Join us as we explore the importance of cultural diversity and its impact on innovation and marketing. During this panel discussion, we will dive into the experiences of entrepreneurs who have drawn from their cultural heritage to craft distinctive offerings that allow them to form deep connections with their customers. Discover valuable insights on effectively navigating cultural intricacies and creating cross-cultural alliances.
About the Panelists:
Tuan Huynh is the founder of VietFive Coffee, an award-winning Creative Director, and community organizer. He came to the U.S. as a toddler from Vietnam after the fall of Saigon. Growing up in the Midwest, he has developed a uniquely diverse sense of creativity through the culture of the inner city. This experience has afforded him recognition from global fortune 500 brands, being named one of the 2019 Most Inspiring Chicagoans by Streetwise Magazine, and being recognized as the Mosaic Champion by the American Advertising Federation. Aside from his sharp design talent, Tuan’s work in the arena of diversity and inclusion is tireless and expansive – both within the ad industry and beyond. He is responsible for instituting a youth program at Leo Burnett that invites Chicago youth to learn first-hand about careers in advertising. Over 800 students have been provided the opportunity to immerse themselves in the exploration of new professional avenues. Tuan also partnered with local organizations to develop a creative lab in the Woodlawn neighborhood on the Southside. Tuan also spearheaded The Pencil Project which is a collegiate scholarship program where students submit their creative portfolios defining why they are “the difference that makes a difference.” Tuan became a founding member of Chicago PEACE, a nonprofit that seeks to create positive generational impact with the focus on families.
Jasmine Sheth is James Beard Foundation grant recipient and the founder/Chef of Tasting India – a queer owned Spice Company offering unique and micro batch crafted spice blends and Indian Chili Oil. Through their creations, Tasting India aims to shatter the stereotypes that have plagued Indian cuisine; and showcase the versatility of spices across global culinary traditions. Hailing from a family of fierce and talented women, Jasmine’s fondest memories are of cooking with her aunts and learning the magic of spices from her mother. She is passionate about sharing food and flavor as a vehicle to create new bonds and strengthen community.
Stacy Seuamsothabandith, co-founder of Laos to your House. As with most business ideas, Laos To Your House began with a random conversation one day. We were discussing the culinary landscape and how it was disheartening that Laotian cuisine was not represented in the third largest market in the United States. Amidst the diverse array of cuisines represented in Chicago, there was a significant gap of no Lao dedicated restaurants and we felt a deep sense of duty and purpose to bring our rich heritage and unique cuisine to the spotlight, and thus the idea of Laos to Your House was born in 2022. Our motivation to create Laos To Your House was not purely to fill the void of not having a Laotian dedicated restaurant and brand in Chicago. We have a true passion and purpose of shining the spotlight on Laos to share our story, culture, and cuisine and we strive to make it where Laos is no longer the forgotten Asian country.
Valeska Giron, a Chicago native of Guatemalan descent, has a unique journey shaped by her entrepreneurial spirit and artistic talents. In 2021, she and her husband founded Giron Apparel and Home in Antigua, Guatemala, and returned to Chicago in 2022 to expand their brand. With her background in graphic design, photography, and merchandising, and her husband’s expertise in management and carpentry, they combine their strengths to showcase the beauty of Guatemalan artisanal work in Chicago. Valeska’s passion for cultural preservation and authenticity makes her a compelling speaker on integrating cultural heritage into contemporary retail and how storytelling can elevate and preserve artisanal traditions.
