Emcee Damian Trujillo of NBC 11 News talks with Otis Watson of Comerica Bank

State Senator-Elect Loni Hancock commends AnewAmerica’s work in the community

On Thursday, November 13^th, AnewAmerica celebrated our Ninth Anniversary Gala & Microbusiness Expo in the Grand Ballroom of the Scottish Rite Center in Oakland.  This year’s gala attracted over 400 guests, including AnewAmerica entrepreneurs, policymakers, community leaders, philanthropists, organizational partners, and media.

The VIP reception kicked off the Gala at 5pm, with an exclusive Tequila Nacimiento tasting accompanied by flamenco guitarist Carlos Gardinez and folk musician Francisco Hererra.  Attendees enjoyed early bidding on over 40 silent auction items, including vacation rentals in Mendocino and Tahoe.  A representative from Senator Ellen Corbett’s office presented AnewAmerica with a State Senate Certificate of Recognition for its important work in the community.  AnewAmerica was also honored with certificates of recognition from the California State Board of Equalization and the U.S. House Representative Michael M. Honda.  Senator-elect Loni Hancock congratulated AnewAmerica on its visionary approach to microenterprise development and the expansion of our focus on creating green businesses.  AnewAmerica President & CEO, Sylvia Rosales-Fike made a short speech expressing gratitude to all of the evening’s attendees.   

AnewAmerica entrepreneurs transformed the ballroom into a vibrant international marketplace.  Handmade Tibetan carpets, African handicrafts, contemporary fine jewelry, savory Spanish cuisine, eco-friendly household goods, Peruvian alpaca garments and Laotian silk scarves were just a few of the entrepreneurs’ offerings.  AnewAmerica’s food vendors contributed to the culturally diverse dining experience with enchiladas, cakes, sweet quesadillas and specialty Mexican ice cream.  Alex Sotelo of Alex Sotelo Cellars and Everardo Robledo of Robledo Family Winery generously poured a variety of their premium wines throughout the evening.

The program opened with a traditional Aztec dance performance and poetry by Nicole Klaymoon.  Chair of AnewAmerica Board of Directors, Sister Linda Orrick, welcomed guests and introduced the emcee, Damian Trujillo, from NBC11.    Community Angel Awards, presented to visionaries in community, policy, and philanthropic development, were awarded to Loretta Abrams (Senior Vice President of Consumer Affairs, HSBC-North America) and Suzanne LaFetra.  AnewAmerica’s first Green Business Award was granted to AnewAmerica entrepreneur An Pham (Global Investment Financial and Trade Group) for her pioneering work in global solar and wind energy projects.  Sylvia Rosales-Fike provided closing remarks, and the evening convened with a traditional performance by the Tibetan Dance Troup. 

AnewAmerica would like to thank all of our guests, entrepreneurs, silent auction donors, media, volunteers and staff who worked hard to make our Ninth Anniversary Gala & Microbusiness Expo a great success! 

Thank You to our Sponsors:

O.O. & L.E. Orrick Trust

MK Gratitude Fund

Judith Anne Kaplan Fund

Media Sponsors