A Community Connector: Lakhi Siap Honored with Community Engagement Award

Lakhi Siap, the visionary leader of Chicago Asian Network, has been recognized for his outstanding effort in fostering connection and collaboration within the AAPI community at the Pathfinder Awards 2024. Being honored with the Community Engagement award is a testament to his unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Lakhi's leadership has been instrumental in transforming CAN into a thriving force for good in the community. Under his guidance, the organization has consistently demonstrated a deep-rooted commitment to social responsibility, community engagement, and sustainable development. The Chicago Asian community can expect that this milestone is not the end of CAN’s efforts. This will not slow down the blaze that the organization is trailing, but it will only propel the team to keep moving forward.

Alongside Lakhi are other trailblazers of the community. Each holding their own torches to keep the future of the AAPI community bright through their respective endeavors. See the list of fellow winners:

FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT AWARD: Priscilla Lim (JPMorgan Chase)
VENTURE CAPITAL AWARD: Robin Li (Notable)
VISIONARY AWARD: Le Zhang (Spaceport)
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Cheuk Shian (The Port Boston Whiskey)
SUPERCONNECTOR AWARD: Jerry Won (Just Like Media)
BRAND TRANSFORMATIONA WARD: Michelle Wong (Sprinkles)
OUTSTANDING MENTOR AWARD: Eljay Feuerman (IW Group)
GREEN IMPACT AWARD: Wen-Jay Ying (Local Roots)
RISING STAR AWARD: Jon Wang & Jessica Shen (Asian Founders Club)
MEDIA SOLUTIONS AWARD: Esther Lee (Asian Founded)
CULTURAL CONTRIBUTION AWARD: Cory Ng (Potluck Club)
EMPOWERMENT IN DIVERSITY AWARD: Michelle Collins (A Non-Agency)
WELLNESS ADVOCACY AWARD: Soo Jin Lee & Linda Yoon (Yellow Chair Collective)
PHILANTHROPY AWARD: Windy Pham (Macy’s)
CIVIC ADVANCEMENT AWARD: Anita Ramdhani (JPMorgan Chase)
ACE NEXTGEN ACCELERATOR PITCH PERFECT AWARD: Olivia Chen (Twrl Milk Tea)
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD: Larry Wu (WUJU Foods)
ACE NEXTGEN MEMBER OF THE YEAR: Vinny Pickleball
ACE NEXTGEN CHAPTER PRESIDENT OF THE YEAR: David Louie (David J. Louie, Inc.)
ACE NEXTGEN CHAPTER OF THE YEAR: Southern California Chapter

The Pathfinder Awards is a recognition ceremony spearheaded by ACE NextGen. The program honors businesses that embody the values ACE NextGen cherishes including generosity, authenticity, a growth mindset, a community-oriented spirit, and humility. Past winners include CL Tian, Phiex Technologies, Bing Chen, Gold House, and many more.

As we celebrate these extraordinary AAPI small businesses and their visionary leaders, we are reminded of the incredible impact they make on our communities. May their accomplishments inspire us to support and encourage them on their journey. And in doing so, may this help ensure the bright future of the AAPI business world.