Special Guests
Master of Ceremonies: Issac Kou Lee
Isaac Lee is the owner of L. Jay, Inc., a contract manufacturing business in Wausau, Wisconsin. His family was one of the first Hmong groups of families that settled in Marathon County in 1981. Isaac grew up in the Wausau and Weston Area and attended the local parochial schools. He attended the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and graduated with a bachelor of finance degree in 2001. He is passionate about assisting minority businesses and helping them thrive in this capitalist society. He consults business start-ups and a big advocate of entrepreneurship and self-development. Isaac serves as a host for many charitable events and speaks throughout the year at the biggest Hmong festivals in Wisconsin.
Keynote Speaker: Natalie Yang
Natalie Yang is a dynamic leader and the Owner/Operator of two thriving Chick-fil-A restaurants located in Dumfries, Virginia. With a dedicated team of 180 team members under her guidance, Natalie oversees operations that impact thousands of lives daily, both within her restaurants and her community. She also partners with the Leadership Academy to bring leadership classes to high schools in her area, developing future leaders in her community. Apart from coaching, training, and mentoring entrepreneurs in the United States, she also serves alongside the Chick-fil-A nonprofit organization called "LIFESHAPE," where she trains and coaches businesses globally on the Leadership SERVE Model.
Her journey in the culinary world began after a diverse career path, including roles at Blue Cross of Rhode Island and United Healthcare of Georgia as information system analyst, as well as experiences in sushi bars and a Thai restaurant in Georgia. However, it was her transition to Chick-fil-A that truly showcased her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership prowess.
In recognition of her outstanding performance, Natalie was awarded the esteem "Rookie of the Year for the Northeast region" in 2011, a prestigious honor reserved for the top first-year Owner/Operators nationwide. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and service has earned her a place on the Washington, DC Chick-fil-A advisory board, where she advocates for innovative ideas and fosters collaboration between Chick-fil-A Corp and its operators.
Natalie's story is one of resilience and determination. Born in Laos, she migrated to the United States as a refugee during the Vietnam War in 1978. Raised among nine siblings, she learned the value of hard work and perseverance from an early age. Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of her husband Roger to cancer in July 2017, Natalie remained steadfast in her commitment to her family and her business. As a single mother of four children and a grandmother to four grandchildren, she continues to inspire those around her with her unwavering strength and compassion.
Beyond her roles as a business owner, Natalie is a sought-after speaker on leadership development, personal growth, and business acumen. She generously shares her knowledge and experiences, serving as a mentor to Asian businesses in various industries, including real estate, bakeries, and restaurants. With 14 years of experience as a Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator, Natalie embodies the values of excellence, service, and community. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, and her impact extends far beyond the walls of her restaurants, leaving a lasting legacy of inspiration and empowerment.