2026 Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award

In 2026, the Asian American Business Development Center will host its signature initiative, the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award, during a momentous and historical intersection: the program’s celebration of its 25th anniversary during America’s 250th year of independence.

This year is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to recognize the exceptional leadership and achievements of Asian American entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and professionals across the United States, and to become part of an indelible chapter that traces the earliest economic contributions of Asians to their continued leading role in contemporary America’s businesses and society.

AABDC has been designated a Supporting Partner to America250, the national, nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to lead celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. America250 recognizes the importance of the stories, contributions, and aspirations of Asian Americans as the nation commemorates 250 years of shared history.

Over the years, the more than 1,200 honorees recognized through this award have made lasting contributions to the success and competitiveness of America’s leading corporations, driving innovation, expanding markets, and fostering inclusive workplaces.

As we commemorate these historic milestones, the 25th Anniversary Gala will be unforgettable: the extraordinary individual accomplishments of the honorees and the collective impact of Asian American leaders will be paired in posterity with the 250th birthday of America. The 25th Gala Dinner will be held on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026.

2026 OUTSTANDING 50 AWARD GALA HIGHLIGHTS

• 25th anniversary celebration with a Gala Dinner to announce the 2026 awardees, combined with the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence celebration.

• Fifty highly successful Asian American entrepreneurs and senior-level corporate executives will be recognized for their achievements and contributions. We will also have a special commemoration of the “tracks” laid by the earliest generation of Asians in America that have set the path for the achievers of today.

• The nation’s highest-attended, and most prestigious business award ceremony for Asian Americans in the United States.

• One of the most sought-after business events on the New York social calendar.

• Gala dinner and awards ceremony with over 1000 people in attendance.

THE HIGHEST HONOR - The Pinnacle Award

As the highest honor of the night, the Pinnacle Award will be presented to a person who has reached the top of their professional career and is acknowledged as a leader in their field. The Award Committee composed of senior executives of Fortune 500 companies and business leaders from a wide range of industries will identify and nominate candidates for each year’s Pinnacle Award.

Over 1000 leading business, political and civic leaders attend the annual award gala to pay tribute to the outstanding entrepreneurs and corporate executives in the Asian American business community from across the United States.

SELECTED 2001- 2025 CORPORATE SPONSORS

The event has attracted support from and partnered with the following companies who have nominated their Asian American senior executives for their leadership and achievement.

AARP, Accenture, Aetna, AIG, Bank of America, Blackstone, CHUBB, Cisco, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Con Edison, Diageo, Deloitte, Dow, EY, GE, Greenberg Traurig, Haier, HBO, HSBC, IBM, JP Morgan Chase & Co., LVMH, Macy’s, MERCK, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, North Fork Bank, PepsiCo, Pfizer, PwC, Russell Reynolds Associates, Novartis, Samsung, Simens, Sony Ericsson, Sprint, StateFarm, Nielsen, Target, Thomson Reuters, Time Inc, Time Warner Cable, United Healthcare, UPS, Verizon, Zenith Watches.

Nominate yourself or someone deserving today by visiting our award page, where you’ll find the nomination process, past honorees, and other details.

If you have any questions, please contact: evelyn.liu@aabdc.com.