of AAPI Business Potomac Ballroom 10:15am - 11:45am (Breakout 1) Building Strategic Partners through Allyship Anacostia Ballroom D 10:15am - 11:45am (Breakout 2) Equity in the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act Anacostia Ballroom E 12:00pm - 1:45pm Lunch Plenary - Investing in AAPI Businesses Potomac Ballroom 2:00pm - 3:30pm (Breakout 3) Business Opportunities with Large Corporations Anacostia Ballroom E 2:00pm - 3:30pm (Breakout 4) Content Creation & Media Influencers Anacostia Ballroom D 2:00pm - 3:30pm Office Hours: How to be Grant Ready For Small Businesses Meeting Room 14 6:00pm - 7:00pm Cocktail Reception Potomac Ballroom Foyer 7:00pm - 9:00pm Awards Dinner Potomac Ballroom

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

8:00am - 3:00pm Capitol Hill Visits Affiliate Chambers & Strategic Partners Only

day one

day two

EXECUTIVE PRESENCE -ASIAN STYLE:

LEVERAGE CONTEXT, BUILD CHARISMA

Executive Presence (EP) remains a challenge for all levels, and even executives can always further hone ours. Add to the hurdles the perception that AAPI professionals lack interpersonal skills, let alone charisma. What if we invert these challenges into opportunities —and strengths—as we leverage Asian strengths of context and collectivism to cultivate charisma? This session addresses this inverted thinking into strategic actions that executives can immediately deploy.

BREAKFAST PLENARY: STRENGTH AND IMPORTANCE OF AAPI BUSINESS

The Strength and Importance of AAPI Business plenary will bring together congressional leaders and representatives to discuss why it is essential to pay attention to the AAPI small business community. Discussions will center around what the AAPI small business community in the United States looks like, their contributions to the national economy, their vital roles within their neighborhoods, and how AAPI entrepreneurs revitalize and invigorate their local communities despite pandemic and economic challenges.

BREAKOUT 1: BUILDING STRATEGIC PARTNERS THROUGH ALLYSHIP

The Building Strategic Partners breakout session will gather diverse business leaders to discuss the importance of collaboration in fostering equity and inclusive policy and #StrengthInDiversity. Learn how diverse small business communities can work towards our collective goals, support each other, and expand our diverse business organizations to the next level.

BREAKOUT 2: EQUITY IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT

The Equity in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act breakout session will discuss the opportunities created from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and how this legislation can foster equity. The IIJA is a historic $1.2 trillion investment in American infrastructure, jobs, and community development that has the potential to transform our neighborhoods and businesses. Join us to learn more about this legislation to ensure that AAPI communities are not left behind.

LUNCH PLENARY INVESTING IN AAPI BUSINESSES

Investing in AAPI Business will bring White House and Administration officials together to discuss the various investments, commitments, and policies they have undertaken to support and uplift AAPI small businesses and communities. You will hear directly from the Biden-Harris Administration on their initiatives to ensure that AAPIs are not excluded from pandemic recovery efforts and wealth building projects.

BREAKOUT 3: BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES WITH LARGE CORPORATIONS

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. They have a major influence on large corporations by providing important sources of outsourced supply, expertise, and services to their larger partners. Discover how your small business can collaborate with large corporations by attending this breakout session, which focuses on diverse supplier programs and franchising opportunities. Learn about the business benefits of employing a diverse staff that contributes to a healthy bottom line. Our esteemed panel of experts come from renowned companies such as Wells Fargo, McDonald's, and Catalyte - a tech talent small business firm headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland.

BREAKOUT 4: CONTENT CREATION & INFLUENCERS

Hear from Asian Hustle Network Co-Founders Maggie Chui and Bryan Pham about their mission to uplift Asian entrepreneurs worldwide through purposeful content with the aim of increasing representation and laying the groundwork for future generations to succeed. Joining Maggie and Bryan is fellow content creator Daniel Seong, who is the Founder, and President of Great Park Insurance in Irvine, CA. His platforms on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram have garnered over 1.5 million followers by posting content that his followers enjoy. Hear their stories and learn effective ways to make content accessible and retain followers and grow a loyal fanbase.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

EXECUTIVE PRESENCE -ASIAN STYLE:

LEVERAGE CONTEXT, BUILD CHARISMA 3:30PM - 4:30PM

Monday, September 19, 2022 FEATURING

Vu H. Pham, Ph.D.

CEO, Spectrum Knowledge & Chair of Elevate As the CEO of Spectrum Knowledge & Chair of Elevate, Vu H. Pham, Ph.D., works with hundreds of organizations from the Fortune 500 to major federal government and international non-profit agencies. Elevate is a multiuniversity partnership with the UC Office of the President—MESA. He heads several communities of practice with ERGs and Executive-level mastermind groups and has taught Executive Education and leadership at UCLA, UC San Diego, and UC Irvine.Dr. Pham's work has been featured on national and international multimedia, such as CNN, MSNBC, the Associated Press, Forbes, Voice of America, Los Angeles Times, KSCI International Television, Strategic Innovators, Asian Week and Radio Free Asia. He has given numerous keynote speeches internationally and has written many publications.

WELCOME RECEPTION 5:00PM - 8:00PM

Monday, September 19, 2022 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Donald R. Cravins, Jr.

Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Donald “Don” R. Cravins, Jr. serves as the first Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development where he leads the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) in its service of the nation’s 9.7 million minority business enterprises. Cravins was unanimously confirmed by the Senate on August 4, 2022. Prior to joining MBDA, Cravins was a practicing attorney and a member of the Louisiana Bar Association since 1998.

Cravins has served in key executive positions for some of America’s largest non-profit and for-profit corporations, including the National Urban League where he most recently served as its Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. As one of the Nation’s preeminent Civil Rights Organizations, Cravins led the National Urban League’s entrepreneurial initiatives and spearheaded its corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

WELCOME RECEPTION

5:00PM - 8:00PM

Monday, September 19, 2022

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27)

Judy Chu was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in July 2009.

She represents the 27th Congressional District, which includes Pasadena and the west San Gabriel Valley of southern California. Rep. Chu serves on the House Small Business Committee, which has oversight of the Small Business Administration, as well as the House Budget Committee. In 2009, she became the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress in history.

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland proudly represents Washington’s 10th Congressional District. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Strickland is the first African-American to represent Washington State and the Pacific Northwest at the federal level, and one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress. She is the only African-American woman to serve on the House Armed Services Committee, and is a Member of both the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). Strickland resides in Tacoma, Washington with her husband, Patrick.

Congressman Kaiali‘i Kahele (HI-02)

U.S. Representative Kaialiʻi (Kai) Kahele is serving his first term in Congress.

Congressman Kahele is a combat veteran, pilot and a commissioned officer in the Hawai‘i Air National Guard, U.S. Air Force where he continues to serve as a lieutenant colonel at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaiʻi. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules pilot in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is a graduate of Hilo High School and resides on Hawaiʻi Island with his wife and three daughters.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

WELCOME RECEPTION

5:00PM - 8:00PM

Monday, September 19, 2022

Jennifer Kim

Associate Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration

Jennifer Kim serves as the Associate Administrator for the Office of Field Operations and oversees 68 District Offices and 10 Regional Offices throughout the country. SBA field offices provide small businesses access to programs and services in coordination with resource partners, lenders, and other local economic development organizations. She has worked for over 15 years to strengthen communities and advocate for the public interest. She has dedicated many years to increasing voter registration in communities of color as well as promoting youth civic engagement. More recently, she worked to strengthen ties between underserved communities and the public health system to increase vaccination rates.

Dr. Karen Eng

President/CEO, CSMI Before joining CSMI Dr. Eng practiced optometry at Accuvision and Lake Zurich Eyecare. Dr. Eng has focused on promoting girls and women with an emphasis on STEM education. A graduate of the University of California, San Diego with a Biochemistry and Biology degree, a Doctorate of Optometry from the New England College of Optometry, Dr. Eng has also participated in Kellogg School of Management, Tuck School of Business and Mendoza School of Business.

Jimmy Ferguson

Owner/Operator, J-C’s McD’s Ltd. Jimmy and his wife, Cindi, have owned and operated 23 McDonald’s restaurants in Austin, and other central Texas cities for the past 27 years.

Prior to owning McDonald’s franchises, Jimmy held the position of assistant vice president and dean of students at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR. Jimmy currently serves as the Chair of the Asian McDonald’s Operators Association (AMOA). Jimmy is the Policy Chair for National ACE and serves on the Board of Directors.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

WELCOME RECEPTION

5:00PM - 8:00PM

Monday, September 19, 2022

Andrew Chau

CEO and Co-Founder, Boba Guys Andrew Chau is co-founder and CEO of Boba Guys and Tea People USA, a Inc. Magazine 500 award recipient. He has been featured as a top emerging business leader on CNN, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Vogue, and NPR. Prior to a career in Consumer Product Goods and corporate marketing, Andrew started and exited his first startup in 2011. In his free time, he loves traveling and is a freelance writer and an angel investor for consumer-driven businesses. He and his wife are based in San Francisco, CA. Andrew is a National ACE Boardmember.

Susan Patel

Founder and Curator, Suuprah BIOSusan Patel is the founder and curator of Suuprah, a tactical lifestyle brand, product line, and methodology that is designed to tap into intentional self-realization, love, healing, and alignment, and what it means for each individual. Susan believes in the power of redefining what's possible, developing new habits, and celebrating our imperfections along the way. Susan's 25+ years of entrepreneurial career has spanned retail, venture capital, non-for-profit, and community-centric endeavors. Her work has been featured in USA Today, Chicago Reader, Chicago Magazine, and American Way Magazine. In addition to Suuprah, Susan owns several community-centric businesses, like Urban Convene and Bhandu Ethnics, to name a few.

Daniel Oliver

Chief Operating Officer, National ACE Daniel C. Oliver provides expertise in the areas of development and fundraising, local and national policy, legislative and intergovernmental relations, building relationships with regional chambers and partner organizations, as well as external communications. Prior to his role at National ACE, he spent over 8 years on Capitol Hill as a senior staff member. He currently lives with his wife and children in Takoma Park, MD.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

WELCOME RECEPTION

5:00PM - 8:00PM

Monday, September 19, 2022

Janet Alikpala

Senior Director of Corporate Affairs, National ACE Janet Alikpala previously held leadership roles as Public Affairs & Charitable Foundation Director for the Midwest division of Safeway, Inc. as well as Marketing & Events Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, a youth mentoring nonprofit organization that serves over 25,000 youth in the Chicagoland area. Alikpala was also CEO/Co-Founder of a tech startup company in Chicago, Illinois that benefits schools and nonprofits by supporting local businesses. Alikpala is part of National ACE’s senior leadership team, with a focus on advancing partnership opportunities to expand access, equitable resources for AAPI small businesses across the country. Additionally, as Senior Director of Corporate Affairs, she works closely with corporate partners and business organizations to cultivate long-term funding necessary to increase program initiatives.

Ruben Barrales

SVP, External Engagement Diverse Segments, Representation and Inclusion, Wells Fargo

Ruben Barrales is senior vice president of external relations at Wells Fargo.

Previously, he was president and CEO of GROW Elect and of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. He served in the White House as deputy assistant to the president and director of intergovernmental affairs for President George W. Bush. He was also president and CEO of Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network. He grew up in Redwood City, California, and received a BA with a joint major in political science and administrative studies from the University of California, Riverside.

Ervin Johnson

Senior Manager for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability (PACS), Coca-Cola Company Ervin Johnson is the Senior Manager for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability (PACS) at The Coca-Cola Company. Ervin is responsible for public affairs, government relations, stakeholder partnerships, strategic communications, sustainability and community related programming and initiatives within key markets in the PACS North Zone (Northeast US and Canada).

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

WELCOME RECEPTION

5:00PM - 8:00PM

Monday, September 19, 2022

Maui Orozco

Policy Manager, Economic Impact & Advocacy Programs, Meta

Maui Orozco joined Meta’s Public Policy team in 2019 and is currently a Policy Manager focused on Economic Impact & Advocacy Programs. Her team leads engagement and outreach to national economic and business interest groups. Maui is a proud Nevadan and graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She currently lives in Washington, DC.

Chanelle Hardy

Head of Civil Rights, Google Chanelle Hardy is a social justice, tech policy and civil rights expert, working to ensure that corporate and public policies benefit BIPOC and vulnerable communities. Prior to joining Google, Chanelle served as a Chief of Staff on Capitol Hill, SVP of Policy for the National Urban League, and Chief of Staff to the first woman Chair of the Federal Communications Commission. She is a former 5th grade DC Public Schools Teach for America teacher.

Debra Wilson

Director of Marketing Diverse Segments, UPS Debra has been with UPS for 14 years and is currently the Director of Marketing for the Diverse customer Segment – a newly created role for UPS. Before joining UPS she worked for several family owned businesses, and eventually started her own business and was a UPS vendor. She has taught 100’s of UPS employees as a trainer in UPS’s Global Marketing Capabilities courses and currently leads UPS’s Diversity Growth Council.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

BREAKFAST PLENARY

THE STRENGTH & IMPORTANCE OF AAPI BUSINESS 8:30AM - 10:00AM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06)

U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng is serving her fifth term in the United States House of Representatives. Grace is the first and only Asian American Member of Congress from New York State. Grace has passed several pieces of legislation into law. These include laws about religious freedom, making Queens historic sites part of the National Park Service, striking “Oriental” from federal law and protecting public housing residents from insufficient heat. Grace resides in Queens with her husband, Wayne, and two sons, Tyler and Brandon.

Alan Davidson

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator, U.S. Department of Commerce Alan Davidson is an Internet policy expert with over 20 years of experience as an executive, public interest advocate, technologist, and attorney. He was most recently a Senior Advisor at the Mozilla Foundation, a global nonprofit that promotes openness, innovation, and participation on the Internet. Alan has been a long-time leader in the Internet nonprofit community, serving as Director of New America’s Open Technology Institute where he worked to promote equitable broadband access and adoption. As Associate Director of the Center for Democracy and Technology, Alan was an advocate for civil liberties and human rights online in some of the earliest Internet policy debates.

Michele Chang

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Policy, U.S. Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce Michele Chang most recently was the Executive Director of the Rework America Business Network at the Markle Foundation, where she worked with Fortune 500 companies to help American workers without four-year degrees get the skills they need and access quality jobs. Ms. Chang served in the Obama Administration as Acting Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), where she managed the day-to-day operations of the 3,000+ person agency.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

BREAKFAST PLENARY

THE STRENGTH & IMPORTANCE OF AAPI BUSINESS 8:30AM - 10:00AM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 MODERATOR

Susan Jin Davis

Social Impact Officer, Al Roker Entertainment Susan Jin Davis, Social Impact Officer, has over 25 years of experience in the communications and technology industry. In her last position with Comcast, Ms. Jin Davis is responsible for identifying sustainable strategies and priorities and for implementing the company’s Sustainability Program across all of Comcast business units and functions. She serves as a Boardmember for National ACE.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07)

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is now serving her third term in Congress. She is the first South Asian American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and one of only two dozen naturalized citizens currently serving in the United States Congress. Prior to serving in elected office, Congresswoman Jayapal spent twenty years working internationally and domestically in global public health and development and as an award-winning national advocate for women’s, immigrant, civil, and human rights. Representative Jayapal was born in India, grew up in India, Indonesia and Singapore, and came to the United States by herself at the age of 16 to attend college at Georgetown University. She is married to Steve Williamson, a long-time labor leader and strategist, and is the proud mother of a transgender daughter name Kashika, step-son named Michael, and 65-pound labradoodle, Otis.

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41)

For more than twenty years, Mark Takano has worked to improve the lives of Riverside County residents, both as an elected official and as a teacher at Rialto High School. His family roots in Riverside go back to his grandparents who, along with his parents, were removed from their respective homes and sent to Japanese American Internment camps during World War II. After the war, these two families settled in Riverside County to rebuild their lives. In 2012, Mark became the first openly gay person of color to be elected to Congress. He serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and as a member of the Education and Workforce Committee.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

BREAKFAST PLENARY

THE STRENGTH & IMPORTANCE OF AAPI BUSINESS 8:30AM - 10:00AM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Karen Ideno

Group Vice President of Indirect Procurement, Toyota Motor North America Karen Ideno is group vice president of indirect procurement for Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and environmental, social, and governance investing at Toyota Financial Services (TFS). In this role, Ideno oversees the office of procurement operations, systems and strategy, ensuring both Toyota organizations have the goods and services necessary for the companies to operate, sourcing from a diverse range of suppliers. Prior to her current position, Ideno was responsible for the company’s private label financial solutions, Toyota Financial Services’ largest-ever new business initiative.

Dennis Huang

Executive Director/CEO, Asian Business Association Los Angeles

For over 20 years, Dennis Huang has served as the Executive Director and CEO of the Asian Business Association, a non-profit organization that has been proactively assisting Asian American small businesses gain access to economic opportunities and advancement since 1976. He helps connect many members that are now doing business with major corporations.

Dennis is a proud dad of 2 Eagle Scouts. Dennis serves on the National ACE Foundation Board.

Grace Lee

CEO/President, Ashford Connex, LLC. Grace Lee is the CEO/President of Ashford Connex, LLC., a world leading workforce solutions and organization development innovator. Prior to founding Ashford Connex, Grace was a co-founder and CFO of Logic Solutions, Inc., a global web technology company that provides technology solutions and services. Grace Lee has over 20 years of experience in both corporate/public accounting and human resources. As CFO of Logic Solutions, she overseed Logic accounting/finance, human resources, compliance and legal functions and evaluate M& A potentials.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

BREAKOUT 1

BUILDING STRATEGIC PARTNERS THROUGH ALLYSHIP 10:15AM - 11:45AM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 MODERATOR

Chiling Tong

President/CEO, National ACE Chiling Tong has extensive domestic and international experience in economic and business development, with a focus on researching and enhancing the growth of minority-owned small businesses. Tong's career spans the private, nonprofit, and public sectors. She is the President and CEO of the National Asian & Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE). National ACE responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on AAPI small businesses by launching a business recovery & resiliency initiative with about 100 affiliate AAPI Chambers and partners throughout the country. With her team, she established a technical assistant program designed to assist AAPI millennial entrepreneurs survive the COVID-19 pandemic and operate safely. She is the Founding President of the International Leadership Foundation (ILF).

Currently, she is a Director of the Congressional Awards for young leaders and also serves on the Census Bureau National Advisory Committee on Racial, Ethnic and Other Populations and the Small Business Administration’s Council on Underserved Communities.

Ron Busby Sr.

President/CEO, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) As President/CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), Ron Busby, Sr. brings business management skills as well as a lifetime of community development experience to the organization. Mr. Busby is a former successful business owner himself, and he has been recognized as one of the nation’s best CEOs. Ron grew his first company, USA Superclean, from $150,000 annualized revenue, to over $15 million in only 10 years. Early on in his career, USA Superclean was recognized as the largest Black-owned janitorial firm in the country. Mr. Busby has also started and grown two other janitorial firms, both resulting in over $7 million in annualized revenue. A native of Oakland, CA; Ron has dedicated himself to the empowerment of the Black community. Ron is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Ron currently lives in the Washington, DC area and has two sons, the youngest of whom unexpectedly passed away in 2021.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

BREAKOUT 1

BUILDING STRATEGIC PARTNERS THROUGH ALLYSHIP 10:15AM - 11:45AM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Candace Waterman

President/CEO, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) With over 35 years of experience, spanning across both the private and public sector; Candace Waterman has owned three successful companies in the medical, real estate and hospitality industries; and worked as an executive for the ambulatory services division of a hospital system in Michigan overseeing OB-GYN, hematology, radiology and oncology operations and programs. Currently, she works with lawmakers to impact and influence policy that provides economic equity, procurement inclusion and access to the global marketplace.

C. LeRoy Cavazos-Reyna

Vice President of Government and International Affairs, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) C. LeRoy Cavazos-Reyna is a Texas native of the United States border city of Mission. Throughout his academic and professional careers, he has been strongly committed to service, community development, and political activism by working with organizations and government entities dedicated to those very endeavors.

C. LeRoy is the youngest of three sons to the authors of his success, his parents Mr. and Mrs. J. Jorge and Irma Estela Cavazos who are still civically involved residents of Mission, Texas.

Lauren Schweppe

Director of Programs & Stakeholder Advocacy, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) In her role as Director of Programs & Stakeholder Advocacy, Lauren Schweppe oversees NGLCC’s flagship programs such as its XLR8 Certified LGBTBEÒ Capacity Development Program and Internship Program, and she co-leads the NGLCC Mentor-Protégé Program. Lauren plays a critical role in the development and oversight of NGLCC’s corporate-supplier industry councils, including its Pharma Opportunities and Marketing & Related Services Councils, to name a few. Prior to joining Team NGLCC, Lauren worked at Middlebury College in Vermont as the Project Coordinator for the East India Field Hockey Project and served as the Assistant Field Hockey Coach.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

BREAKOUT 2

EQUITY IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT & JOBS ACT 10:15AM - 11:15AM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 KEYNOTE

Mayor Sam Joshi

Township of Edison in New Jersey Mayor Sam Joshi serves Edison Township in New Jersey. Edison has a population of 51% minorities and the largest South Asian population by percentage in the US. Mayor Joshi has served as a 911 Dispatcher in the Police Department, was appointed to the fair rental housing authority where he served for four years, appointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for two years, served on the library board of trustees, and was first elected as the youngest City Councilmember in 2017. He was elected as the youngest Mayor and first South Asian in Edison, New Jersey.

MODERATOR

Pat Fong Kushida

President & CEO, CalAsian and Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce Pat Fong Kushida founded the CalAsian Chamber in 2010 and served as President and CEO of the regional Chamber since 1998. With over 23 years of building business, community and government partnerships, Pat is a results oriented senior leader and operator who has strong organizational improvement experience; managing, training and mentoring cross-functional, cross-cultural, high-performance teams. Sparked by economic and political disenfranchisement and rising community need, CalAsian Chamber was launched in 2010 to give voice to the more than 600,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) businesses in the state and the people and communities they serve.

Maurice A. Henderson II

Senior Advisor in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation Maurice A. Henderson II serves as Senior Advisor in the Office of the Secretary.

Henderson has served in leadership roles both domestically and internationally in the public and private sectors as well as on a number of political and advocacy campaigns. Most recently, Henderson was Senior Director of U.S. Government Partnerships at the transportation technology start-up, Bird Rides Inc. Previously, Henderson served as a member of the Oregon Transportation Commission, North American Bikeshare Association (NABSA), Greenroads Foundation, and Forth Mobility.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

BREAKOUT 2

EQUITY IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT & JOBS ACT 10:15AM - 11:15AM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Angela Thi Bennet

Digital Equity Program Director, NTIA, Department of Commerce Angela Thi Bennett will direct the allocation of the $2.75 billion Digital Equity Program and help develop guidelines for states to strategically utilize these funds to have a transformative impact in their communities. Throughout her career, Angela has focused on community work and improving the quality of life in her Cleveland and greater Ohio communities. Her vast community and public sector experience include leading East Cleveland’s department of community and economic development, serving as Superintendent of a community school in Cleveland, and the Ohio State Board of Education. Angela is an advocate and ambassador for equity and inclusion, using her network and voice to elicit social change.

Mike Fong

Region X Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration Mike Fong was appointed in November of 2021 by the Biden-Harris Administration in his current role. Regional Administrator Fong had most recently served with Snohomish County as a Senior Adviser and Chief Recovery and Resilience Officer overseeing the spending of $160M in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

Fong was the former Senior Deputy Mayor of the City of Seattle and managed Mayor Jenny Durkan‘s cabinet and executive team. During the pandemic, he oversaw Seattle’s “whole government response” leading to the city being the first major metropolitan area in America to reach 70% vaccination of its residents.

LUNCH PLENARY

INVESTING IN AAPI BUSINESSES 12:00PM - 1:45PM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Congresswoman Amata Coleman Radewagen (American Samoa)

Amata Coleman Radewagen (Aumua Amata) is the first woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives from American Samoa. A 25-year cancer survivor, Amata has served as spokesperson for the Samoan Women's Health Project to promote cancer awareness and bring mammography to the territory.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

LUNCH PLENARY

INVESTING IN AAPI BUSINESSES 12:00PM - 1:45PM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 MODERATOR

Thear Suzuki

Global Client Service Partner, Consulting, EY Thear’s personal purpose is to inspire courageous actions in others so they can lead more impactful lives. Thear is a Global Client Service Partner at EY with 25 years of professional services experience. She served clients at Accenture for 16 years and joined EY in 2012, where she has served as Regional Advisory Managing Partner and Americas Consulting Talent Leader. At EY, Thear serves on the Americas Inclusiveness Advisory Council, and she champions leadership development programs that build inclusive, innovative, and courageous leaders for the 21st century.

Erika Moritsugu

Deputy Assistant to the President, AA and NHPI Senior Liaison, The White House

Erika L. Moritsugu was appointed in April 2021 to serve as Deputy Assistant to the President and Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Senior Liaison. With a distinguished career in federal government, politics, and non-profit advocacy, she has spent her personal and professional life fighting for social justice and the empowerment of communities and individuals.

Krystal Ka'ai

Executive Director, The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders Krystal Ka‘ai is the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. In this role, she is responsible for advising the Biden administration on the coordination and implementation of federal programs and initiatives to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

LUNCH PLENARY

INVESTING IN AAPI BUSINESSES 12:00PM - 1:45PM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Michael Negron

Special Assistant To The President for Economic Policy, The White House Michael served in the Navy after college and worked for both President Obama and Elizabeth Warren in Washington during the depths of the financial crisis. In 2011, he was a policy advisor to Chicago Mayor Emanuel where he helped raise the minimum wage, create a free community college program for Chicago Public Schools students that graduate with a B average, and establish a legal defense fund for undocumented residents.

Michael was raised in a union, immigrant household and graduated from Harvard Law School.

Aditi Dussault

Senior Advisor to the Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration Aditi Dussault returns to the SBA after five years of working in the private sector as an entrepreneur and consultant to small business federal contractors. Prior to establishing her consulting practice, Ms. Dussault served in various roles at the SBA under the Obama Administration, supporting the Office of Government Contracting and Business Development (GCBD)’s systems modernization, the launch of the Small Business Mentor-Protege Program, and improvements and expansion of the Woman Owned Small Business Program.

Donald Hyun Kiolbassa

Managing Partner, Kiolbassa, Holmes & Ansong Donald is both a licensed Attorney and CPA with a focus on Real Estate Law, Corporate Law, Estate Planning, and Tax Law. When not practicing law, Donald was a gold medalist for the 2008 United States Wushu Team.

Sandeep Nain

National ACE Ambassador, President, SNtial Technologies SNtial (pronounced “essential”) has provided project outsourcing and IT staff augmentation to a variety of sectors for the last 20 years.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

BREAKOUT 3

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES WITH LARGE CORPORATIONS 2:00PM - 3:30PM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 MODERATOR

Ying McGuire

CEO/President National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Ying McGuire is the CEO & President of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), America’s most influential and successful minority business development organization. Prior to her appointment at NMSDC, she served as the Global Vice President at Technology Integration Group (TIG), an NMSDC certified minority owned technology company with 25 offices in the US, China, Canada, and a global partner network covering 4 continents. Born and raised in China, Ms. McGuire immigrated to the U.S. with one suitcase and $1,000 to pursue her American dream.

Priscilla Wallace

Head of Supplier Diversity, Wells Fargo

Priscilla Wallace leads a team of supplier diversity professionals to build relationships within the communities Wells Fargo serves through the development, inclusion, and utilization of certified minority, women, LGBTQ, veteran, disability-owned and small business enterprises. Wallace brings more than two decades of supply chain and diversity, equity, and inclusion experience to her new position. Priot to her role, she spent five years at Foodbuy – Compass Group as vice president of supplier diversity. She also spent 13 years in supply chain and diversity leadership roles at the American Red Cross.

Jacob Hsu

CEO, Catalyte

Jacob Hsu is the CEO of Catalyte (www.catalyte.io), a workforce data science company and one of the fastest growing providers of software engineering services in the United States. Prior to Catalyte, he was CEO of Symbio, a global software engineering and R&D services company. Before joining Symbio, he was the founding CEO of Trilogica, a data aggregation software company, and the founding CEO of Epitome, a banking applications company. He began his career in investment banking focused on mergers and acquisitions. He has also co-founded or been a founding investor in over thirty other companies in the United States and Asia.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

BREAKOUT 3

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES WITH LARGE CORPORATIONS 2:00PM - 3:30PM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Hon-Ron Siah

Chief Talent Officer at McDonald's

Han-Ron joined McDonald’s in early 2022 as Chief Talent Officer, reporting directly to Chief People Officer Heidi Capozzi. In this role, Han-Ron leads critical efforts to enhance McDonald’s approach to talent, driving meaningful contributions to our overall reputation as a best-in-class employer. Han-Ron joins McDonald’s after more than 10 years with Marriott (previously Starwood), where he recently served as SVP, Digital Talent Strategy, Analytics & Solutions and Talent Point. Throughout his decade in hospitality, Han-Ron built a deep expertise in talent capabilities. Originally from Taiwan, Han-Ron immigrated with his family to the US at the age of 7 and likes to practice speaking Mandarin whenever he can.

Jimmy Ferguson

Owner/Operator, J-C’s McD’s Ltd. Jimmy and his wife, Cindi, have owned and operated 23 McDonald’s restaurants in Austin, and other central Texas cities for the past 27 years.

Prior to owning McDonald’s franchises, Jimmy held the position of assistant vice president and dean of students at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR. Jimmy currently serves as the Chair of the Asian McDonald’s Operators Association (AMOA). Jimmy is the Policy Chair for National ACE and serves on the Board of Directors.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

BREAKOUT 4

CONTENT CREATION & MEDIA INFLUENCERS

2:00PM - 3:30PM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 MODERATOR

Angie Chang

Chief Strategy Officer, KCAL Insurance Agency Angela Chang is the Chief Strategy Officer at KCAL Insurance Agency (KCAL) where she oversees the company's strategies in sales, marketing, partnerships, technology, customer acquisition and retention. KCAL now has a team of over 150 professionals, and serves over 6,000 business and 120,000 individual clients from its offices in Hacienda Heights, San Gabriel, Diamond Bar, Irvine, Cerritos, and Ontario, California. Angela Chang currently serves as the youngest Director on the Board for National ACE, on the National Board for ACE NextGen, as the Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Asian Business Association – Los Angeles chapter, and on the Board for the Industry Sheriff’s Youth Activities League (YAL).

Maggie Chui

COO and Co-Founder, Asian Hustle Network Maggie Chui is the co-founder and COO of Asian Hustle Network (AHN), an online and offline community of 200,000+ members aimed at empowering and uplifting Asian entrepreneurs and allies globally. She is the co-host of the Asian Hustle Network Podcast, which won Best Business Podcast of the Year Award at the Asian Podcast Awards hosted by Asian Podcast Network.

She has been featured on South China Morning Post, San Francisco Chronicle, LA Times, VoyageLA, NextShark, and China Global TV Network.

Bryan Pham

CEO and Co-Founder, Asian Hustle Network Bryan Pham is the founder of Asian Hustle Network, an online community to uplift creatives and entrepreneurs with over 200,000+ active members. He is also the co-founder of Hate a Virus, Asian Angels and VC Network, Crushing It in Real Estate, and most recently, AHN Ventures, a venture fund investing in AAPI founders. Bryan is also the host of the Asian Hustle Network Podcast, and has been featured on South China Morning Post, Bloomberg, Business Insider, NextShark, CGTN, LA Times, and VoyageLA.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

BREAKOUT 4

CONTENT CREATION & MEDIA INFLUENCERS 2:00PM - 3:30PM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Daniel Seong

President/Founder Great Park Insurance, TikTok Influencer with 1.4 million followers Daniel Seong was born in Seoul, South Korea and immigrated to the States at an early age. He met his wife, Christina, in San Diego in 2000 while Daniel was serving in the Marine Corps. Married in 2004, had 4 girls in 5 years and their son a few years after. They currently live in Irvine, CA having a wonderful time raising their children and running their successful insurance agency, Great Park Insurance. They started a TikTok account in January 2021 sharing their life struggles and successes which quickly grew to 1.4 million followers. Their goal is to inspire as many families to fight through the struggles together.

John Victoria

Owner, Polianna

From his childhood to his training as a U.S. Naval Officer, John Victoria has always believed in the importance of service, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. With these core values, John founded Polianna, a digital marketing agency focusing on helping residential contractors profitably grow their businesses online. He's helped companies cross 8figures in revenue, add hundreds of additional inbound calls every month, and build consistent lead flow in their business with a specialty in SEO and website development. John is a Board Member of ACE NextGen and a Vice President of the ACE NextGen DC Chapter. John currently resides in Arlington, VA.

OFFICE HOURS

FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS: HOW TO BE GRANT READY 2:00PM - 3:30PM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Emily Fuder

Director of Marketing, National ACE

Emily Fuder is the Director of Marketing at National ACE where she plays a key role content strategy, graphics, programming, grant programs, and the West Coast Strategic Partners. She leads the grant distributions for AAPI small business owners. Prior to her role at National ACE, Emily worked in the hospitality industry for ten years. She most recently worked at the historic Palmer House Hilton, Drake Chicago, and Hilton Chicago booking corporate conventions. Emily leads a run club in Chicago called GumboFit, and volunteers with the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Originally from the Dutch Caribbean, she now resides in South Loop, Chicago with her husband and great dane.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

AWARDS DINNER

AGENDA

COCKTAIL HOUR

6:00PM - 7:00PM

7:00PM - 9:00PM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

NATIONAL ANTHEM

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

EVENT EMCEE

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE AWARD

SPECIAL REMARKS

CORPORATE CHAMPION AWARD

MESSAGE FROM NATIONAL ACE BOARD CHAIR

EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD

NATIONAL ACE REMARKS

AAPISTRONG RESTAURANT FUND AWARD

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

SPECIAL REMARKS

Dr. Daniel Tu'utau Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources (PIK2AR)

David Louie Journalist, KCO-TV, ABC 7 Sacramento, CA

Ambassador Katherine Tai U.S. Trade Representative

 r. Karen Eng D President, CSMI

Chiling Tong President & CEO

Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman U.S. Small Business Administration

SPECIAL REMARKS

Christopher Galang Senior Vice President Diverse Customer Segments Small Business, Wells Fargo

Congresswoman Judy Chu Chair, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus U.S. House of Representatives Susi Feltch Malohifo'ou CEO & Executive Director Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources (PIK2AR)

Emilio Gonzalez Executive Director Public Policy & Strategic Alliances Verizon

Chieh Huang CEO Boxed

Presented by Grubhub

Ervin Johnson Senior Manager for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability (PACS), The Coca-Cola Company

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

AWARDS DINNER

AWARDEES

7:00PM - 9:00PM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 KEYNOTE REMARKS

Isabella Casillas Guzman

Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration Isabella Casillas Guzman was sworn in as the 27th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration on March 17, 2021. She serves as the voice for America’s 32.5 million small businesses and innovative startups in President Joe Biden’s Cabinet. Administrator Guzman has made supporting small businesses her life’s work. From a very young age, working beside her father in his chain of veterinary hospitals in Southern California, she gained a deep appreciation for the small business owners who define Main Streets in neighborhoods across America, deliver our products and services, and innovate to solve global problems. Administrator Guzman spent her early career in the private sector as a founder, advisor, and consultant. There she learned the crucial role small businesses play in creating paths to the American Dream. She went on to commit herself to public service -- serving as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor at the SBA, and as Small Business Advocate for the state of California to help advance equity and opportunity for all entrepreneurs.

Ambassador Katherine Tai U.S. Trade Representative

Ambassador Katherine Tai was sworn in as the 19th United States Trade Representative on March 18, 2021. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, Ambassador Tai is the principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on U.S. trade policy. Prior to her unanimous Senate confirmation, Ambassador Tai spent most of her career in public service focusing on international economic diplomacy, monitoring, and enforcement. Ambassador Tai is an experienced World Trade Organization (WTO) litigator. She previously developed and tried cases for the Office of the United States Trade Representative, eventually becoming the Chief Counsel for China Trade Enforcement. Before transitioning to federal service, she practiced law in the private sector, clerked for district judges, and taught English in Guangzhou, China. Ambassador Tai earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Yale University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. She is fluent in Mandarin.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

AWARDS DINNER

AWARDEES

7:00PM - 9:00PM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27)

Judy Chu was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in July 2009.

She represents the 27th Congressional District, which includes Pasadena and the west San Gabriel Valley of southern California. Rep. Chu serves on the House Small Business Committee, which has oversight of the Small Business Administration, as well as the House Budget Committee. In 2009, she became the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress in history.

CORPORATE CHAMPION AWARD

Emilio Gonzalez

Executive Director for Public Policy & Strategic Alliances, Verizon Emilio Gonzalez is the Executive Director for Public Policy & Strategic Alliances at Verizon. Emilio joined Verizon in 2004 as Director for Hispanic and Asian American Affairs. Prior to joining Verizon, Emilio was an appointee in the Clinton Administration focusing on technology and Internet policy issues. As Technology Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Education, Emilio helped develop the E-rate program which is the single largest federal investment in educational technology to this day. Before joining the Administration, Emilio served as Senior Analyst at the U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) where he testified before Congress, authored legislation and co-authored Making Government Work.

Emilio is a first-generation immigrant to the U.S. and serves on the Board of Directors of NALEO. He is a graduate of Harvard University and lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife and daughters.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE AWARD

Susi Feltch-Malohifo'ou

Co-Founder/CEO of Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources (PIK2AR)

In 2015, at the age of 51, Feltch-Malohifo'ou co-founded her nonprofit, PIK2AR, which focuses on cultural preservation, economic impact, and wellbeing for Pacific Islanders. One of the programs of PIK2AR is the Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce whose mission is to support business and entrepreneurs in Utah. In 2021, she was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the 50 most impactful women in the country over the age of 50. In August 2022, Walt Disney hired Feltch-Malohifo'ou to be one of two Pacific Islander Cultural Advisers. She is also being honored as one of the 40 most influential women in Utah in September 2022.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

AWARDS DINNER

AWARDEES

7:00PM - 9:00PM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Chieh Huang

CEO/Co-Founder, Boxed

Chieh Huang is the CEO and a Co-founder of Boxed, a warehouse-club delivery service that launched in 2013. Eight years later, the company delivers anywhere in the Continental USA, with revenue now in the hundreds of millions. Boxed writes its own software, runs its own state of the art fulfillment centers and builds its own automation robotics in house. Huang's personal honors include being named to Bloomberg Businessweek's 50 people to watch, and to National Retail Federation's list of People Shaping Retail's Future. Huang was also chosen as one of Crain's "40 Under 40" and for Goldman Sachs' list of "100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs."

NATIONAL ANTHEM

Dr. Daniel Tu'utau

Membership & Resource Liaison, Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources (PIK2AR) Dr. Daniel Tu'utau is originally from Los Angeles, California. He holds BA and MM degrees from UC Santa Barbara and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of Utah. In addition to performing in local productions and as a chorus member with Utah Opera, he is an entrepreneur running a small photography/videography business and is also a resource liaison with the Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce. He lives in Salt Lake City with his wife, Brandy, and their four children.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

David Louie

Business Editor/Tech Reporter, KGO-TV ABC7 David Louie is the business editor and tech reporter for KGO-TV the ABC affiliate in San Francisco. Louie joined ABC7 in 1972 becoming the station's first senior Asian American reporter. He has been the East Bay and Peninsula bureau chief, business and technology editor, and financial news anchor, reporting live from the floor of the Pacific Stock Exchange. In 1996, Louie was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA). He was AAJA national president for two years. In 1994, Louie was the first minority elected Chairman of the Board of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which bestows TV's coveted Emmy Award. In that capacity, he launched the Academy's Website, expanded a national program on media literacy for secondary school students, and created an annual scholarship program.

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

AWARDS DINNER

AAPISTRONG RESTAURANT FUND GRAND PRIZE FINALISTS 7:00PM - 9:00PM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Allen Jung & Queen Katsuta Co-Owners, Bonifacio

Barbe-Queen is a family-owned restaurant serving a Polynesian based menu and offering catering services in Ocean Park on the Washington coast. Their business grew from serving at farmers markets, festivals and private events to their current brick and mortar location with a large kitchen and 39 seats. One of the few restaurants in this beach community, Barbe-Queen struggles during the winter months, and relies on tourism business in the busy summer months. They provide great Polynesian food, wonderful service, and jobs in their disadvantaged community. Their children work part-time in the business after school. Their customer reviews have been amazing. As one of the few minority-owned businesses in their area, they are grateful for the opportunity to give back to their community by participating in regular local efforts to feed hungry people.

Krizzia Yanga Owner, Bonifacio

Filipino food has undergone a renaissance in the past decade. As Filipinos immigrated and assimilated to the United States, many aspects of Filipino culture were lost in the generations after. In an effort to rediscover their culture, young Filipino chefs and entrepreneurs are exploring their identity and redefining Filipino food in what is being called the Filipino Food Movement. The goal of this movement is to give Filipino food a platform to be recognized and celebrated. At Bonifacio, they want to share the experience of an unapologetically authentic Filipino meal - homemade with an emphasis on ingredients and presentation. There’s a phrase used in many Filipino homes - Kumain ka na ba - which translates to “have you eaten yet?” Walk into a Filipino home at any time of the day and you’ll be greeted with “Kumain ka na ba?” It’s their way of saying hello.

Yu-Ling Wong and Jade Wong Owners, Facing East

Facing East opened in 2006, bringing traditional Taiwanese food made with love, care, and high-quality ingredients to the Greater Seattle area. Their small, family-run team puts an immense amount of time, labor, and intention into their menu. They take great pride in their work and their ability to share heart-warming dishes with the community. In December of 2021, they moved from their original location in Downtown Bellevue to their new, take-out only location off of Bel-Red Road. They are so incredibly grateful for the continued support from their community that has allowed them to stay open for 15 years and counting. They hope that they can continue to feed their community delicious food for many years to come.

The name “Facing East” comes from a feng shui fortune reading back before they opened. East , the fortune teller told them, is the cardinal direction that brings the most luck and prosperity.

東

AAPISTRONG ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

AWARDS DINNER

SPONSOR REMARKS 7:00PM - 9:00PM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Chris Galang

Senior Vice President, Diverse Customer Segments Small Business, Wells Fargo Christopher Galang is senior vice president and chief strategist for the small business diverse segments team. In his role, Galang is responsible for leading new product development, assessing policy and procedure enhancements, developing and managing external partnerships that have a primary objective on increasing access to capital for women and diverse-owned small businesses. Galang, a fifteen-year veteran of the Company, started his career as a personal banker. A former small business owner himself, Galang joined the Bank’s Small Business Group in 2013 where he held several leadership roles including diverse segments implementation leader, head of sales enablement and chief of staff for the small business branch strategy team.

Ervin Johnson

Senior Manager for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability (PACS), Coca-Cola Company Ervin Johnson is the Senior Manager for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability (PACS) at The Coca-Cola Company. Ervin is responsible for public affairs, government relations, stakeholder partnerships, strategic communications, sustainability and community related programming and initiatives within key markets in the PACS North Zone (Northeast US and Canada).

The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE) is grateful for our planning committees, partner organizations, and staff that helped coordinate this year's AAPISTRONG Annual Conference: Conference Committee Pat Fong Kushida, President & CEO, California Asian Chamber of Commerce Jan-Ie Low, President, Golden Catalyst, LLC Terrez Thompson, Founder & Chair, Powered By Zerret, Inc. Dr. Karen Eng, President & CEO, CSMI Conference, Video, Photography, Stage & Lighting Production Chris Chang, Director of Production, Astrocasters Lida Peterson, President, Connected International Meeting Professionals Association Caleb Carges, Audio/Video Producer, Astrocasters Dr. Daniel Tu'utau, DB Productions Brandy Tu'utau, DB Productions Government & External Affairs, Public Private Strategies Rhett Buttle, Founder & Principal Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg, Principal Baylee Anderson, Associate Diverse Chambers of Commerce US Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) National ACE Ambassadors Donald Hyun Kiolbassa, Kiolbassa, Holmes & Ansong Sandeep Nain, SNtial Technologies Susan Patel, Suuprah National ACE Team Chiling Tong, President & CEO Daniel Oliver, Chief Operating Officer Janet Alikpala, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs Emily Fuder, Director of Marketing Michelle Im, Finance Manager Andrea Rao, Executive Assistant Sarah Haque, Policy Associate Derby Sinn, Program Associate Dung Tran, Program Associate Urgamel Azat, Support Staff Special thanks to all of our AAPI Strategic Partners, Elected Officials, AAPI Business Owners and the Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel Staff.

Acknowledgements

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR

SPECIAL THANKS TO

PREMIER SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS & SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

PARTNERS

OFFICIAL ARILINE OF NATIONAL ACE

Contact Us National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Suite 700 Washington, DC 20004 202-204-2579 info@nationalace.org www.nationalace.org www.aapistrong.com