For the seventh year in a row, the Immigrant Journey Awards will be spotlighting DFW’s most influential immigrants. With numerous award nomination submissions for 2018, presenting sponsor and Dallas law firm Scheef & Stone LLP is excited to announce the program finalists.
Started back in 2011 by attorney Ann Badmus, the Immigrant Journey Awards are known for giving credit where credit is due when it comes to immigrant achievements and contributions to North Texas and the nation. Through various award categories, such as Immigrant Entrepreneur, Immigrant Professional Excellence, Immigrant Spirit, and Immigrant Advocate, the program recognizes incredible contributions from the immigrant community to the civic and economic vitality of the region.
“There’s no question that immigrants are vital to the community, business, and the future of this country, so we are pleased to see the list of finalists for this year’s ceremony. We are honored to recognize their achievements during June’s Immigrant Heritage Month,” said Ann Massey Badmus, immigration partner and awards program chair.
Finalists represent a broad scope of immigrants living in North Texas communities with roots in places like India, Nigeria, Philippines, Mexico, Ukraine, Argentina, Colombia, Congo, and Pakistan.
This year’s finalists are Adebayo Adeleke, Akash Patel, Alex Idrees, Alia Adkins-Derrick, Andrea Pedraza, Aradhana Asava, Cynthia Nwaubani, Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, Graciela Katzer, Guadalupe Mora, Joel Betancourth, Lenita Dunlap, Leonid Regheta, Lupita Colmenero, Mani Raveendran, Mary Domínguez-Santini, Mary Turner, Muruga Manickavelu, Pablo DeLeon, Raj Asava, Ron Bultongez, and Susie Jennings.
These spirited and exceptional advocates and entrepreneurs will be honored, and the award winners will be announced on June 15, 2018, at the Immigrant Journey Awards Gala at 6:30 p.m. at the Clubs at Prestonwood in Dallas. This year, the keynote speaker will be one of last year’s winners, Gauthami Vemula, who was born in Andhra Pradesh, India. She is Founder and Managing Partner of Color Me Safe, LLC, a family crisis consulting firm committed to protecting families of North Texas by offering guidance and solutions for child welfare and protection issues.
The awards gala serves as a great opportunity to meet notable immigrant individuals who have demonstrated leadership in business or in the civic arena, as well as individuals and organizations that advocate for immigrant communities. Attendees also have the chance to network with business owners, professionals, representatives of members of Congress, international dignitaries, local civic leaders and representatives, and the media.
Tickets can be purchased at http://www.immigrantjourney.org.
