SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to highlight the achievements of community leaders during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This year’s theme for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience.”
The event, which was held at the state government building at 555 W. Monroe St., honored eight people for their contributions to their communities: a restaurant owner, a business leader, a nursing association leader, a healthy schools advocate, a medical school dean, a state lawmaker, a labor leader, a football coach, and a graphic artist.
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“Today, we honor leaders who are inspiring others, advocating for healthy schools, and helping our football team gain a competitive edge,” Frerichs said. “These leaders give their time, talent and voice to improve our communities.”
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month dates back to 1978, when President Carter signed a joint resolution marking the first 10 days of May as Asian Pacific Heritage Week. In 1990, the celebration was expanded to include the entire month.
Treasurer Frerichs honored the following people for their outstanding commitment to the community:
Outstanding Service in Business
Sujan Sarkar
Chef/Owner | Indienne
Outstanding Service in Leadership
James Mark
Managing Director Private Markets, Chief Strategy Officer | Wight & Company
Outstanding Commitment to Community Service
Sung Duk Park
Senior Board Member | Korean Nurses Association of the Midwest
Outstanding Commitment to Education
Jennifer Tani
President & CEO | Healthy Schools Campaign
Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official
Honorable Janet Yang Rohr
State Representative | 41st House District
Outstanding Achievement in Workforce and Labor
Tyrone Valdez
Director of City Delivery | National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 11
Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship
Pierre Ngo
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach | Chicago Bears
Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities
Nadine Nakanishi
Co-Owner | Sonnenzimmer Graphic Arts Studio
About the Illinois Treasurer
The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is a powerful economic engine that invests in people to drive prosperity, development and growth throughout the state. As State Treasurer, Michael Frerichs (FRAIR'iks) is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer and actively manages approximately $60 billion. The investments help families pay for college and trade school; workers save for a dignified retirement; and local governments process bill payments more efficiently so they can pass along the savings to taxpayers. The office provides financial institutions money to loan to farmers, small business owners, and qualified individuals at below-market rates because better jobs create stronger communities. The office operates the state’s largest consumer-protection initiative, the unclaimed property I-Cash program, which has returned a record-breaking $2.2 billion since Frerichs was elected.
For more news about the State Treasurer’s Office, please follow Treasurer Frerichs on Instagram at ILTreasurer, LinkedIn and Facebook at Invested in You – Treasurer Michael Frerichs. You can find our weekly newsletter here.
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