Milestone 25th Anniversary of Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award Celebrated in Partnership with America250

Ravi Saligram and The Asian American Foundation, alongside 50 elite Asian American executives, to be honoured at historic black-tie gala on September 16, 2026

NEW YORK, August 17, 2026 – The Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC) will host its milestone 25th Anniversary Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business black-tie Gala Dinner on September 16, 2026. This celebration marks twenty-five years of elevating excellence among corporate professionals and entrepreneurs who actively drive the U.S. economy. 

Reflecting a deep commitment to the nation’s shared history, this year’s milestone award is presented in a special supporting partnership with America250, the official non-partisan commission leading the 250th anniversary of American independence. Together, AABDC and America250 are honouring the profound cultural and economic contributions made by Asian Americans to the fabric and competitive growth of the United States. 

John Wang, Founder and President of AABDC, said: “For over thirty years, AABDC's mission has worked tirelessly to document the massive economic power of the Asian American community. The Outstanding 50 is not just a list of names; it is a living archive of the professionals and entrepreneurs reshaping mainstream markets.” 

“As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this landmark award program alongside America250, our mission is beautifully amplified by our 2026 top honourees. Through Ravi Saligram, our Pinnacle Awardee, we honour an extraordinary three-time CEO whose transformative leadership has redefined global brands and set the gold standard for corporate excellence. Our Visionary Impact Award honouring work of The Asian American Foundation, recognizes that true economic growth cannot be separated from fierce social advocacy and cultural belonging. Together, they embody the full spectrum of our work.”

To date, AABDC has recognized more than 1,200 Asian American corporate executives and entrepreneurs across scores of nationwide industries. Its highest individual accolade is the Pinnacle Award, which honours legendary C-suite leaders at the helm of major global brands. 

Rosie Rios, Chair of America250, added: “America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to tell the full American story and honor those who have shaped it. For generations, Asian Americans have been integral to our nation’s success. We are proud to celebrate the leaders carrying that legacy forward and helping write America’s next chapter.”

2026 Pinnacle Awardee: Ravi Saligram

Ravi Saligram, Chairman of Church & Dwight, Inc., is a three-time public company CEO with a legendary track record of accelerating corporate turnarounds, driving operational excellence, and multiplying shareholder value at major corporations including Newell Brands, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, and OfficeMax. Recently recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the top 250 corporate board directors, Mr. Saligram embodies the pinnacle of corporate excellence, institutional stewardship, and visionary business leadership.

2026 Visionary Impact Award: The Asian American Foundation

The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), launched in 2021, has redefined strategic philanthropy and advocacy by investing over $40 million to advance safety, belonging, and prosperity for AANHPI communities. Through the AAPI Giving Challenge, it has catalyzed billions in philanthropic commitments, while its groundbreaking STAATUS Index provides critical data to challenge stereotypes and track public perceptions. TAAF also addresses systemic underinvestment through its Asian+American campaign, which celebrates bicultural identity, and efforts to embed AAPI history in K–12 curricula nationwide, laying the groundwork for lasting generational change.

The 2026 Pinnacle and Visionary honorees succeed last year's dual Pinnacle winners, Yoonie Joung, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America and Ram Krishnan, CEO of PepsiCo Beverages U.S.

Milestone unique exhibition 

A powerful new exhibition, Hidden in Plain Sight: Asian Americans and the Making of America, will open in New York City from September 10-27, bringing long-overdue attention to the individuals and stories that have shaped the nation from the nineteenth century to today. 

A media preview and press briefing will be held on September 10 ahead of the public opening. The exhibition spans more than 150 years of history, tracing the profound yet often overlooked contributions of Asian Americans to the United States as the nation celebrates its 250th year of independence.

The following are the corporate sponsors of the 2026 Outstanding 50 awards dinner gala:

Presenting Sponsor: LunarNYC

Pinnacle Sponsors: Church & Dwight

Platinum Sponsors: Accenture, Morgan Stanley, Pfizer

Gold Sponsors: Bank of America, Colgate-Palmolive, Con Edison, Goldman Sachs, Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, IBM, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Resorts World New York City

Silver Sponsors: Pepsico, Rémy Martin, Target Corporation

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About AABDC:

The Asian American Business Development Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1994. It assists Asian American businesses in strengthening their capacity to compete in the mainstream market, expanding commercial pipelines, and secure public recognition for the distinct economic contributions of Asian American business professionals. 

About America250:

America250 is a multi-year effort authorized by Congress to commemorate the semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The commission works to catalyze public programs, exhibitions, and partnerships that inspire Americans to reflect on their past and collaborate toward a more perfect union. 

For media inquiries about the award event and exhibition preview, please contact:

Evelyn Liu, Program Manager

Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC)

212-966-0100 | evelyn.liu@aabdc.com

AABDC Outstanding 50 Awards