At the recent International Leadership Foundation Inauguration event in DC, my dear friend Chiling Tong, Founder/ CEO of ILF, captured the spirit of the evening best when she announced that everyone in the room had an American Dream.
The evidence of that was apparent in each of the national advisors supporting this organization that works so tirelessly to foster the next generation of Asian Pacific Americans reaching for their own American Dream. Those that have achieved their dreams make perhaps their greatest contribution in life by inspiring and encouraging the dreams of young people who will later take the torch of leadership.
It was quite an honor to share my story that night with other ILF advisors, fellows and alumni. The event was attended by special guests such as the Honorable Luiz Simmons, who represents the 17th legislative district of the state of Maryland in the Maryland House of Delegates, as well as, Ms. Anita Tong, a 76th generation lineal descendent of Confucius and a cultural promoter of U.S. – Asia relations.
One particular joy for me was having the company of my own daughter and her husband at the function. My daughter, Jennifer, is a former ILF fellow and generously introduced my discussion of Guardians of the Dream. Jennifer has a keen entrepreneurial spirit of her own and she is one reason it is not difficult to field questions about how to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit in young people today. I am happy to share what I learned raising my own children. If you want your kids to have the entrepreneurial spirit, do not give them the answers or help immediately. Let them solve their issues by themselves.
I was grateful for the opportunity to share my message with members of the ILF and I hope the donations made from book sales that evening will help to further strengthen the successful endeavors of this fine organization.
All photos taken by Mr. Gino Wang
