HERE ARE YOUR 2024 BUSINESS AWARDS
Awardees & Finalists
Business of the Year
This award identifies and recognizes an AAPI-owned business that has made a significant contribution to the community while supporting the economic growth of the community it serves by practicing great work ethics, processes and systems at their business to provide quality service/product to their customers. Must be an operational and profitable business for at least 3 years.
JK Lee Blackbelt Academy (Finalist)
Master Duke Lee and JK Lee Blackbelt Academy: Inspiring Excellence and Community Impact
JK Lee Blackbelt Academy, with locations in Sussex/Lake Country, Hales Corners, Waukesha, Brookfield, Germantown, and Fox Point, has been a beacon of martial arts excellence, serving the greater Milwaukee area for years. The academy is built on a foundation of commitment, positivity, and a shared drive for self-improvement among both instructors and students. Our mission is to foster the physical, mental, and social growth of our community, working together to help each individual achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
Master Duke Lee, head instructor at the Germantown Academy since 2007, began his martial arts journey at age 7 in South Korea. He holds a sixth-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a red belt in Gum Do, along with a finance degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His career with JK Lee began in 1997, and he has excelled as a competitor, coach, and referee on local and international levels.
In addition to his work at the academy, Master Lee is a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual, where he leverages his financial knowledge to support families in achieving long-term financial goals. He is also deeply committed to the community, leading JK Lee’s annual Board Break-a-thon for Wisconsin’s Children’s Hospital and conducting bullying awareness and self-defense seminars. As a regional officer for COYAD (Council of Youth Anti-Drug), he provides drug prevention education and leadership development for youth.
YUMMEE TREATS (Awardee)
Yeng Yang, had a vision from a young age to start his own business with the dream of retiring his parents. With unwavering determination and hard work, Yeng transitioned from farming to founding Yummee Treats, a bakery dedicated to spreading happiness through its delicious cookies. Starting in a shared kitchen space, Yeng sold cookies from the trunk of his car and at local farmers markets, building a loyal following along the way.
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Yummee Treats skyrocketed to success. Yeng's chocolate chip cookie became a statewide sensation, earning accolades such as "Best Chocolate Chip Cookie in the State of Wisconsin" (Yelp) and "Tastiest Cookie in the State" (Love Food). His remarkable journey was also recognized on national television via Channel 27 News.
Yet, beyond the recognition and success, Yeng’s greatest motivation lies in his family. His father, Shoua Tong Yang, suffered a stroke, and Yeng is driven by the desire to provide a life where his mother can stay home to care for his father. Guided by values of integrity, love for his customers, and service to the community, Yeng continues to make a positive impact on those around him. His journey serves as an inspiring testament to how passion, perseverance, and heart can turn a dream into reality.
Emerging Small Business of the Year Finalists
This award recognizes an AAPI-owned small business that has demonstrated significant growth and success in the areas of economics, job creation and market demand. Must be an operational and profitable business for at least 2 years.
Pha Auto Body (Finalist)
Pha Auto Body has been in business serving the Dane County, WI area since August of 2020. With over 20 years of experience in the professional collision repair industry, owner Tony (Xaiv Pov) Pha along with his wife and co-owner, Pa Foua Thao, have built the business from the ground up, securing partnerships with well-known corporations such as East Madison Toyota, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Schoepp Motors, and Amazon. Pha Auto Body also provides free estimates for personal vehicles and works with all personal auto insurance claims.
Besides providing quality repairs, excellent customer service and guaranteeing customer satisfaction, Pha Auto Body gives back to their community through sponsorships and charitable donations, especially within the Hmong community. They’ve sponsored various events and organizations including the Madison Hmong New Year, 18 Clan Council of WI, Vang Council of WI, Lo Pha Society, Thao Family of Dane County, Miss Grand Hmong contestants, Miss Hmong WI contestants, Pha Association, Yang Family of Dane County, We Linedance & More, Xiong Council of WI, Thao United, and many more.
Pha Auto Body is excited to announce that they will be expanding to a newly renovated, 4000-square-foot shop located in Madison, WI. They hope to open the doors to their new location by the end of 2024.
Duke Tints (Awardee)
Duke Tints LLC is an automotive tint shop conveniently located on the bustling East Side of Madison, WI. With seven years of experience, Duke Yang opened this establishment in 2021 to provide quality automotive tinting using superior products to his local community.
Privately owned and operated, Duke delivers friendly, fast and professional service that includes a life time warrantee on any of the work he produces. He strives for exceptional customer satisfaction and enjoys building relationships (or friendships) with clients within his community and also those who have traveled long distances for his services.
Duke Tint LLC has sponsor local Dane county school event, celebrating AAPI month and back to school events. From sponsoring school events he’s also a proud sponsor of many other, ESYA flag football, Hmong dance Teams, surrounding community toys for tots and etc. Valuing his community along with the diversity it brings, Duke enjoys hosting free, fun and safe events for kids such as Easter, Back to School giveaways, Trunk-or Treat and the most recent an K-Pop event where community members of all ages were able to socialize, dance and have fun!
In 2023, Duke Tints LLC was recognized and awarded “Business of the Year” award through the Wisconsin Hmong Association and takes great pride in his professional and personal growth.
New Startup Business of the Year Finalist
This award recognizes an AAPI-owned new business startup that has demonstrated an upward trajectory towards sustainability and growth, while venturing into non-traditional business development industries. Must be an operational and profitable business for at least 1 year.
Paint Party B (Awardee)
Paint Party B is owned and operated by Boly Vang of Wausau, WI. Boly has a passion for fostering social connections, and she uses "fun art" as her platform to do so. Paint Party B events are carefully designed to offer a friendly, no-pressure social environment, where painters can explore their creativity, build connections, and create new memories. Boly currently partners with local businesses (such as bars, wineries, pizza parlors, and coffee shops) to host public paint parties that anyone can attend. She believes in the power of collaboration and community, which has benefited her greatly. Through these partnerships, Boly has been able to share resources, increase her brand awareness, enhance innovation, and more. Boly invites everyone to unleash their creative spirit, whether celebrating a special occasion, bonding with friends, or simply craving a night out.
The Moonlit Bakery (Finalist)
The Moonlit Bakery LLC was established in November 2022, with a newly opened storefront. Located at 1720 Merrill Ave, Wausau, WI 54401. We believe we are Wausau's first Boba/Milk Tea Cafe. Customers can customize their milk tea drinks, enjoy a sweet treat and enjoy our cozy cafe vibes.
The Bakery hopes to become a community place for people of all ages to enjoy themselves. The bakery hosts a monthly community day for customers of all ages. Recent community days we've had were cookie decorating and cake decorating. The bakery plans to host pop up vendors throughout the winter season to help other small businesses as well. Here at The Moonlit Bakery LLC we hope to be the helping hand of the community to help Wausau Grow!
Professional of the Year Award (40+)
This award recognizes an AAPI professional who has achieved significant milestones in their professional career, elevating the community with their accomplishments.
Christine Vang (Finalist)
Yer (Christine) Vang, 42, was born in Philadelphia, PA, and has lived in the Fox Valley area of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for nearly 40 years. A wife, mother of six, and grandmother of two, her path has been anything but conventional. Despite attending community college, she left to work in retail to support her young family.
At 30, after years in low-paying retail jobs, she decided to take a risk and rented a small bar with a kitchen to start her own business. Using her income tax refund to fund her idea, Christine’s Pho Bar was born. Eleven years later, she now operates two locations, one in Oshkosh and one in Wausau, thanks to the support of loyal patrons.
Christine’s Pho Bar has become a place for community connection and support, contributing to college scholarships, sports sponsorships, and aiding underserved communities. Her story is a testament to perseverance, proving that age or circumstances should never be barriers to success.
Lor Vang (Awardee)
Lor Vang is a Milwaukee native and a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. After a successful 10-year career as an engineer, Lor transitioned to an entrepreneurial career as a full-time real estate agent, applying his analytical skills and problem-solving expertise to the real estate industry. He specializes in working with first-time home buyers and real estate investors.
Lor is passionate about helping first-time home buyers overcome financial barriers by guiding them to down payment assistance and grant programs, accelerating their path to achieving the American dream of homeownership. His other passion is helping clients achieve financial freedom through real estate investing. Whether teaching new investors or helping seasoned clients optimize their capital to scale their portfolios, Lor provides tailored solutions to meet their goals.
In 2023, Lor reached his personal goal of becoming a top-producing agent, earning eXp Realty's prestigious ICON Status by selling over 40 homes in a challenging down market where interest rates were at recent highs. Having accomplished this, his next challenge is to mentor and develop other agents to achieve the same level of success. Currently, Lor leads an organization of 14 agent partners across 5 cities in Wisconsin and 4 states nationwide, with plans for continued growth.
In addition to his real estate achievements, Lor is the founding and current President of the Greater Milwaukee Chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA). In this role, he leads efforts to increase homeownership within Wisconsin's AANHPI communities. AREAA is the largest Asian American non-profit trade organization in the U.S., with over 18,000 members. Each year, Lor participates in the Diversity and Fair Housing Summit in Washington, D.C., advocating for housing issues that impact the AANHPI community.
Professional of the Year Award (39 & under)
This award recognizes an AAPI professional who is an emerging leader who showcases their passion and drive to move the community forward through their innovative community projects and efforts.
Christina Thor (Awardee)
Christina Thor is a passionate advocate, mother, and proud daughter of refugees, embodying the resilience and tenacity of a first-generation Hmong American. With a deeply-rooted commitment to advancing social justice, Christina's mission is to empower marginalized communities and cultivate leadership through a robust lens of gender and racial equity.
Born into the sandwich generation, Christina draws strength from honoring her ancestors and acknowledging her parents' sacrifices. This deep sense of responsibility fuels her desire to create a better world for future generations. She fervently believes that those most impacted by societal issues are essential in crafting the solutions. Her lifelong dedication to building community is reflected in her tireless efforts in grassroots organizing, civic engagement, and nonprofit administration. Christina has successfully led electoral and issue-based campaigns that uplift voices often silenced, demonstrating her unwavering belief in the power of collective action.
Currently, she is the Wisconsin Executive State Director for 9to5-the National Association for Working Women; chair of the Wisconsin Care Coalition, a statewide collective that works to advance family and care-centered policy changes; and an active member of Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Needed working to achieve affordable child care throughout the state. In June 2024, Madison365 named Christina Thor as one of the Wisconsin's Most Influential Asian American leaders for 2024. Her previous roles include serving as a board member of the Hmong American Partnership and Colorbold Business Association, as well as engaging with the statewide Dignity at Work Coalition, Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of Wisconsin, ESTHER Immigration Task Force and the National Association of Social Workers-Wisconsin Legislative and Social Policy Committee.
Sushi Lor (Finalist)
DJ Sushi Lor is an established DJ who has been djing for over 13 years. She has taken music by storm as one of the most versatile DJs where she mixes a variety of music — from Hip Hop, top 40’s, Latin, house and EDM to southeast Asian music. Sushi has performed at some of the largest music festivals in the nation, including Pridefest, Summerfest, and guest DJ at SabaideeFest. She has also played at some of the most well-known venues in the Midwest, such as House of Blues in Chicago, Pabst Theater and The Riverside Theater.
Sushi became the first Asian DJ on the Milwaukee Bucks DJ team in the 2019-2020 season. Sushi releases mixes regularly on SiriusXM Shade 45 (Hip-Hop channel created by Eminem) and LITT Live Radio, one of the biggest digital radio broadcasting platforms in the world. Sushi was voted by fans as one of the top 5 best Djs in Milwaukee on Shepherd Express newspaper of 2023 and was featured on Channel TMJ4 News in May of 2024 as a highlight during Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. She also dj-ed for Harley Davidson's homecoming this summer and has been actively traveling across the country for her gigs, including cities such as Saint Paul, Las Vegas, Miami, and Los Angeles.
Sushi teaches one-on-one dj classes, both virtual and in-person. She is using her influencer platform to collaborate with Nyob Zoo Milwaukee TV, sponsored by the Democratic Party, to educate the Hmong community on the importance of partaking in this year's presidential election. She is also djing for Wisconsin Voices Non-Profit Organization to raise awareness of voting. Sushi has a Master's degree in Educational Leadership where she has held several leadership roles and uses her educational background as an outreach to work with students and school leaders, along with djing for schools such as Hmong American Peace Academy, Alverno College and more.
DJ Sushi has a big and loyal following for her wide music selection and the energy that she brings to every performance. Sushi is committed to continue embedding Asian music in her song rotation and production to create an inclusive entertainment environment and promote language for the younger generation.