The founders of Panda Express, a concert violinist, a playwright and the president of Planned Parenthood were among the 10 Asian Americans named as Great Immigrants of 2019 by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
Carnegie Corporation of New York released its annual list of Great Immigrants on June 27 in a salute to 38 naturalized citizens who strengthen America’s economy, enrich our culture and communities, and invigorate our democracy through their lives, their work, and their examples.
Every Fourth of July since 2006, Carnegie Corporation of New York honors Andrew Carnegie’s legacy by celebrating the wide-ranging contributions of immigrants who enrich our communities and culture, strengthen our economy, and invigorate our democracy.
Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie rose out of poverty to become one of the greatest contributors to American industry and philanthropy. Carnegie believed that the infusion of talent that immigrants bring to our country keeps American society vibrant, a view that is borne out by the accomplishments of the nearly 600 individuals honored through the initiative to date.
The Asian Americans selected for this year are: Andrew Cherng and Peggy Cherng, cofounders of Panda Express; Theresia Gouw, cofounder, Aspect Ventures; Prabal Gurung, fashion designger; Rahul Jindal, transplant surgeon; Young Jean Lee, playwright; Midori, concert violinist; Terence Tao, math professor and MacArthur Fellow; Leanna Wen, presisdent and CEO, Planned Parenthood; and Nite Yun, Chef and restaurateur.
The philanthropic foundation, its board of trustees and staff, invite Americans to help celebrate these distinguished individuals by participating in its online tribute titled “Great Immigrants, Great Americans.”
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