FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

International Leadership Foundation (ILF) Hosts 2026 Annual Leadership & Business Conference and Annual Awards and Scholarship Gala

The International Leadership Foundation (ILF) held its 2026 Annual Leadership and Business Conference and Awards Gala on July 27 at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. More than 450 government officials, business leaders, community leaders, and young leaders from across the United States gathered to celebrate civic engagement, leadership, entrepreneurship, and service.

ILF Chairman Dr. Paul Hsu welcomed attendees and opened the day’s program. U.S. Representative Judy Chu (CA-28) encouraged Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth and students to pursue public service, serve their communities, and speak out on issues affecting the AAPI community.

Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

This summer, 28 Civic Fellows from leading colleges and universities across the country interned at federal agencies, congressional offices, think tanks, nonprofits, and startups. In addition, 34 high school students participated in ILF’s Youth Leadership Academy (YLA).

ILF hosted its inaugural YLA Pitch Competition Capstone Presentation, featuring the program’s top 10 scholars as they presented innovative solutions to real-world challenges and demonstrated entrepreneurial growth, creativity, and leadership.

The top three winners were:

• First Place: Olivia Wu, Maryland — “The Hidden Gap: Unequal Access to Special Education Resources in Asian American Communities”
• Second Place: Andersen Liao, Florida — “Finding the Cure: Why Accelerating Awareness About Usher Syndrome Is Crucial”
• Third Place: Meghan Teo, California — “Work-Based Learning for High School Students in California”

Madison Ho of California received the YLA Excellence in Action Award. Certificates and trophies were also presented to ILF chapter chairpersons across the United States and members of the Founders Circle in recognition of their support.

ILF Executive Director Amy Cheng Tarnoviski highlighted the Foundation’s more than 27 years of work empowering the AAPI community through civic awareness, leadership training, and scholarships. Since its founding, ILF has impacted more than 10,000 young leaders.

Fireside Chats and Leadership Conversations

The afternoon featured fireside chats on technology, business, and executive leadership. James Jin, CEO and President of General Mortgage Capital Corporation, spoke with ILF Alumni Board Chair Kenny Chen about integrating artificial intelligence into mortgage lending while preserving the essential human touch.

The “Women in Leadership” fireside chat, introduced by Buck Gee of the Committee of 100, featured Tina Smith alongside Anna Hui, Amy Tong, and Lily Qi. The panelists discussed strategies for breaking through glass ceilings and developing executive leadership skills.

U.S. Representative Vince Fong (CA-20) received the Public Service Award, presented by ILF Founding President Chiling Tong, in recognition of his distinguished public service.

Judge Joe Jefferson received the Civic & Legal Leadership Recognition for his commitment to civic education and expanding access to education in American law. He was also recently honored with the 2025–26 Distinguished Jurist of the Year Award and the 2026 Minoru Yasui Community Service Award.

Annual Awards and Scholarship Gala

The evening program opened with the National Anthem performed by Mary Millben, followed by the presentation of colors by the U.S. Army “The Old Guard” Ceremonial Color Guard.

ILF Founding President Chiling Tong and Joseph Cao delivered a special presentation on the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. Commissioner’s Plaques for Founding Partners were presented to Handel Lee and Steven Tseng.

Keynote Address by Secretary Elaine L. Chao

The Honorable Elaine L. Chao delivered the keynote address, inspiring ILF’s young scholars and fellows to pursue their full potential, overcome cultural barriers, and remain committed to public service, civic engagement, and philanthropy.

Secretary Chao reflected on her family’s journey to the United States and how her parents’ courage, sacrifice, perseverance, and commitment to education shaped her life. Her father, born in a small farming village near Shanghai, relied on scholarships to pursue his education before political upheaval during the Chinese Civil War separated him from his family and led him to Taiwan, where he later reunited with and married her mother.

When her father had the opportunity to move to the United States, her mother encouraged him to go ahead alone, despite being pregnant, so he could build a better future for the family. After three years apart, the family reunited in the United States.

Through determination and hard work, her father built Foremost Group on the principles of honor, integrity, and performance, while her mother later earned a master’s degree. Their example shaped Secretary Chao’s commitment to public service and philanthropy.

She concluded by encouraging future leaders to embrace resilience, lead with integrity, honor those who came before them, and use their success to create opportunities for others.

2026 ILF Leadership Award Recipients

Public Service Leadership Award

• The Honorable Vince Fong, U.S. Representative (CA-20)
• The Honorable Stephen Chan, State Senator, State of New York
• The Honorable Amy Tong, Commissioner, State of California Racial Equity Commission
• The Honorable Anna Hui, Department Director, Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Art & Business Leadership Award

• Steven Tseng, Partner, Deloitte

Global Business Leadership Award

• James Jin, Founder, CEO, President, and Chairman, General Mortgage Capital Corporation

Business Leadership Award

• Buck Gee, Northern California/Pacific Northwest Regional Chair, Committee of 100
• Roger Yen, President, Taiwan Hotel & Motel Association of North America

Community Leadership Award

• Merry Cheng, CEO, Merry Richards Jewelers
• Jesse Hong, Chief Pharmacist, Ramona Pharmacy Group
• Shirley Hou, Senior Advisor, Asian Pacific National Bank
• Judy Tsai, President, AFG Furniture Group

Celebrating AAPI Leadership and America250

The Leadership and Business Conference and Gala created opportunities for AAPI leaders, entrepreneurs, and emerging professionals while recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to public affairs, business, and community service. The event’s fireside chats and panels highlighted technological innovation, financial expertise, and executive leadership.

In alignment with its official partnership with America250, ILF’s 2026 conference and gala highlighted the pivotal role of AAPI communities in shaping the history, civic life, and future leadership of the United States as the nation prepares to mark its semiquincentennial.

Founded in 2000, ILF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting civic engagement and economic success among the next generation. Its mission is to develop future American leaders in public service, entrepreneurship, and international business. Through scholarships, leadership training, and educational programs, ILF has supported more than 10,000 students.

Distinguished speakers and guests included The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, 18th Secretary of Transportation and 24th Secretary of Labor; U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28), Andy Kim (NJ-3), Young Kim (CA-40), and Vince Fong (CA-20); former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan; New York State Senator Steve Chan; Maryland State Senator Clarence Lam; Maryland Delegate Lily Qi; California Secretary of Government Operations Amy Tong; Missouri Labor Department Director Anna Hui; and Presiding Judge Joe Jefferson.