The Immigrant Magazine President Pamela Asobo Anchang Honored with the Community Partner Award
Magazine, The Immigrant Experience, Making Money
The South Asian Biz Award Nationwide (SABAN) 2025 convened business leaders, entrepreneurs, community advocates, and corporate partners for an evening that highlighted economic impact, collaboration, and service across Southern California and beyond. Held on January 30, 2026, at the Sheraton Hotel in Cerritos, the annual gala brought together a diverse cross-section of professionals committed to strengthening communities through business leadership, cultural representation, and civic engagement.
The evening opened with a networking reception and red-carpet welcome, setting the tone for a night centered on recognition and connection. Attendees represented a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, technology, law, real estate, nonprofit services, media, and public agencies. Throughout the night, conversations reflected shared priorities around entrepreneurship, access to opportunity, and long-term community investment.
A Program Rooted in Purpose
SABAN 2025 featured a carefully structured program that balanced formal recognition with opportunities for relationship-building. Following the gala dinner, award presentations honored leaders whose work spans business excellence and community service. The evening concluded with a VIP lounge and networking session, allowing participants to continue conversations and explore potential collaborations.
The event was organized under the leadership of Ranjit Siva, Chairperson of SABAN, and Mohammed Islam, Executive Director, alongside a dedicated committee that included Parimal Shah, Yogi Patel, Anita Ahmed, Smita Vasant, Tarik Babu, Nenita Miyata, LaQiya Islam, and Varshini M. Their collective efforts ensured a well-executed gathering that reflected SABAN’s mission to uplift businesses while fostering cross-sector partnerships.
The success of the evening was made possible by the combined efforts of organizers, partners, supporters, volunteers, and attendees whose contributions—both visible and behind the scenes—helped bring the event to life. Their shared commitment underscored the collaborative spirit at the heart of SABAN’s work.
Community Partner Award Recognition
Among the honorees of the evening was Pamela Asobo Anchang, president of The Immigrant Magazine, who received the Community Partner Award. The recognition acknowledged her leadership in advancing community-centered storytelling, supporting immigrant-focused initiatives, and building bridges between businesses, nonprofit organizations, and underrepresented communities.
The Community Partner Award recognizes leaders and organizations whose work strengthens business ecosystems by fostering collaboration, amplifying underrepresented voices, and supporting long-term community engagement. By highlighting this category, SABAN underscored the role of partnership and service as essential components of sustainable economic growth.
Recognizing Community Partners and Cultural Contributors
SABAN 2025 also honored fellow community partners whose work supports media representation, veteran advocacy, and cultural storytelling. Among them was Mo Jones of MO Jones Productions, recognized for his contributions to community-based media and storytelling, and Joseph Molina, president of the National Veterans Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged for his leadership in supporting veteran-owned businesses and advocacy efforts nationwide.
The evening also reflected SABAN’s commitment to cultural inclusion through the presence of Virgelia Villegas, president of Virgelia Productions, whose organization produces pageants celebrating Asian, Latina, and European women. Villegas attended the event accompanied by pageant queens, whose presence added elegance, cultural diversity, and a global sensibility to the evening. Their participation highlighted the role of arts, culture, and representation in shaping inclusive community spaces.
The program was guided by emcee Shazia Hoq, whose poise and professionalism anchored the evening’s flow. Musical performances were provided by Amrithavarshini Muralikrishnan, known as The Musical Doc, whose vocal performance brought a moving artistic dimension to the program and enhanced the celebratory atmosphere.
Honoring Leadership Across Sectors
In addition to community partnership and cultural contribution, SABAN 2025 recognized leaders across entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, legal advocacy, healthcare, finance, technology, and nonprofit service. Award recipients reflected a shared commitment to innovation, mentorship, and service—demonstrating how professional achievement and community responsibility can advance together.
Throughout the evening, honorees’ work illustrated the many ways leadership manifests, from job creation and business development to advocacy, mentorship, and civic engagement. Collectively, these recognitions highlighted the interconnected nature of business success and community well-being.
A Platform for Connection and Collaboration
Beyond the formal program, SABAN 2025 served as a space for dialogue and relationship-building. Attendees engaged in conversations about emerging markets, workforce development, access to capital, and the role of cross-community partnerships in navigating economic change. The welcoming atmosphere—supported by thoughtfully prepared cuisine and a well-designed venue—encouraged meaningful interaction across industries and backgrounds.
The presence of public agencies, corporate leaders, nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, and media outlets reflected SABAN’s role as a convener. By bringing these stakeholders together in one space, the organization continues to strengthen networks that extend well beyond a single evening.
Looking Ahead
As an annual gathering, SABAN has established itself as a platform that recognizes excellence while fostering collaboration and shared purpose. The 2025 awards reinforced SABAN’s mission to elevate business leadership grounded in service, partnership, and community impact.
As SABAN continues to expand its reach, the 2025 gala stands as a testament to the organization’s role in convening leaders who understand that lasting economic progress is built through connection, inclusion, and collective effort.
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