Fairfax County in Virginia is one of the most diverse places with more than half of the population comprising America’s minority communities. The county is also a fascinating example of thriving small business, often making diversity and entrepreneurship sound synonymous.
So it seemed a perfect sync that Jewels of Asia Gala, an annual awards ceremony, brought together entrepreneurs, large corporate executives, small business owners and community leaders from Washington metro area as well as Fairfax County leaders for a celebration of talent and success.
Holy Ham, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders attended the event, promising support for small businesses.
“Diversity is very important,” Gerald Gordon, President of Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, told Views and News at the event hosted by Asian American Chamber of Commerce.
Gerald Gordon, President Fairfax County EDA, says diversity and small bu… https://t.co/8yLZnetjV9 via @YouTube@FairfaxEDA @FairfaxCounty
— Views&News (@ViewsNewsMag) May 12, 2018
Dr. Gordon explained that in Farifax County only 48 percent of the population is Caucasian, and 52 percent is a collection of all other minorities from around the world.
“And that’s what makes our community strong,” he said, while expressing appreciation for the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of Asian communities.
“Businesses need support, We highlight their success to encourage them so that others can follow in their footsteps,” said Cindy Shao, who has led the AACC for several years with critical efforts to make Jewels of Asia a successful annual celebration.
But the celebration was not just about Faifax-based entrepreneurs.
The awardees including business and community leaders from around Washington metro area, picked on the basis of their significant impact and contribution they have made to the greater Northern Virginia, Maryland, or District of Columbia communities.
Chairman’s award: Stephanie Shei
President’s award: Wonhee Kang
Community Leader of the Year– Marianne Brackney, Korean American Women’s Society
Mentor of the year– Steven Chen , PFP Cyber
Dr. Jamie Younghee Sheen, NaisA Global
Partner of the year– Simon Malls 2941 Restaurant
Member of the year– Mihae Kim, Gimga Design Group
Non-profit of the year– Chinese Culture and Community Center
Asian-American Homeownership Counseling Inc.
New Business of the year– Office Evolution – Tysons Corner
Restaurant of the Year– Peking Gourmet Inn
Young Entrepreneur of the Year– Ting Shih, ClickMedix, LLC
Tim Hwang, FiscalNote
Small business of the year– Language on Demand
Mobomo
Company of the Year– WeddingWire Inc.
Subsystems
Women Owned Business of the Year– Cognosante
SmartGurlz
International Business of the Year– Hyundai Motor of America, Washington DC
Business Leader of the year– Syngman Rhee, Rhee Brothers
