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‘Asian Americans are innovators and not model minorities’: Anil Sharma
The entrepreneur spoke at the Asian Awards gala, hosted by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce.
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Pranavi Sharma - Fri, 23, May 2025
- 03:22 EDT
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Anil Sharma, CEO of 22nd Century Technologies Inc. / LinkedIn
Anil Sharma, CEO of 22nd Century Technologies Inc. and co-founder of Indian American Business Impact Group, delivered a keynote at the 2025 Jewels of Asia Awards Gala, hosted by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce on May 21, celebrating the contributions of Asian American entrepreneurs and leaders.
The gala honored awardees across categories including business, leadership, and community partnerships. Sharma, one of the evening’s speakers, took the stage to reflect on the journey of the Asian American community and its growing role in shaping the country’s future.
Attendees at the gala. / LinkedInSharma, who leads one of the nation’s top government IT service providers, reminded the audience of the community’s collective strength: “Asian Americans are not just a ‘model minority.’ We are innovators. We are builders. We are patriots. And we are, without question, the future.”
Sharma highlighted how Asian Americans have become integral to American society, from entrepreneurship and academia to public service. “We’re no longer just part of the American story — we are co-authors of it,” he said.
He also spoke about the role government contracting has played in the growth of minority-owned businesses. “It has allowed us not only to grow, but to give back by creating jobs, building capabilities, and driving technology forward for the public good,” Sharma said. “It’s about showing that minority-owned businesses can be just as strategic, just as dependable, and just as visionary as any company out there — if not more.”
Sharma urged community leaders and entrepreneurs to invest in the next generation. “Our job is to give them the tools, the mentorship, and the platforms they need to lead — not just in tech or business, but in government, healthcare, the arts, and public policy.”
The gala featured other notable speakers including Sanjeev "Sonny" Bhagowalia, Assistant Commissioner and CIO of U.S. Customs & Border Protection, and Ranitya Kusumadewi, Trade Attaché at the Embassy of Indonesia.
The event recognized several leaders with the Elite Titan Award, including Bhagowalia, Grace Rong Wang, David Nguyen, Linh Nguyen, Manish Malhotra, and others. Sovon Mookerjee of 22nd Century Technologies was named member of the year.
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