HOUSTON, October 15, 2024 — Asia Society Texas presented its annual Roy M. Huffington Award to Donna Fujimoto Cole at a dinner hosted at the River Oaks Country Club on October 9. Anne-Laure and Steve Stephens, and Nancy J. Li and Dr. Soner Tarim served as Event Chairs. The Friedkin Group and Gulf States Toyota, Kathy and Glen (1948-2024) Gondo, Dr. Mikki Hebl and David Harvey, Zentaro Naganuma, Consul General of Japan, Yashuiko and Akemi Saitoh, and Stephanie and Frank Tsuru served as honorary chairs for the evening. 

Donna was honored for her longstanding commitment to advocating for civil rights, empowering women, promoting environmental awareness, and uplifting the Asian American community in Houston. She is the founder and CEO of Cole Chemical and has had an extensive business career while also serving as an active and prominent leader within the Houston community and beyond. Having served on the boards of dozens of companies and community, municipal, and nonprofit organizations, Donna has also received numerous awards, including the Imperial Order of the Rising Sun bestowed by the Japanese government for her work promoting understanding between the United States and Japan.

Asia Society Texas also introduced the Game Changer Awards during the event to recognize and celebrate trailblazing individuals, institutions, and corporations for their significant impacts on the Houston community. The Game Changer Awards were presented in three categories — Community Partner, Corporate Citizenship and Innovator — in this inaugural year as a testament to AST’s commitment of fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. The Chao Center for Asian Studies - Rice University was honored with the Community Partner Award for its incredible outreach to Asian and Asian American communities. H-E-B was recognized with the Corporate Citizenship Award for its work advancing education, fostering equity and inclusion, and improving the quality of life for millions of Texans. Finally, Houston Methodist’s Dr. Khurram Nasir was acknowledged as the Innovator Game Changer for his groundbreaking research on preventive cardiology and his leadership in data science to improve health outcomes.

The inaugural Y. Ping Sun Award for Educators was also given to local educators for their work in promoting global education and building bridges of understanding. The award recipients were Hsiu Lien Lily Chiang of Alief ISD; Gara Johnson-West of St. John's School; Vehishta Kaikobad of Glassell School of Art; Jeevan Moses of YES Prep Public Schools; Hsiao-chuan Teng of Spring Branch ISD; and Shoulong Zhou of Post Oak School.

Following dinner, Donna was joined in conversation by Mustafa Tameez, founder and CEO of Outreach Strategists, for a thoughtful fireside discussion that explored Donna’s journey as a Japanese American woman, entrepreneur and leader. The conversation touched on the importance of building community, encouraging philanthropy, and promoting environmental awareness. Donna also shared advice to young people on how to lead a purposeful life and reflected on the challenges that many young Asian American women face when starting a business. Highlighting the importance of community and family support, Donna emphasized the importance of collaboration and relationships, and advised students to develop their strengths and cooperate with others to overcome their weaknesses. Donna then concluded the evening by talking about the importance of leaving behind a meaningful legacy.

Donna was celebrated and honored by over 350 people including her family, friends, and members of the Houston community. Luminaries in the audience included Nancy Allen*, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen*, Sushila* and Durga Agrawal, Tripp Carter*, Theresa* and Peter Chang, Anne and Albert Chao*, Lily and Charles Foster*, Kathy Gondo, Farhina and Mohsin Imtiaz*, Renu and Suresh Khator, Sabria and Kevin Lewis*, Sultana and Moez Mangalji*, Janet Matsushita*, Sue and Randy Sim*, Y. Ping Sun*, Selma and Mustafa Tameez*, Janae* and Kenny Tsai, Ling and George Yang*, as well as representatives from the diplomatic corps. 

* Designates an Asia Society Texas board member

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About the Huffington Award

The Roy M. Huffington Award for Contributions to International Understanding is named after its first recipient, Roy M. Huffington, Texas oilman, philanthropist, and co-founder of Asia Society Texas. Celebrating outstanding contributions to international diplomacy and cultural, social, or economic understanding, the award is the highest honor given by Asia Society Texas. Past award recipients include President George H. W. Bush, former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, and Princess Zahra Aga Khan.

Previous Awardees:

2024 | Donna Fujimoto Cole with Game Changer Awardees The Chao Center for Asian Studies, H-E-B, and Dr. Khurram Nasir
2023 | Ambassador Gary Locke
2022 | Indra Nooyi
2021 | Dr. Robert M. Gates
2020 | Charles C. Foster
2019 | Princess Zahra Aga Khan
2018 | Marie and Vijay Goradia
2017 | Congressman Kevin Brady
2016 | Gerald D. Hines
2015 | David W. Leebron
2014 | Rex W. Tillerson
2013 | Ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr.

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.