Dear friends, esteemed leaders, dedicated educators, and the emerging talent of tomorrow…
Thank you all for joining us today.
It fills my heart with joy to address a topic that genuinely resonates across every generation and
every industry: the inspiring journey of individuals from every heritage and nation.
These are the remarkable people who are breaking through barriers, sharing their wisdom,
and passionately pursuing their rightful place at the decision-making table.
Today, I’d love to highlight two crucial forces that power this universal journey—whether you are
starting a career, leading a division, or running a company:
The incredible value of resilience…
…and the transformative power of mentorship.
1. Celebrating Contribution and Resilience
Let’s start by celebrating the extraordinary contributions of immigrants and those from diverse
cultural backgrounds worldwide.
These brave individuals come to our communities filled with dreams, working tirelessly for a
brighter future.
They embody hope, determination, and the human spirit—qualities that unite us all,
regardless of the path we walked to get here.
But we must be honest: we cannot overlook the obstacles they face. We recognize the hurdles
of language barriers, cultural transitions, and systemic inequities. Acknowledging these
challenges is essential to truly appreciate the victories that emerge.
Despite those difficulties, people from all nations have an astounding ability to persevere and
excel.
The story of resilience is truly universal.
It is visible in the steadfast traditions brought by our Asian and Pacific Islander communities…
the innovative spirit fostered by those of European heritage… the profound cultural strength
found in the African diaspora… and the boundless determination of our Latin American
neighbors.
These threads, woven together, form the powerful tapestry of our global society.
Each success story shines as a beacon of hope. When an entrepreneur from any corner of the
globe launches a new business here, they don’t just offer a product; they create jobs, foster
cultural exchange, and strengthen community bonds. This creates the fertile ground for
economic growth.
2. Lessons from Service: The Path to Leadership
While the challenges faced by immigrants are unique, the core values of resilience and
determination are universal—qualities I experienced firsthand during my time in the military.
My service taught me that true leadership isn’t about rank or title; it’s about integrity, making
tough decisions under pressure, and understanding our profound responsibility to the team.
Just as individuals from any country persevere through systemic hurdles, the military forged in
me a profound ability to keep pushing forward—a resilience that now fuels my work.
And for the students, professionals, and executives here, know this: my path to leadership was
not a straight line. I learned that failure is an instruction, not an endpoint.
In the military, this means adapting tactics after a mission review; in the boardroom, it means
pivoting strategy after a market analysis. We come to understand that failure is a stepping
stone on the pathway to success.
Every setback is merely a setup for a comeback.
3. The Transformative Force of Mentorship
Breaking barriers is just the beginning. It’s essential that we commit ourselves to sharing
knowledge and experiences with one another.
True leadership flourishes in environments of collaboration and mentorship.
By mentoring others, we cultivate a culture of support, empowerment, and growth. As we share
our struggles and victories, we carve out a path for those who follow in our footsteps, regardless
of their origin.
Imagine a young professional who feels overwhelmed, or a senior executive transitioning to a
new market. When someone steps in to offer mentorship—a guide who has faced similar
trials—they discover a sense of belonging and a strategic sounding board.
This sense of belonging is crucial. It fosters an environment where individuals feel comfortable
taking risks.
Mentorship is indeed a transformative force, one that fosters connection and resilience. For
organizations, it is the most effective tool for talent retention and leadership succession
planning.
We often hear stories of struggle, where individuals confront rejection, discrimination, and
setbacks. During these tough times, it’s easy to feel disheartened.
Yet, as we support one another, we underscore the incredible strength of resilience that defines
us. Mentoring reminds us that even in our most challenging moments, we must cling to hope
and continue pushing forward.
4. Claiming Your Seat: For Everyone, Everywhere
Now, let’s turn our attention to the importance of claiming our rightful seat at the table.
Representation is vital.
When voices from all countries, cultures, and backgrounds are present in decision-making
spaces—be it in business, education, or government—we ensure our perspectives are
genuinely valued. This empowers us to advocate for the needs of all our communities and,
crucially, to anticipate global market shifts.
The call to claim your “rightful seat at the table” is for everyone.
Your unique experiences are not just valid; they are essential. The diverse viewpoints that
come from our unique experiences bring richness to discussions, fostering innovation and
progress. Diversity is not a talking point—it is a strategic imperative.
What does “diversity at the table” truly mean?
It means incorporating the deep, generational respect for elders common in many Asian
cultures… the focus on community and collective well-being often found in African heritage…
and the high value placed on family and social connection in Latin American societies.
When we claim our seat, we bring these essential, non-negotiable cultural values to enrich our
decisions and ensure that solutions serve all people and markets.
The journey to securing that seat can be daunting. It demands perseverance, self-advocacy,
and often the courage to challenge established norms. We must assert our presence with
grace and confidence.
Let’s uplift one another in pursuing these opportunities, constantly reminding each other that we
belong. Every time we occupy a space, we expand possibilities for those who will come after
us.
It is in our collective empowerment that we find strength, and it is through our unity that we
can effect change.
5. A Legacy of Empowerment (Closing)
As we look toward the future, let’s remember that our journey is one of collective empowerment.
Each and every one of us, regardless of our nationality or origin, has the capacity to be a
mentor, a leader, and an advocate for our global community.
The future depends on our willingness to invest in one another, to build bridges of
understanding, and to foster a culture of compassion and support.
Let’s commit to uplifting one another, fostering resilience, and sharing our knowledge with the
next generation.
In closing, I want to leave you with this inspiring thought:
As we break down barriers and strive to claim our place at the table, it’s our shared strength,
our stories, and our unwavering determination that will light the way.
Let us hold onto our dreams, support one another in mentorship, and ensure all our voices are
uplifted.
Together, we will forge paths to success and create a legacy of empowerment for generations
to come.
Thank you!
